Football: U-20 World Cup festivities kick off

The U20 New Zealand team, at the official welcome held at Aotea Square, Auckland, before the U20 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Saturday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Festivities for the Fifa U-20 World Cup have well and truly kicked off in Auckland this afternoon, with the official welcoming of the Junior All Whites at Aotea Square.

The New Zealand U-20 players arrived just after 5pm and, along with coaches and officials from Fifa and New Zealand Football, were greeted by representatives of Ngati Whatua.

Despite short periods of rain, eager members of the public joined teams from the Western Springs Football Club and the Auckland Girls Grammar 1st XI football team to take part in interactive football activities set up in the Square.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown was also at the event and delivered a short speech welcoming the New Zealand players and coaches, visiting football dignitaries, and all those in attendance.

He encouraged the crowd to give the players a big round of applause, and they cheered the young Kiwi side obligingly.

Mr Brown said the Fifa tournament was "huge for the nation" and wished the players luck.

"Give it heaps," he said.

Mr Brown then led his own waiata, backed up by those on stage.

MC Stephen McIvor, who had been building excitement in the crowd since 4.30pm, then interviewed Junior All Whites captain Bill Tuiloma and coach Darren Bazeley.

The New Zealand players ended the formal part of the welcome by lining up to hongi members of Ngati Whatua.

Riley Hancock was at the event with his brother and parents and said he was very excited for the upcoming World Cup games.

The 7-year-old was a member of Eastern Suburbs Football Club and said he was looking forward to seeing players from all around the world, "because they will be rising stars".

He and his family would be going to every game at North Harbour Stadium.

The Junior All Whites then took part in a signing session, with youngsters of all ages lining up to get their autographs.

Meanwhile, musician Josh Leys entertained those still gathered around the stage.

A "keepy-uppy" tournament took place earlier in the afternoon while people waited for the players to arrive, with a lucky few catching World Cup footballs as they were kicked out into the crowd.