Ku-Ring-Gai U/12s Take on the World in Brazil
Held in the world?s most passionate football nation, Brazil, the tournament boasts 560 players across 40 different countries from every continent for the 40 team event.
For three days, the best youngsters from across the world will play short nine-a-side matches on a three quarter sized field in the hope to reach the final – watched by over 35,000 spectators and 250 journalists in 2007 when South Africa took out the title.
The tournament?s official ambassador Zinedine Zidane will be in Sao Paulo, Brazil, promoting the official motto of the competition: Believe in Your Dreams. This will be the first time the Danone Cup moves away from France as it celebrates its 10th year in existence.
Invited by special request, Ku-Ring-Gai will be the first team to represent Australia and will be led by Coach Lloyd Robson and team manager, Geoff Hancock on their eight day adventure.
With the State Titles clashing with the Danone Cup, the team felt it would be a little more exciting travelling to Sao Paulo instead of Mudgee this year.
?This is an excellent opportunity for the boys to travel and sign off what has been a very successful season,? said Lloyd.
?They are such a close team and with each taking their own path for next season, this will be a nice way for them to say goodbye.
?They [players] are over the moon and so is the club to be part of such a huge tournament.
?I am sure they will learn so much and personally I can also from seeing how other coaches approach the game? he added.
The U/12s are coming of a much deserved minor premiership victory, securing first place this past weekend with a game to spare. They finished with an amazing 50 goal differential, found the back of the net 70 times and recorded only one loss in 21 matches. As they prepare for the major semi finals and a possible September 13 grand final, Lloyd is set that their domestic duties are their number one priority.
?The players know that our main objective this year is to win the grand final,? said Lloyd.
?We will have 3 weeks to prepare for the Danone Cup after the grand final, so for now that is all that is on our minds.?
The team is currently looking for outside sponsorship to help fund the trip. For further information on how you can help please contact Lloyd Robinson on 0414 014 357.
-By Caetano Lima
