Youth teams from major overseas clubs stepped on the Korean soil for the K-League International Youth Cup Incheon 2024 tournament. The leaders of each club who attended the Media Day event hoped that young players would have time to enjoy Korean culture and grow up through the event.
The Korea Professional Football Federation (hereinafter referred to as the Federation) held the “K League International Youth Cup Incheon 2024” Media Day at the Harbor Park Hotel in Jung-gu, Incheon on the afternoon of the 27th. Leaders who have come a long way from abroad have expressed their determination and desire to participate in the event.
The Youth Cup has returned this year following last year. The federation held the K-League Youth Cup to improve international competitiveness and continue international exchanges. The federation expects the K-League Youth Clubs to increase contact points with advanced leagues overseas. On top of this, it is expected that it will serve as an opportunity for team personnel, including front desk and coaching staff, who are sweating outside the stadium to build an international exchange network and secure competitiveness.
A total of 12 teams will participate in the competition, along with five K-League youth teams consisting of FC Seoul, Suwon Samsung, Busan I’Park, Incheon United and Jeonbuk Hyundai. European teams include Everton, Augsburg, Real Sociedad and Espanyol, while Kashiwa Reysol and Shandong Taishan joined from Asia. Bupyeong High School, invited by the Incheon Football Association, will also participate in the competition.
First of all, coach Marc Salabader Espanyol said, “It’s special to experience here. This doesn’t happen all the time, so I asked the players to enjoy every moment and try to get something. Thank you for taking this opportunity to invite me.”
Alfonso Azurza, Real Sociedad’s general manager of youth development, said, “In terms of soccer, this year’s event is an opportunity for players to grow as well as human beings. Not only soccer but also cultural exchange are possible. As human beings grow, they can improve their soccer skills. This is why this year’s event is important.”
Carl Darlington, general manager of Everton Academy, said, “I’m happy to see Korean culture as well as soccer,” adding, “Children will be able to grow further as they face the soccer styles of Korean teams that they haven’t encountered before.”
“It was interesting to meet a lot of people and experience culture as soon as I arrived in Korea,” Augsburg coach Simon Carltenbach said. “I want to develop the team by grasping the tactical and technical strengths while dealing with the Asian team and the Korean team.”
“I’m so happy to be invited to the competition. We participated to see, learn, build teammates, and grow ourselves,” said Panchi Shandong Taishan, a youth academy official. “The most important thing is to show the best performance. I’m so happy to be with the top teams from abroad and wish all the best of luck to them.”
Coach Tatsuro Shida Kashiwa said, “It’s nice to come to Korea. Thank you for the invitation. Last year, Tokyo Verdi came, but this time, our team came. I asked for growth and exchange not only in soccer but also outside of soccer in Korea. I hope you have a good time during the tournament while playing soccer with various teams.” 메이저놀이터
Meanwhile, the Youth Cup will be held from the 28th to the 3rd of next month at the Incheon Munhak Stadium, main and auxiliary stadiums, Incheon Asiad Auxiliary Stadium, and Incheon United Football Center. The final match, which will be held between the top teams in Group A and B, will be held at 1 p.m. on the 4th of next month at the main stadium of Incheon Munhak Stadium.