A SCOTS non-profit organisation will be hosting a small-sided international football tournament this September.
Street Soccer Scotland’s Nations Cup aims to provide an opportunity for players from Street Football projects across the globe to represent their country in the inaugural small-sided tournament.
The event will aim to create “life-changing experiences” for players, and will be held at City Square in Dundee City Centre across the weekend of Friday, September 9th to Sunday 11th.
Supported by the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council, Street Soccer aim to “challenge public perception” of some of the social issues that players face and break down the stigma in order to provide better quality support.
As well as the tournament itself, the event will have live music and host a number of organisations working in social impact, to underline the power of community in the city.
David Duke, Founder and CEO of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “We are delighted and also grateful that Dundee City will host our first ever Nations Cup as we invite our friends and colleagues from various projects around the world.
“The Street Soccer Nations Cup will be more than a football event. It is an opportunity for players to represent their country and have a life-changing experience.
“The matches will be exciting and we hope to create a real carnival atmosphere for spectators whilst highlighting the power of football.”
Lord Provost of Dundee City Council, Bill Campbell, said: “It’s great news that Street Soccer is bringing its Nations Cup 2022 to Dundee later this year.
“Football has the power to unite us all. The Nations Cup is a fitting reminder of the importance of inclusivity in sport, something I too am keen to champion.
“This city has a proud footballing tradition, from grass roots to international level, and I’m sure the people of Dundee will take this tournament and its players to their hearts.”
With invitational tournaments taking place across the globe from Street Football projects, Street Soccer Scotland decided upon hosting its first ever Nations Cup tournament, with nine participating nations across 16 teams.
Street Soccer Scotland will be welcoming guest teams England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, France and Ivory Coast.
Street Soccer will also be including an Afghanistan team selected from its programmes.
The tournament will be played in a group stage format, with eight male and eight female teams.
Played across three days of action on a four-a-side pitch, the tournament will split into two separate knockout rounds after the group stage, with every match lasting 14 minutes.
Street Soccer Scotland will also be utilising its multi-purpose community hub, Change Centre Dundee, as a player village throughout the event to allow players to access further support and participate in educational experiences, with catering and entertainment planned for evenings also.
This event will be completely free to attend and is totally inclusive for guests of all ages.
With two grand stands, food stalls and an entertainment stage, Street Soccer aims to create a memorable experience for everyone attending.
