B10 Honka – HJK. Final at Helsinki Cup on 13.7.2024 Photo: Jussi Eskola / Helsinki Cup
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The Helsinki Cup begun today, marking its 50th anniversary with 30,000 junior players and 300,000 supporters converging on Helsinki for a week of football matches, social interaction and community celebration.
The tournament has drawn 1,806 teams from 20 countries, including distant visitors from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines. Matches will take place on 100 fields across 17 areas, with natural grass pitches in top condition. The event will feature over 5,700 games.
The Helsinki Cup remains Finland’s largest football tournament and one of the largest youth sporting events in the region. It is organised by HJK Oy and Honka ry, two major forces in Finnish youth football. Since the first tournament in 1976, the event has continued annually, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lotta Peitsi, communications manager for the Helsinki Cup, said the event promotes football but also serves broader goals.
“The heart of this tournament is love for the game, team spirit and joy,” she said. “We emphasise positive encouragement and support from the sidelines, especially in this anniversary year.”
In addition to competition, the event aims to promote social inclusion and lasting friendships. The tournament supports physical activity among children while creating a safe environment for players and spectators.
Only 84 of the teams are from abroad, but international interest has remained strong due to the tournament’s reputation for organisation and match punctuality.
Alongside the games, the Helsinki Cup will highlight and reward positive support behaviour. Parents and spectators are urged to set examples through constructive cheering and respectful conduct. This focus on sportsmanship is seen as a central part of the tournament’s identity.
Peitsi noted that the goal is not only football development but community building.
“For many, the Cup is more than a tournament,” she said. “These experiences will be remembered for life.”
The finals take place on Saturday 12 July at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
