“I’ve never experienced something like that”

The opening ceremony at Ullevi was a big party with players and leaders from all over the world filling up the stands

Gothia Cup has officially kicked off and the opening ceremony at Ullevi stadium was a big event where players and leaders celebrated the start of the tournament together.
– I’ve never experienced something like that, says Caroline Hackett.

More than 51 000 young people and leaders showed up to celebrate the start of the tournament together, and it was a much-appreciated event.
– It was definitely surreal because I don’t think I’ve ever been with that many people in the stadium before, says Alexandra Andrade from Elite Development Academy’s G15 team.

Her teammate Caroline Hackett agrees that the event was something special.
– I thought it was really cool because I’ve never experienced something like that before, says Caroline.

The opening ceremony is a great way to learn more about the different teams taking part in the tournament. Alexandra’s favourite thing about the ceremony was the introduction of the flags and the countries.
– It was great. You could really see all of the different nations and be introduced to everyone that was there, says Alexandra.

The team is looking forward to the week ahead, challenging every game and they've got their eyes on reaching the final. They're relishing the opportunity to take in the full tournament experience, and teammate Maleah Rodriguez reflects on her favourite part.
– It is seeing a lot of new people, a lot of different languages too, says Maleah.