Danone Nations Cup is the world’s largest youth soccer tournament for 10 to 12-year-olds
As American youth soccer becomes more respected around the globe, more countries are interested in exploring our great country — and bringing a tournament to our shores. The annual Danone Nations Cup World Final is coming to the USA for the first time this September and will hold their event in the New Jersey’s Red Bull Arena. This youth tournament starts with 2.5 million youth players from more than 34,000 schools and 11,000 clubs from 33 countries playing on local, regional and then national levels to finally make it to this event.
RELATED COVERAGE: DANONE NATIONS CUP YOUTH SOCCER FINAL IN USA
SoccerToday spoke with Michael Neuwirth, Senior Director, External Communication for Dannon Wave about the origins and goals of the Danone Nations Cup.
Youth Soccer News: Danone is bringing together youth soccer teams from 33 countries — all competing in this year’s Danone Nations Cup World Final kicking off this September 2017 in the USA.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why is a yogurt company holding a youth soccer tournament? What is the history of this tournament?
Michael Neuwirth: Each year the Danone Nations Cup brings together millions of children aged 10 to 12 from around the globe to compete in the world’s largest youth soccer tournament for this age range.
Started in 2000, this tournament marks its 18th anniversary. It’s an amazing milestone.
As a global company, Danone aims to be a brand that inspires kids around the world to pursue their dreams.
Enabling millions of children to dream about the chance to play in this tournament since the year 2000 is something we feel privileged to do.
We know that the kids who get the chance to play in this tournament will remember the experiences they have for years to come – from the values taught through the sport of soccer to the traveling around the world to experience new and different cultures.
Diane Scavuzzo: Soccer helps unite our world — and gives many youth soccer players the chance to travel …
Michael Neuwirth: Yes, many Danone Nations Cup tournament players leave their hometowns for the first time to play in the World Final! Others have gone on to play in professional leagues around the world.
Diane Scavuzzo: The youth soccer tournament is coming to the USA for the first time this year — where is it being held?
Michael Neuwirth: Making the competition U.S. debut, the 2017 tournament will host nearly 500 young players at New Jersey’s Red Bull Arena, home to Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, giving fans in and around the tri-state area the chance to attend, watch and cheer on their favorite countries.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why did Danone decide to bring the event to the USA this year?
Michael Neuwirth: The Danone Nations Cup World Final was in hosted in France until 2009. Since then, it has expanded to countries like South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, and Germany to give the players a chance to play at different professional stadiums around the world, and experience new and different cultures.
This year, we wanted to bring the tournament to North America — With the diverse array of cultures and customs in the USA, we felt it was a perfect home for this year’s tournament!
Diane Scavuzzo: How has the tournament grown since its inception? Has there been an upswing in team applications over the years?
Michael Neuwirth: The Danone Nation Cup over the years has established itself as a highly-respected event with FIFA endorsement.
2.5 million youth players from 34,000+ schools and 11,000+ clubs in 33 countries
This year there are 2.5 million youth players from more than 34,000 schools and 11,000 clubs from 33 countries that take part in local, regional and then national Danone Nations Cup competitions, all vying for the one boy’s team and one girl’s team champion title.
Another exciting first is that we will be hosting an inaugural girl’s tournament, giving female players aged 10-12 from around the world the opportunity to play against other internationally recognized teams.
The formation of the girls division allows more players to participate in a global competition and learn about new cultures in their tournament travels.
Diane Scavuzzo: How does Danone feel about youth soccer in America?
Michael Neuwirth: It’s amazing to see how many U.S. kids are passionate about playing the sport and are establishing healthy habits and lifestyles as a result.
Recently, this year’s Danone Nations Cup U.S. Ambassador, Abby Wambach, surprised a boys and girls youth soccer team in Weston, Florida who advanced to the 2017 Danone Nations Cup.
Abby Wambach is a former American soccer player. She played for the US women’s national soccer team from 2003 to 2015 and won two Olympic gold medals and also two FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Their excitement and enthusiasm for the game was palpable! They were very eager to get tips from a pro like Abby. We can’t wait to see how they perform in the World Final come September 24th.
Diane Scavuzzo: How are you working with youth organizations in the New York and Jersey areas?
Michael Neuwirth: The most important goal of the tournament is to inspire the dreams of millions of children, spread positive sports and cultural values and promote healthy futures by encouraging families to come out and cheer on the competing teams.
We are excited to offer free tickets.
We are excited to be able to work with youth soccer clubs, youth organizations, non-profits and community organizations by offering free tickets.
By doing this we can create an incredible experience, sharing the Danone Nations Cup spirit and values with thousands of local kids and their families.
RELATED COVERAGE: DANONE NATIONS CUP YOUTH SOCCER FINAL IN USA
