Good luck Graeson - at World Finals
When the best freestyle footballers from 60 countries converge on the spectacular port city of Cape Town for the World Final of Red Bull Street Style on 28 April 2010, spectators can prepare themselves for more than just gob smacking head-to-head battles between the most skilled freestyle tricksters from across the planet.
The Mother City, as Cape Town is fondly known, is a tourist destination synonymous with battles of a very different kind, battles requiring careful planning and preparation, stamina and innovation for those adventurous visitors venturing out to the southern tip of Africa.
With the majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop 60 freestyle footballers compete over two qualifying rounds to try and make it to the final group of 16. In a round of 3 minutes, two players each get 20 seconds to impress the judges – amongst them former Juventus, AC Milan and Barcelona star Edgar Davids ¬– before passing the ball back to the opponent.
New Zealand’s very own Graeson Cooper will be amongst the competitors when World Finals kick-off. Graeson, a former Avondale College student, is the reigning New Zealand & Australian freestyle champion. He has been preparing for this competition by training full-time in Australia for the past three months and is currently back in Auckland for ten days on a media promotion tour that has been co-ordinated by Red Bull. He will be appearing on TV3 news, TV1’s “Close Up”, George FM and in various print media to promote the competition.
Auckland City FC has sponsored Graeson this season and he will proudly wear our colours when he competes at the World Finals.
It is fitting that the Red Bull Street Style competition takes place in the shadow of iconic Table Mountain, guarding over the city like a stony-faced sentry. Day after day this flat-topped tourist magnet attracts hikers, mountaineers, rock climbers and abseiling enthusiasts battling the steep trails and challenging cliffs across its face. Much the same as the skill that is required in freestyle football, you’ll need determination to hike your way to the top, but reaching the summit is utterly rewarding – an unspoiled view of Cape Town and its surrounds leaves one with lasting memories.
In keeping with the theme of freestyle football and it’s worldwide appeal, some of the best ballers from around the world will get the opportunity to not only compete in the Mother City but also to be part of the history of freestyle football as the scene grows and grows.
Iconic ballers in iconic locations such as Robben Island is what can be expected from the event, a highlight in South Africa’s April events calendar.
Just like the freestylers in the World Final competition you’ll have to have your wits about you when travelling through the intricate city streets, for example, Cape Town’s famous Long Street in the city centre. This hub of cosmopolitan activity is a stone’s throw away from the Grand Parade, the setting for the battles.
To round it all off the Cape Peninsula has seen many a battle. Chapmans Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, where visitors will encounter deep, isolated valleys and sheer cliffs dropping down to the Atlantic Ocean, sees 26 000 athletes battle this tough but awesome 9km stretch with its 114 curves as part of the world renowned Two Oceans Marathon.
With these iconic backdrops and battling grounds, Cape Town is ready to host the Red Bull Street Style World Finals. Here’s hoping our very own Graeson Cooper can claim the world title. On behalf of everyone at Auckland City FC, all the very best Graeson!
Schedule Red Bull Street Style World Final Cape Town 2010:
Saturday, 24 April 2010: Arrival of Athletes
Sunday, 25 April 2010: Practice Day
Monday, 26 April 2010: Qualifier Day 1 – Group Battles
Tuesday, 27 April 2010: Qualifier Day 2 – Group Battles
Wednesday, 28 April 2010: World Final – Top 16
Close Up (TV1) - VIDEO
Sports Topnight (TV3) - VIDEO
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