Youth given its head in Norway

While some of Europe’s most talented youngsters are currently giving evidence of their skills in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Norway, a host of young players from across the globe will take their first steps towards stardom when the Norway Cup kicks off on Sunday at Ekeberg Fields in Oslo.

Perfect platform
The Norway Cup, which has received prizes from both UEFA and UNICEF for its work for children and the international community, not only offers the participants a chance to meet other like-minded people of their own age but also gives them the perfect platform to develop their love of the game. Indeed, players like Brazilian international Zé Roberto, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Kjetil Rekdal and Henning Berg have all played at the tournament.

Tournament origins
The Norway Cup started back in 1972, when Bækkelagets vice-chairman Fred J Osther, Leif Isdahl, the sports editor at the Oslo newspaper Dagbladets, and a representative from Pepsi, the first sponsor, laid the organisational and financial foundations for the tournament. The response was overwhelming and 430 teams from Norway and Europe accepted the invitations.

Record response
A record number of teams applied for a spot in this year's competition, with 1435 clubs having registered so far, up from 1306 in 2001. Over the 30 years since its inception, the tournament has gained worldwide recognition and a host of familiar faces have been spotted at the Norway Cup over the years, including Pelé, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and former FIFA-presidents Sir Stanley Rous and João Havelange.

United to star
The tournament's opening ceremony takes place at the final of the European Under-19 Championship, giving the Norway Cup participants a chance to see youth football at the highest level. They will also have the opportunity to see former UEFA Champions League winners Manchester United FC, who have agreed to play a friendly match against Vålerenga Fotball on 30 July at Ullevaal stadium - a match which has been sold out for months.   
 
Friendly Ferguson
"There are several reasons why United chose us," said Norway Cup organiser Frode Kyvåg. "They like the scenery around the Norway Cup, manager Sir Alex Ferguson is a big friend of Norway's and besides the club are concerned about helping people.” Indeed, the profit from the tournament will go directly to a number of projects in the developing world.