City to Host International Youth Tournament

Words: ACFC Media

Tuesday 15 October 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC is delighted to announce that it will host the 2025 Auckland International Youth Football Invitational Tournament, taking place from the 18th to 20th January 2025.

This inaugural event will welcome some of the most talented under-12 football teams from across the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of promoting youth development and fostering international cultural exchange through the sport.

The tournament will be held at Kings School and Auckland City FC grounds in Auckland, providing top-class facilities for young players to display their abilities. Organised by the Auckland International Cup Organising Committee, the event will feature between six and eight teams, including youth squads from China, Korea, Australia, and Japan, alongside local teams from New Zealand. Among the notable participants are China's Shanghai Shenhua and a Korean team affiliated with football legend Park Ji-Sung, adding further prestige to the competition.

The format of the tournament will be eight-a-side matches, with each game lasting 40 minutes (20 minutes per half). Teams may register up to 15 players, with unlimited substitutions allowed, ensuring that every young athlete has the opportunity to participate fully.

This exciting event will not only showcase competitive football but also promote long-lasting friendships, international goodwill, and the continued development of youth football in the region.

Key Information:

Event Dates: 18th-20th January 2025
Venue: Kings School & Auckland City FC grounds, Auckland
Participating Teams: Youth squads from New Zealand, China, Korea, Australia, and Japan
Eligibility: Players born on or after January 2013, with up to five players born in 2012 and up to two over-aged players allowed on the field at any one time.
Registration Deadline: 28th October 2024
Entry Fee: NZD 500 per team
In addition to the on-field action, the tournament will feature social events such as an Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner on the 18th January, giving players and teams the chance to come together and celebrate the occasion.

Auckland City FC is proud to be part of this initiative and remains committed to the growth of youth football in New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The club extends its thanks to all participating teams and partners for their support in making the 2025 Auckland International Youth Football Invitational Tournament a resounding success.

Contact Details

For further information or to register your team, please contact:

New Zealand: Andy Zhang, info.aifc@mail.com
China: Chen Dong, 13941168578@sina.cn

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