Latest news with #youthfootball
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Students gain experience at world's largest youth football tournament
Students have shown their skills on an international stage. A group of 47 students from Solent University in Southampton travelled to Sweden to support the world's largest youth football tournament, the Gothia Cup. The group was made up of 36 sport and exercise therapy students and 11 student coaches from football studies, sport and exercise science, and sports coaching courses. Dr Lynsey Northeast, course lead for sports and exercise therapy at Solent University, said: "We're now in our fourth year of providing this opportunity to our students, and it is always a great experience for our students who get to apply their skills in a real-world, fast-paced environment. "Not only did they rise to the occasion with professionalism and confidence, but they also gained invaluable experience that will benefit them throughout their careers." Held annually in Gothenburg, the Gothia Cup attracts more than 1,900 teams from 74 countries, providing a high-pressure setting for hands-on learning. READ MORE: National scholarship leader recognised by Southampton university Throughout the week-long event, students delivered pitch-side and clinical support to UK teams, managing real-time injuries and challenges while also putting their coaching into practice. Ana Carolina Monteiro, one of the students who took part, said: "The Gothia Cup definitely took me out of my comfort zone, which is what you want at this stage in our professional path. "It has helped me grow in confidence, as well as improving my networking, resilience, and much more. "After this week I feel like I am capable of doing great things if I put fear to the side, and just put myself out there, which is something we've been told to do since the first day at uni." Beyond their clinical duties, students explored Swedish culture and built connections with athletes and professionals from around the world. The experience is part of Solent University's focus on experiential learning, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice on a global scale. Solent's sports and exercise therapy course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) and includes industry placements with top UK sports teams, offering students practical experience before graduation.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
SuperCupNI: Teams from across the world parade through Coleraine
Thousands of people have lined the streets of Coleraine for the opening parade of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, marking the start of the youth football year's event brings together 1,200 players from 62 elite boys' and girls' teams, including top clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Rangers, and from Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Japan will also join local sides in competing in more than 150 matches across five age groups throughout the known as the Milk Cup, SuperCupNI has a history of showcasing future stars, with past players including the likes of David Beckham, Sergio Busquets, and Mats Hummels. One former star of the competition, Gareth McAuley — who went on to earn 80 caps for Northern Ireland and make more than 200 appearances for West Bromwich Albion — is this year's guest of honour and officially opened the 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Sunday.A commanding centre-back in his playing days, McAuley competed in the tournament in 1994, representing the Dundonald Junior League in the boys' junior his footballing journey in the Irish League, McAuley went on to enjoy a distinguished club career with Lincoln City, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and West Brom, before finishing his playing career at made his international debut in June 2005, McAuley's finest moment in a Northern Ireland shirt came when he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win over Ukraine at the Euro 2016 finals in is currently the manager of the Northern Ireland national under-19 football told BBC News NI he was honoured to be this year's guest of honour and knows first hand what playing in this tournament means for young people.'I have really fond memories of this tournament, a big thing for me was playing in front of huge crowds,' McAuley said.'I am actually still very friendly with a lot of my teammates from my time there.'These players will really treasure this week and it will certainly live long in their memory, like it does for me.' 'A dedicated team behind the scenes' Speaking to BBC News NI, Victor Leonard, chairperson of Budget Energy Super Cup NI, praised the dedicated team behind the youth football tournament, which is now in its 42nd year."We have a fantastic tournament management team who have been working tirelessly on this year's event ever since last year's tournament ended," he Leonard emphasised that attracting top teams from across the globe is essential to maintaining the tournament's reputation for developing young players."The quality and variety of teams we attract is vital," he said. "At its core, the Super Cup is about developing and nurturing young players through their passion for the game."Mr Leonard highlighted the growing excitement building not just in Coleraine, but right across Northern Ireland as the event draws near — both among the players and the thousands of supporters attending matches."There's a real buzz in the lead-up to the tournament, and we're expecting over 55,000 fans to attend this year's matches," he said. "The whole of Northern Ireland really gets behind it and it's something the community here takes immense pride in."This year, we're delighted to welcome back major clubs such as Manchester United, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur. "Watching young local players test themselves against players who are billed as the future stars of these elite teams — that's exactly what the Super Cup is all about." Tigres UANL is a Mexican professional football club based in the Monterrey area. Fernanda Vasquez and Dante Delgado have really enjoyed their time in Northern Ireland so far and are looking forward to an exciting week of football.'The team is ready and we are really happy to be here,' Fernanda said the competition is all about developing as a team, but admits winning games would also be a said the team has put in a huge amount of work and are hoping to put in a good account of themselves. Aljazira FC have travelled over from the United Arab Sam Manoochehri, who is originally from England but now works in the UAE, said the team have been very excited to travel to Northern Ireland and compete against top teams from across the globe.'The weather is obviously very different from the UAE, so that is definitely going to be a test for these players.'I know this tournament very well, obviously when it was the Milk Cup, so many great players have played here before and we are very excited for our own players to experience that themselves."This tournament is about team building in pre-season and also about taking these players to the next stage of their development, moving up the age groups.'
