News of Norway, July 28, 2003
1,444 teams. 40 nations. 3,500 matches. 260 referees. 560 national and international media representatives. 1,200 volunteers. Norway Cup International Football Tournament for Youths is the largest of its kind in the world, and this year’s version - the 31st consecutive - is bigger than ever.
Record high attendance
The U.S. is represented by eight teams, and the next five days will show if Broomfield Blast, Carmel, J-T Rush, Mc Lean’s, Tabagators, The Sting, or West Desmoine have what it takes to bring the trophy back to the U.S.
"We have 1,444 teams in the match program, which is an all time new record. We are extremely glad for this great attendance to Norway Cup, says Secretary General Frode Kyvåg.
He admits that after last year’s 30th anniversary, highlighted by a visit from Manchester United’s soccer heroes, and with a global situation that remains somewhat tense, Norway Cup was expecting a lower number of participants this year.
"This tournament is so much more than just soccer. The numbers confirm that Norway Cup has placed itself on top of the list, as the world’s largest and greatest soccer tournament," says Frode Kyvåg.
Soccer from early morning to late night
Norway Cup is open to all clubs who are affiliated with international soccer association FIFA through their national football associations.
Accommodation is provided in local schools. This year, 10,000 players age 10 to 19 are lodged in schools around Oslo, making Norway’s capital one big soccer camp.
In spite of a very rainy weekend, players, leaders and supporters gathered Sunday night at the fields of Ekeberg for a parade and a grand opening show, marking the official opening of Norway Cup 2003. Dressed in club colors and equipped with flags, banners and mascots, teams from all over the world took the opportunity to show off their team spirit and their passion for soccer.
Norway Cup means soccer from early morning to late night, with matches being played each day from 8 am to 8.30 pm. And the ultimate reward? Playing finals on Norway’s Ullevål Stadium, with the promise of shining medals, bright trophies and at least 15 minutes of soccer fame.