A football tournament which offers budding young players the chance to play in Europe will be held in Inverell this week, with the Rale Rasic Joeys Mini World Cup to kick off on Friday at the Inverell Sports Complex.
Boasting 65 teams from the likes of Rockhampton, Adelaide, Newcastle, Toowoomba and Germany, the event will also host talented teams from across the New England-North west, with accommodation providers in Inverell bursting at the seams.
Founder Heinrich Haussler says he’s delighted with the line-up of teams and says the tournament has secured the services of top-notch refereeing staff who will travel to Inverell for the event.
“Not only will we have hundreds of players and their families here in Inverell this week, we will also see the Grand Finals of the Northern Inland Premier League at the venue on Saturday. It will be a very special 4 days of football”.
Players aged 8 years to 19 will compete in the Mini World Cup, with the chance to earn a paid scholarship to Germany to play and train alongside professional level footballers.
Teams will be officially welcomed to Inverell with an event opening ceremony on Friday at 10.30am at the Sports Complex before the on-field action starts.
Along with Bundesliga coach Jens Kiefer, special guest for the tournament will be Deborah Rasic, the widow of Australian football icon and World Cup Socceroos coach, Rale Rasic.
Haussler encourages locals to visit the Sports Complex during the event to soak in the action and show their support for both local and visiting teams.
“Inverell FC will have the canteen in operation for the event for anyone looking for refreshments”. said Mr Haussler.
Updates throughout the tournament will be shared on the Mini World Cup Facebook page www.facebook.com/miniworldcup.
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