“International U12 İzmir Cup”, one of Europe's biggest organizations in the under 12 category, started with the participation of 22 teams from 72 countries. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, who attended the opening ceremony of the tournament Tunç Soyer“Altınordu is truly one of Turkey's most valuable institutions and sycamores. Together we are happy to host one of the most beautiful organizations in the world in the most beautiful city of the world.
The International U12 İzmir Cup, which is among the biggest children's football tournaments under the age of 12 in Europe, started with a ceremony in Selçuk district of İzmir. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor opened the giant tournament, which has led to the discovery of many athletes in Turkey and Europe over the years, and which started this year with more than 22 athletes with 72 teams from 500 countries. Tunç Soyer and Youth and Sports Minister Muharrem Kasapoğlu, Turkish Football Federation President Mehmet Büyükekşi, İzmir Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, Altınordu Football Club President Seyit Mehmet Özkan, Karşıyaka Mayor Cemil Tugay, federation members, representatives of sports clubs, bureaucrats, athletes and sports fans attended.
Soyer: “This place is like a talent factory”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the tournament, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç SoyerStating that Altınordu is one of Turkey's most valuable institutions and plane trees, Altınordu is one of our very important sports clubs that has been in existence for more than 100 years and is constantly raising new youth. This is an extraordinary institution where that plane tree gives new shoots. This place is like a talent factory, raising extraordinary talents. He sends his talents all over the world, making it a source of pride for each of us. It is equally valuable for all of us to host this organization here today. We are happy to host one of the most beautiful organizations in the world in the most beautiful city of the world. ”
Kasapoğlu: “There is excitement in İzmir”
Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, Minister of Youth and Sports, said, “Sport is a power that rehabilitates and heals. There is excitement in Izmir today. We are making the beginning of the U12 Cup, which is hosted by Altınordu every year, with valuable athletes from many countries of the world and guests who love sports. This championship reveals a Champions League challenge for U12 kids. Infrastructure athletes of Europe's biggest clubs are coming to our country.
Köşger: “We can't brag enough”
Izmir Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger said, “As the governor of the province, I would like to say that I am very proud to have the best quality and successful football academy in our city, not only in Izmir but also in our country. It is not enough to brag about Altınordu," he said.
Büyükekşi: “They made it known all over the world”
Mehmet Büyükekşi, President of the Turkish Football Federation, said, “This organization is very valuable. Thank you very much to our Altınordu club. They made it known all over the world. They have organized an excellent organization," he said.
Özkan: “The world can only unite with sports”
Altınordu Football Club President Seyit Mehmet Özkan said, “The pandemic has stopped the world. The world is slowly starting again. Let's encourage our children to do sports again, let them be sportsmen. This world can only unite through sports,” he said.
The tournament, which has been held since 2012, was interrupted only during the pandemic period.