From clubhouse to global stage – The story of Gothia Cup

Since its inception in 1975, over 1.3 million young people from 151 countries have taken part in the Gothia Cup. In the book "Gothia", Dennis Andersson – long-time general secretary and the driving force behind the tournament – tells the story of the world’s foremost meeting place for youth football.

Gothia contains a vibrant collection of stories that show how an idea, scribbled in a simple notebook in a worn-down clubhouse in Gothenburg, grew into one of the world’s largest youth tournaments. From the very beginning, the goal was clear: to increase understanding between young people of different cultures and religions. Over time, that vision has become a reality.
– I wanted to share how it all really happened – a question people often ask. The goal of the book is to highlight the many fascinating stories that have shaped Gothia Cup over fifty years and show how the tournament has grown into what it is today. The anniversary felt like the right time to write this book, although the idea has been with me for a long time, says Dennis Andersson, the book’s author.

Dennis Andersson has played a key role in the development of the Gothia Cup since 1981 and served as general secretary for over three decades. Under his leadership, the tournament evolved from a local initiative into a global institution in youth sports. His commitment to youth development and international understanding has helped define the spirit and identity of the tournament. With Gothia, he now shares the full story behind the event for the first time.
– I want to inspire others to dare to take bold steps. Many of the decisions that shaped the Gothia Cup were courageous. It’s when you dare to try – and learn along the way – that the most meaningful things happen. Without those lessons, this book would never have come to life, says Dennis Andersson with a smile.

The book introduces us to the people and life stories that have left their mark on the tournament’s history – from the Bolivian founder of the Tahuichi Academy, a cherished part of the Gothia Cup, to the street child from Bangkok whose love for football took him all the way to Gothenburg. We also follow the Englishman behind the Right to Dream Academy, whose work in Ghana shows how football can unite education and hope for the future – as well as several former "cup kids" who have grown up to become international stars.

Gothia is a story of dreams, courage, inclusion, and connection – but also of politics, crises, and the moments when the tournament’s future hung in the balance. It’s a journey across continents and through decades, where football is always at the heart – but where human connection is the true driving force.
– It feels deeply meaningful to document a phenomenon like the Gothia Cup – a tournament that has meant so incredibly much to so many people around the world. Gathering and sharing these stories – from founders and leaders to players who took their first steps here – shows just how much more than a sporting event the Gothia Cup really is. It’s a place where football builds bridges, creates lifelong memories, and changes futures, says Dennis Andersson.