New York Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Manchester United teenager Godwill Kukonki set to sign first professional contract
Teenager Godwill Kukonki is set to sign his first professional contract with Manchester United. The left-footed defender has been at the club since the age of five and was named in the first-team squad for the first time in November 2024. Kukonki, 17, appeared in United's post-season tour as he came off the bench against ASEAN All-Stars and started against Hong Kong. He also made the bench for both legs of the Manchester side's successful Europa League quarter-final against Lyon last season. Advertisement The England youth international joined United at the age of five and has progressed through the youth system, making his Under-21s debut last season and his Under-18s debut the season before. Last season Kukonki made 24 appearances across the two teams, scoring once in the U18 Premier League, and has played as a left-back and a centre-back. He has appeared twice for the England U17 side, in international friendlies against the Netherlands U17s. Analysis by Mark Critchley Kukonki was a surprise inclusion in Ruben Amorim's very first travelling squad, for the 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town back in November, after impressing in the United manager's early training sessions. The 17-year-old was named on the substitutes' bench six times last season but is still waiting to make his senior debut, having seen 20-year-old Tyler Frericson preferred while Amorim balanced Premier League and Europa League duties down the stretch. That was hardly unusual for a first-year scholar, though, and despite being touted as a centre-back option, Kukonki had largely played as a left-back in his 20 appearances for Adam Lawrence's under-18s last term in any case. More centre-half minutes at youth level are needed this coming season. But as a physically-imposing, left-footed defender, there is a potential pathway open to him in United's back three, and his presence on the post-season tour of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur showed Amorim still likes what he sees.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Teenage Inter Milan Star One Step From Joining Juve Stabia On Loan
Teenage Inter Milan defender Giacomo De Pieri is reportedly one step away from joining Serie B side Juve Stabia on loan. This according to Italian outlet They report that the 18-year-old will make the move on a dry loan. Advertisement Teenager striker Giacomo De Pieri has enjoyed an outstanding season at youth level. The 18-year-old was one of the shining lights of Inter's Under-19, or Primavera, team over the course of the campaign. In fact, De Pieri's performances were so impressive that he even earned call-ups to the Nerazzurri's senior squad. And De Pieri was able to make his first team debut for Inter. he came off the bench in a Champions League match against Monaco. Inter Forward Giacomo De Pieri One Step From Juve Stabia Loan NOVARA, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Giacomo De Pieri of Italy looks on during the friendly match between Italy U16 and Austria U16 at Novarello Training Center on October 06, 2021 in Novara, Italy. (Photo by) Inter's plan is not to make De Pieri a part of their new Under-23 team next season. Rather, the Nerazzurri intend to send him out on loan. They feel that he is ready for a season in Serie B to start finding his feet in the senior game. Advertisement That would be similar to the development of Francesco Pio Esposito. He spent two seasons at Spezia in the second division. According to meanwhile, one club in particular has come forward for De Pieri. They report that Juve Stabia are ready to win the race to bring the teenager to Serie B. He is one step away from joining them on loan.
