Gumi-si Nakdonggang Sports Park to Host Nationwide Youth Soccer Club Tournament with 250 Teams and 2,500 Participants from August 2 to 4
Gumi City and the Korea Football Association (President: Chung Monggyu) will host the '2024 I-League Summer Football Festival' at Nakdonggang Sports Park for three days from August 2 to 4.
This festival is organized by the Korea Football Association and the Gumi City Football Association, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, and Gumi City. Over 250 youth football clubs from across the country, totaling more than 2,500 participants, are expected to ignite the football fever.
The I-League Summer Football Festival is the largest youth football event in Korea, held annually during the summer vacation. It features four categories: U-8 (4-a-side), U-10 (4-a-side), U-12 (8-a-side), and the girls' division, all played in a round-robin format. Regardless of results, all participating teams receive medals and pennants, further enhancing the festival's spirit.
The participating teams will visit Gumi City on the first day to prepare for the festival, with the main matches taking place from the 2nd to the 4th.
A cultural experience zone will be set up at the inline skating rink inside the sports park, offering interactive events such as a chroma key photo zone, football skills zone, and water park zone.
Additionally, a dance competition called 'WooriAiDanceSpirit' and a 3-on-3 tournament 'SujungChukguDaejeon' will provide a variety of attractions and entertainment for the participants and their families.
Given that the event is held during the hot summer, safety is the top priority. Ambulances and detailed medical safety plans have been prepared, and a hospital near the stadium has been designated for prompt emergency care, ensuring peace of mind for participants and their families.
Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "We will spare no effort to support the successful hosting of this I-League Summer Football Festival so that Gumi City can establish itself as a hub for youth football and become widely known as a great city for raising children. I hope that the participating teams and their families will enjoy not only the football matches but also the various hands-on activities, making this a joyful summer experience."
The I-League, organized by the Korea Football Association, is an event for youth football enthusiasts. It focuses on enjoying the game itself and fostering healthy bodies and minds, rather than solely on winning. The league offers opportunities for exchange and communication among local clubs, and since its launch in 2013, it has greatly contributed to expanding the football base and revitalizing youth football clubs in Korea.
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