The managers of the overseas clubs participating in the K League International Youth Cup Incheon 2023 have expressed their desire to get a lot out of the rare opportunity to participate in a youth tournament on the Asian continent, especially in South Korea, for the first time. In particular, each of them expressed their hope that it will be a valuable experience for their players.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) held a media day for the K League International Youth Cup Incheon 2023 (hereinafter referred to as the “Media Day”) at the Howard Johnson Incheon Airport Hotel in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on the afternoon of February 2 to hear the managers’ preparations and impressions.
The League has been continuously promoting international exchanges to improve the international competitiveness of the K League Youth, and this year, the League organized the ‘K League International Youth Cup Incheon 2023’. The tournament is expected to increase contact with advanced overseas leagues and secure international exchange networks and international competitiveness of the front office and coaching staffs of each K League club.
The ‘K League Baseball International Youth Cup Incheon 2023’ will hold its opening official events, including a media day today, followed by the first round of group play starting tomorrow. After a rest day on the 6th, the group stage will be played on the 4th and 5th, followed by the 7th and 8th, and the final and ranking match on the 9th.
The group stage will be played at three venues: the Incheon Munhak Stadium Auxiliary Stadium, the Incheon Asiad Auxiliary Stadium and the Southeast Asiad Rugby Stadium. The final will be played at the Incheon Football Stadium, home of Incheon United. The tournament is open to players in the Under-17 (U-17) age group.
In addition to the games, the federation has organized a coaches’ conference and a time for overseas players to experience Korean culture. “In addition to the matches, we have organized a coaches’ seminar to share the know-how and philosophy of each club’s youth development, and a cultural experience program for overseas players,” said a federation official.
First, Sergio Lozano Gomez, head coach of Valencia U-17 (Spain), said, “We are very happy to be invited. We have played many tournaments in Europe, but this is our first time in Korea,” he said, adding, “We hope to have a fun and meaningful match with the Korean teams.” “There are a lot of tournaments like this in North America and Europe, but it’s not often that you get the chance to play in Asia. It will be a great experience to play in a different country and in a different environment. It will also be an important opportunity to understand different cultures.” 바카라사이트
Richard Walker, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers U-17s (England), said: “It’s an honor to represent England at this tournament. I’m looking forward to it as the level of football in Korea has improved a lot. “It’s a great opportunity for the players, both physically and mentally, to play in a tournament where Seol Ki-Hyun has played in the past and Hwang Hee-Chan is currently playing,” he said. I expect the players to grow and become stronger physically and mentally, and it will be a great experience for them to exchange different styles on a different stage,” he said.