THE GOTHIA CUP
The Gothia Cup, held annually in Gothenburg, Sweden, is widely recognized as the world’s largest and most prestigious youth football tournament. Since its inception in 1975, the tournament has welcomed young players from every corner of the globe, providing a unique platform where children and teenagers can compete at the highest level while making lifelong friendships. With over 1,900 teams and more than 35,000 participants from over 80 countries, the Gothia Cup has earned its reputation as the “World Youth Cup,” offering young footballers an experience that goes far beyond the pitch.
Showcase your talent on a world stage
For young players in the UK, the Gothia Cup is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to showcase talent, improve skills, and gain international exposure. Players aged 11 to 18 can participate in various age categories, ensuring fair competition and age-appropriate challenges. Many professional footballers today, including stars who began their journey in the English Premier League, have proudly represented their teams at Gothia, making it a breeding ground for future talent.
Why choose the Gothia Cup:
- International competition: Test skills against teams from around the world.
- Exposure and development: Opportunities to be scouted and gain experience at a global level.
- Cultural experience: Meet new friends, experience Swedish culture, and enjoy a safe, family-friendly environment.
- Professional organization: Structured age groups, referees, and venues ensure a smooth, high-quality experience.
The Gothia Cup in Sweden represents an unforgettable football journey that combines competition, camaraderie, and cultural enrichment.
1900 teams
From U11 through U18 | Boys + Girls Teams
80 nations
Australia to Zambia | Brazil, Spain, Germany and many more
over 5000 games
Across 100+ pitches in the City of Gothenburg
GOTHIA CUP OPENING CEREMONY
The week is full of both planned and spontaneous moments. The Opening Ceremony is the big gathering of the week. For one hour, expect music, dancing, fireworks and a parade featuring every nation taking part. With 50,000 people packed into Ullevi, it's an event everyone shares. Where all players attend to welcome in the Gothia opening ceremony
A memory for life
We believe that it is important to make a lifelong memory from the tournament. A moment for everyone – a moment of harmony and fellowship. We want to create this very moment with the Gothia Opening Ceremony.
Our Philosophy
We believe in participation over exclusion. Our trials are not simply about selecting a small number of
players, but about understanding each player’s ability and placing them in the right environment to develop and compete alongside players at a similar level.
Players are welcome from schools, grassroots clubs, and academies across the UK. Even players currently
signed to EPPP academies may attend trials (subject to permission from their club).
Ullevi Stadium
50,000 players, coaches and family
monday
12th July 2027
when it begins
Gates open at 6.30pm | Starts 8.00pm
REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY + SCHOOL
AT THE LARGEST YOUTH FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
IN THE WORLD
Frequently asked questions
Player trials and selection - how does it work?
At United Football Collective, we exist to bring players together — from different clubs, schools, and backgrounds — and give them the opportunity to experience football on an international stage.
We believe in participation over exclusion. Our trial process is not simply about selecting a few players — it’s about understanding each individual and placing them in the right environment to compete, develop, and thrive alongside players at a similar level.
Because at United, football is about bringing players together, creating opportunities, and growing stronger as one collective.
Teams
Our trials are designed to identify, assess, and place players into the most suitable teams based on their age, ability, and stage of development. Players are welcome to attend from any school, grassroots club, or academy across the UK, creating a truly united environment where talent and passion for the game come together.
Safeguarding + Welfare
United follows the safeguarding policy published here, and you can always contact our dedicated safeguarding officer, who will be happy to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
All coaches are fully trained and follow our coaches and staff conduct policy as part of our safeguarding commitment. All our coaches are FA qualified, FA Safeguarding Children qualified, Emergency First Aid qualified, and hold current, enhanced DBS checks to ensure your child’s safety and wellbeing at all times.
Coaches | Team-mates | Friends
Players will meet their main coaching team on the trials, our coaching team will then be allocated two coaches (one lead and one assitant) to take each group of up to 16 players.
Teammates, managers and assistant coaches will then organise an online 'Ice Breaker' session to get to know the team before the preperation training camps.
Family and Parents
We absolutely welcome parents to travel and support the teams – it’s brilliant to have you on the touchline with flags, cheering the players on. Families are responsible for organising their own flights and accommodation.
Gothenburg offers lots to enjoy away from the football, including excellent shopping, bars and restaurants. We can also assist with arranging Gothia travel cards for the trams and tickets for the opening ceremony.
Travel to UK Airport
Players to make their own way to designated UK airports - and sign over your son/daughter with team coach.
Players are then to be collected by parents and signed out with coaches when arriving to the UK Airport after the trip.
Travel Insurance
GHIC / EHIC card?
We strongly advise your child brings this to Gothenburg. They are free and give the child access to immediate medical care in an emergency.
Insurance
We provide travel insurance for each player in the event of disruption to travel, hotel or transfer.
Should we take out seperate insurance?
We recommend that every player and family member takes out sports-specific travel insurance for this trip. This should include cover for sports injuries, medical treatment abroad, travel disruption and cancellation, so that if you are unable to attend you can reclaim the cost of your package. Please carefully read and check the full policy wording to ensure it covers football participation, ournaments and all aspects of your trip before you buy.