25.000 people packed the stands at Wembley Stadium to
support the world’s biggest international football tournament for 10-12 year
olds
Over 400 children from around
the world descended into Wembley Stadium on Saturday to celebrate the world’s
largest international football tournament for 10-12 year olds at the Danone
Nations Cup World Final. The event saw the world’s most promising U12 football
teams compete at the iconic stadium.
International legend and Danone
Nations Cup Ambassador, Zinédine Zidane, cheered the teams throughout the
afternoon and took part in football chants and a giant Mexican wave alongside
national tournament Ambassadors John Scales (UK), Tom Ince (UK) and Gheorghe
Hagi (Romania). During the tense final between France and Brazil, it was 0-0 at
the final whistle which took the game into penalties. Team France, were crowned
the international winners as they beat Brazil on penalties (3:1), and were
presented with their winning trophy by Zidane at the official tournament prize
ceremony.
Amongst the 32 national teams,
Team South Africa showcased their footballing talents in front of a lively
crowd and beat Bulgaria 7 – 6 on penalties to clinch 29th
position. But where team South Africa scored the most was on the dance
floor, even trading pennants by some countries for a few dance lessons.
So impressed were the organisers of their talent they were asked to perform at
the opening ceremony. “We learnt such a lot about different cultures,” said
Teboho Msiza, the kids reporter who travelled with the team. “But the
country we bonded the most with was Bulgaria. They could all speak
English and some of our team got to learn to speak the language better as
well.” What the youngster enjoyed the most was improving his interviewing
skills.
The event, which was hosted by
British Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas and TV presenter Abi Griffiths and
included a special performance from Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity,
football freestyler demonstrations and a giant zorbing competition which took
place on the pitch.
Awards were presented to the
‘Best Player’ of the tournament, Hiro Satho from Japan, the ‘Fair Play’ award
went to the country of Japan for their presentation of the fair play oath, 3rd
place went to Japan, 2nd to Brazil and the winners were France.
Zinédine Zidane, Danone Nations
Cup Ambassador, said: “A massive congratulations to France for winning this
year’s Danone Nations Cup World Final. The teams all showed tremendous skill
and professionalism on the pitch and I’m very proud to be a part of a fantastic
program to help children develop their love for football and grow with respect
for themselves and others around them. I wish everyone the best of luck in the
future.”
Coach of the host team, Ian
Forgie of England, said: “The atmosphere at Wembley was incredible. Our team
are so grateful for everyone who came down to watch and support us and all the
international team. It is an experience the kids will never forget and we are
delighted to have been part of this and send our thanks to Danone.”
Over the Danone Nations Cup’s
fourteen-year history, the tournament has established itself as a highly
respected event and gained official FIFA endorsement. By bringing this
competition to the UK on the anniversary of the 2012 Games, Danone showed real
commitment to helping deliver a sustainable activity, health and sports legacy.
From this, the 2013 World Final was officially recognized by the 'Inspired By
2012' campaign.
Nicolas Riom, Managing Director
for Danone UK & Ireland, said: “For Danone, it is more than just a
competition. It is a way of putting into practice the company's mission, to
bring health through food to as many people as possible, by teaching children
about the positive values of sport and the importance of a proper diet and
exercise. This year, we are fully supporting the award-winning healthy eating
education program for primary schools, ‘Eat Like a Champ’, which we have
created in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation and in support
of the Change 4 Life campaign.”
Surrey Sports Park in Guildford
played host to the 32 national teams whom stayed on site, took part in various
training and nutritional learning games and activities. The Danone Nations Cup
World Final event is designed to symbolize a professional football camp so the
children involved experience playing abroad, competing in a competitive
environment, and living and learning together.
The week-long event kicked-off with an official opening
ceremony where the children performed national dances alongside signing the
oath to the ‘Fair Play’ rule. Openness, respect and fair play are the core
principles on which the event is built upon. Everyone involved in the
competition - children, coaches and accompanying adults – undertakes a promise
to respect these values by signing an ethical charter at the opening ceremony.
FINAL
RANKINGS
1 France
2 Brazil
3 Japan
4 Ireland
5 Mexico
6 Netherlands
7 USA
8 Indonesia
9 England
10 Russia
11 Czech Republic
12 Argentina
13 Spain
14 Canada
15 Italy
16 Saudi Arabia
17 South Korea
18 Uruguay
19 Belgium
20 Germany
21 Algeria
22 China
23 Switzerland
24 Belarus
25 Chile
26 Turkey
27 Morocco
28 Romania
29 South Africa
30 Bulgaria
31 Ukraine
32 Tunisia
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