Fifa U20 mascot Wooliam. Photo / Michael Cunningham
The U-20 Football World Cup hits New Zealand next week, says Sarah Ell.
The Fifa U-20 World Cup, the second most important men's event in the International Football Federation's calendar after the senior World Cup, kicks off around the country for three weeks from next weekend. North Harbour Stadium, hosts the opening and closing, as well as four pool matches, a quarter and semifinal and the bronze medal playoff. Fans can also catch games in Whangarei and Hamilton.
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Brett O'Riley, chief executive of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed) says the tournament is a chance to see some of the future stars of the soccer world in action, close up. Many of football's past and present superstars, such as the legendary Diego Maradona, Argentinean Lionel Messi and the Brazilian Ronaldinho played in past tournaments. And, once again Auckland turns on the party atmosphere following its successful hosting of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and this year's Cricket World Cup.
"Having players and supporters from around the world in Auckland for the tournament creates a buzz all Aucklanders can appreciate," O'Riley says.
Though New Zealand is not traditionally a nation of soccer enthusiasts - unless we are punching above our weight at a major tournament, as happened with the 2010 World Cup - O'Riley says he is confident Aucklanders will get behind the event.
"Sport is in our DNA, and we've demonstrated time and time again how engaged Aucklanders are around our major events programme."
All Auckland games are at North Harbour, but the centre of fan activity is at the aptly named Fever Pitch, a free fan-zone space on Queens Wharf and Queen Elizabeth Square.
A giant inflatable soccer ball marks the entry to Queens Wharf. The "Fifa Cube" experience includes an interactive soccer-skills station, a tournament information "locker room", football skills demonstrations and a chance for fans to have their faces painted in team colours. There will also be an inflatable kick wall and goal-shoot skill stations. Alongside is a mini-soccer pitch which will host business house, celebrity and club games. At night it will be illuminated with neon and black light, creating a glowing space on the waterfront.
"This is one of the most exciting parts of the programme for Fever Pitch," says O'Riley. "We have invited the whole football and futsal [five-a-side football] family in Auckland to come down and bring the Fever Pitch mini-field to life with games throughout the duration of the Fifa U-20 World Cup programme. We have been thrilled with the take-up, and have a full programme of matches and football activity on the field, including an ethnic communities tournament running on the weekends."
Young fans can run into the city after school on Tuesday for the New Zealand Fifa U-20 squad welcome, including powhiri and signing session (Aotea Square, May 26, 4-6pm).
O'Riley says increasing ethnic participation in mainstream football is an important goal for Auckland in hosting the tournament, and the mini-pitch will bring Auckland teams from many migrant communities into the central city to showcase their skills, passion and love of the game. Fever Pitch will also host seven community days during the tournament.
"We know how passionate the Asian, European, African and South American football fans are about the sport and their team, and the community days have been created to celebrate everything that is great about our multi-cultural city, through food, football and entertainment," says O'Riley.
However, unlike the recent Cricket World Cup, match coverage won't be played at the fan-zone. "Instead, we're encouraging Aucklanders to go to the games at North Harbour Stadium," O'Riley says. "There'll never be another time like this to see some of the superstars of world football in our own backyard.
"Game tickets are well-priced [from $19 for adults and $10 for children], and anyone who buys a ticket can take advantage of special-event public transport to all matches in Auckland."
Hamilton and Whangarei are also hosting Fifa U-20 games, with Fever Pitch fan zones in each city. In Whangarei, things kick off with a long brunch in Cameron Street Mall cooked by local contestants from My Kitchen Rules.
The chefs will have their work cut out showcasing the cuisines of the countries playing in Whangarei: Myanmar, Uzbekistan, US, Fiji and Ukraine, plus there are Brazilian dancers, street performers and drummers.
Whangarei District Council economic development manager Pete Gleeson says the city wanted to celebrate the event. "Getting the games here is one component and making sure our residents and visitors have an awesome experience is another," he said.
"The theme we've come up with for the city is 'The Party Never Stops', so we are organising a party in town and then people with match tickets can follow the 'Purple Line' up to the Northland Events Centre for the 4pm kick-off."
In Hamilton, locals and visitors can already try their hand - or foot - at five-a-side futsal on an open-air court in Garden Place managed by Brayden Lissington, a member of the Futsal Whites. The New Zealand representative team will face off against local sides (tomorrow, 10.30am-2pm) and regional junior representatives will show their skills on the court on Hamilton match days. Those keen to try the game can also book the court.
On a less physical level, football's history in the region will be explored in The Beautiful Game: The wonderful world of football exhibition at Waikato Museum. Visitors can test their skills and see the Fifa U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 trophy. Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham says the exhibition explores football's heritage and provides an authentic football experience for visitors.
"Taking sport into the gallery space doesn't mean there will be no action. As well as hosting the trophy, we will have foosball and a one-on-one soccer court where visitors can practise their skills and learn some history at the same time."
FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, May 30 - June 20.
Fever Pitch Auckland: Queens Wharf and Queen Elizabeth Square, opens Queen's Birthday Weekend, 10am-5pm; Monday-Fridays from 11am; weekends from 10am. Until June 20. Community days: June 1, Fiji; June 2, USA; June 7, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal; June 12, Qatar, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Korea; June 13, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay; June 14, Mexico, Panama, Honduras; June 19, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Ukraine, Serbia, Hungary.
Fever Pitch Whangarei: Cameron Street Mall. Long Brunch, Saturday May 30.
Fever Pitch Hamilton: Garden Place. For information and bookings, on futsal court, email futsal@waibop.co.nz.
The Beautiful Game: The wonderful world of football, Waikato Museum, until July, 26, 10am-4.30pm. Free.
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