26 May 2015

Footballing superstars of tomorrow set to sizzle in Wellington

The FIFA U-20 World Cup is billed as “One Passion. One Moment. One goal”, and it’s one almighty chance to see the planet’s best young footballers in Wellington – the home of football in New Zealand.

“The city will be rolling out the welcome mat for future stars and fans of the beautiful game in typically Wellington fashion. No matter where in the world they come from, we know our visitors will find a city ready to have a footballing party,” says Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks.

“With an estimated international television audience of 170 million across 100 countries expected to tune in, the U-20 tournament is yet another top class sporting event that will put Wellington before the eyes of the world.”

From 30 May until 14 June, Wellington will host the future legends of the beautiful game, each looking to find fame just like megastars Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona did before them.

Nine matches will be played at Wellington Regional Stadium. Along with hosting Argentina, Austria, Ghana and Panama, the capital also gets to see the exciting Junior All Whites as they take on Myanmar on June 5.

The Junior All Whites will feel at ease in Wellington, the home of New Zealand football. The city has fantastic footballing academies, notably the Ole Football Academy and the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy. Many players linked to these academies are in the New Zealand squad.

The atmosphere will be at its most electric in the football capital, Mr Perks says.

“Wellington is a city that loves football. Football academies are going gangbusters here, with former All Whites Ricki Herbert and Stu Jacobs each running their own football academies out of Wellington, while Phoenix fan favourite Paul Ifill is set to open an academy in Masterton next month.

“The city also boasts the only professional football club in the country and with it one of the most passionate groups of fans you’ll find in the Yellow Fever.”

The Wellington Phoenix yellow is set to turn into a New Zealand “White Out” as the Phoenix Yellow Fever brigade rename themselves White Noise for New Zealand international matches and thousands other join them.

Matches in Wellington will offer a chance to see talent including Wellington Phoenix professionals Matthew Ridenton and Alex Rufer, Junior All Whites captain Bill Tuiloma, and Ghana’s king of the dribble Yaw Yeboah.

Wellington City Council is also setting up the FIFA U-20 World Cup Fever Pitch fan hub at Wellington Civic Square. From May 25 there will be National days for the teams based in the capital – Argentina, Austria, Ghana and Panama – with free food, drinks, music, face painting and a photo booth. An artificial turf pitch will host celebrity games, and allow kids to have a kick about and score in the inflatable goals.

Tickets for the FIFA U-20 World Cup matches start from just $19 for adults and $8 for children.

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