18th July 2022

July 18th - games begin as kids and staff ready for the Gothia Cup, the Worlds Youth World Cup.

Girls start us off at 9 am with a win vs a team from Sweden

Boys 15 next up as they also win 2-1 vs a Swedish team

Boys 18 meet a local powerhouse Swedish team and get beat 4-0

The past week has taken a toll on us and we have some nagging injuries plus a few kids fighting some cold symptoms.  Back to hotel to chill and then tram/walk to dinner.

After dinner we get to go to the opening ceremonies, a sight that you just have to witiness.  Its a youth cup but these ceremonies are Olympic like in quality and its just awesome.

I state this every year, Every soccer fan needs to attend a World Cup and every soccer player needs to compete in the Gothia Cup.  Its that special.  

Kids trade items with other countries and have a blast, singing and chanting all evening, its really cool to witness.  Some great pics on social media so please follow along.

Also, our games are livestreamed by our own Dennis Jones so 11Sports and search Stars 'n Stripes to watch.

Kids finally back in hotel and resting for another big day tomorrow.  More games so wish us luck, Ciao, Ed