CNN
05-07-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Having seen ‘very toxic heterosexual climates' in NFL locker rooms, this player is leading change with LGBTQ-targeted youth football camp
For a professional athlete, sitting on the sidelines – unable to have an impact – can often be the most frustrating place to be. And that's why Khalen Saunders is all about taking action, on the field and in his personal life. The New Orleans Saints defensive tackle isn't content with just being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community; his mantra is 'actions speak louder than words.' One of the ways that Saunders is taking action is by running a youth football camp specifically for children in the LGBTQ+ community, the first of its kind. The camp will be held in his hometown of St. Louis on July 5 and Saunders will be joined by his older brother, Kameron, who he credits with opening his mind to inclusivity. Kameron, a dancer and choreographer who has featured on Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour,' is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and Saunders says he is a big reason for wanting to 'create a safe space within sports to have everybody feel welcome to be who they are.' 'I think (Kameron) has been to almost every single game that I've had, from when I was eight to 'til now, so he's always been there,' Saunders told CNN Sports. 'So my intention with this camp is to unify everybody and just promote positivity and empathy amongst others as far as just being accepting of everybody and showing everybody love. 'But also, with my brother, being able to come to all my events and feel comfortable being himself, I would want anybody who has a brother or family member in general that comes to their sporting events to feel safe and welcomed when they when they attend that.' Saunders was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs out of Western Illinois in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. During his time with the Chiefs, Saunders won two Super Bowl rings before signing with the Saints in 2023. The youngest of four brothers, Saunders explains that he learned a lot from his elder siblings and, in particular, an empathy he tries to take into all walks of life. 'I learned very quickly from Kameron to be accepting of people and let people be comfortable with you and that's how you'll get the genuine best out of people,' Saunders said. Creating a place for youths to discover their love for football – a game which has given so much to him, Saunders says – and to spend time with likeminded individuals is one of the main reasons for organizing the camp. The camp – the third one he's run with his foundation, 'Original Element Foundation' – is the first one he's directly advertised to the LGBTQ+ community to welcome them in. And he uses his experience with his brother, who he calls 'one of the most prevalent male beings in my life,' and whether he would feel comfortable as an example of the kind of environment he wants to create. Besides making a safe space for children of all orientations to come and play the game, Saunders is hoping he can help knock off any stigma around members of the LGBTQ+ community's involvement in sports. A Gallup Poll released earlier this year found that the proportion of American adults who identify as LGBTQ+ rose to 9.3% of the population, an increase of more than one percentage point from 2023's estimate. According to a report from The Trevor Project – a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth – a number of LGBTQ youth reported 'choosing not to participate in sports due to reasons related to discrimination or fear of LGBTQ-based discrimination.' In the same report, The Trevor Project found that nearly one in three members of the LGBTQ community participate in sports. Saunders describes having experienced 'very toxic heterosexual climates' in football locker rooms during his time in the game, something he puts down to 'ignorance.' He remembers hearing anti-homosexual slurs being used in an NFL environment, something he puts down to individuals not knowing 'how offensive some things can be to other people.' Saunders takes it upon himself to attempt to change those 'toxic cultures' and credits a lot of his teammates with becoming much more accepting. Even the defensive tackle admits it's difficult to know exactly how to make everyone feel welcome all the time, but says that if you're trying to be more open-minded, then that's all you need to do. No matter who you are, for Saunders, 'ability is ability' and that's something he hopes his camp can foster. 'If you run a 4.5 second or less 40-yard dash, you're fast. If you jump a 35-inch vertical or higher, you jump high. If you can bench press 225 more than 20 times, you're very strong,' he said. 'I think that the space within sports for LGBTQ+ members, it's very limited and I understand that which is why I'm trying to hold this camp and try and promote positivity around that. 'If you got it, you got it. And I've seen great athletes be shied away for several reasons. I would just not want gender identification or sexual orientation to be one of those reasons.' Saunders has received an array of feedback following the announcement of the camp, ranging from the extremely positive to the other end of the spectrum. He's received messages from kids expressing their gratitude for making a place they can feel comfortable playing football as well as adults reaching out to him saying: 'I wish that something like this had been done when I was coming up in sports.' And while that positive feedback makes him feel 'really happy,' the negative comments have also stuck with Saunders. He has received comments such as 'youth and LGBTQ+ shouldn't be in the same sentence.' Saunders says those come from a lack of understanding of the reasoning behind the camp. 'This is not an attempt to sway any child to be of any sexual orientation or gender identification or anything like that,' he said. 'This is just teaching children to be accepting of those who are.' Saunders also recognizes that much of people's ignorance comes from 'learned traits and learned behaviors,' something he doesn't fault them for. But he says, as an ally, he does what he can to open people's eyes to the possibilities. The 28-year-old said he'd like to talk to those who have given him negative feedback face-to-face and explain why he believes having an open mind can lead to a 'better society,' especially when it comes to teaching kids from a young age to have an accepting way of thinking. 'Let's break that (cycle) and educate our children. That way they know the differences, they know the feelings, they know everything,' he said. 'And then we can progress towards a better society, instead of creating division and hate amongst things that could easily be out ruled by simple education.' And he is hoping that through the camp and through the impact Kameron has had on him, he can help reinforce that acceptance is vital for a more progressive society. 'This is an opportunity to kind of just showcase the thinking pattern that I have, just as far as being empathetic and treating people how you want to be treated and all those quote unquote 'golden rules' that we learn as children, we kind of stray away from when we get to adulthood,' Saunders said. 'And it's just a great way to remind this generation to stick to those golden rules and a way to make sure that everyone knows that they have a place in this world and everyone knows that they have a place specifically within sports because that's what this camp is all about. It's just showing acceptance and really just doing all of this for the love of the sport itself, not for anything else besides.'
