The impact of a major international sporting event coming to New Brunswick is starting to sink in after the countries that will compete in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup were announced on the weekend.
England, South Korea, Mexico and Nigeria will compete at the event in August. The FIFA venue manager says they are a good mix.
“The calibre of play is going to be the highest that anyone in the Maritimes will have seen with respect to soccer, and we are really excited that we have a good representation of countries from around the world,” says Stephane Delisle.
Delegates were in Moncton Monday to check out venues and have a first look at the hub city.
“I have to get used to the time difference between Canada and Korea. If we can manage it, then we can do well,” says Jee Hoon Kim, the South Korean team manager.
“The stadium is nice, the people have been very warm, doesn’t matter the weather, so that makes me happy,” says Mexico’s team manager Gerardo Lepevillarreal.
One local soccer organization is hoping high profile events like the FIFA World Cup will nudge soccer out of the margins in the North American market.
“Soccer is underappreciated. It is underdeveloped in Canada in general, probably Eastern Canada specifically, and hopefully this will do something to help us develop it more,” says Dale Briggs, president of Codiac Soccer.
England’s team manager says family and friends from the four nations will likely make the trip.
“Obviously, you never know who is going to be selected but I think a lot of them would want to make an effort and come out and watch their child play,” says Laura Grassick.
With the teams now set and five months to go, filling the seats and getting ready to host international fans is the next goal for organizers.
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
