Sport event .Korea’s 5-on-5 Nike Cup 247 Tournament Wraps Up in Converted Ice Rink

Thousands gather to watch final games in unexpected Seoul venue. 

The fifth annual Nike Cup 247, a 5-on-5 football tournament for top youtth players in Korea, concluded June 30 — but not on your average football pitch. A special venue was in order after 200 finalists on 32 teams cleared the original field of 29,000 players and 3,000 teams, through regional preliminaries in Seoul, Daegu and Busan to the final stage in Seoul.

The final round was held at a popular ice rink located underneath one of Korea’s premier amusement parks after a 30-hour, ice-to-pitch conversion. Three stories beneath the amusement park, the ice rink draws spectators all year long. For the Nike Cup 247 finals, the crowd engulfed all surrounding floors and peered down at the 2,271-square-meter rink, taking in the energy and passion for football exemplified by the competing teams.  

Just before the final match, players and fans shared a memorable moment as several prominent Korean entertainers and some of Korea’s best football talent -- Korean national team midfield maestro Sungyueng Ki, Chungyong Lee and striker Dongwon Ji – emerged from the crowd for impromptu banter with the youth players.  

This year’s final also displayed the connectivity of Nike Football. Fans could participate and experience Nike innovation by taking part in an LED challenge zone to hone their shooting skills.

The Nike Cup 247 has grown into a prestigious stage for Korea’s young and aspiring footballers. The winning teams, FC One Goal from the middle school division and White Dandelions from the high school group, earned trips to England that will include a visit to a Manchester United Soccer School and tickets to an England Premier League match.

“This year’s Nike Cup had a mission to provide young and energetic footballers a chance to play ‘Anytime, Anywhere.’ We hope all the players, crowds and coaching staff, had a great experience enjoying this special venue and football in its finest form,” said Woongbin Lim, Football Brand Manager, Nike Korea.

Source Nike

More news about Nike ? Use the search engien at the right top