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The Queenstown AFC under-15 boys football team made history in the resort last weekend, becoming the inaugural winners of the Global Games Queenstown International Cup.
The side was one of 67 junior teams from across New Zealand, and the world, who participated in the event, focused on football, connection and community.
The award was given to the team, across all age groups, who demonstrated outstanding performance, sportsmanship and overall excellence — the Queenstown AFC U15s were unbeaten, while also scoring highly in sportsmanship points.
The Wānaka FC U12s won the ‘best and fairest’ award, for consistently upholding fairness, respect and positive conduct, while the New Caledonia U11s won the ‘spirit of football’ award, for embodying the core values of football, including teamwork, respect and fair play.
Global Games founder Tyrone Campbell says, for a first-year event, he couldn’t be happier with how the weekend played out — despite some challenging weather conditions.
"The feedback has been incredibly positive and, most importantly, the kids had a great experience.
"That’s what it’s all about."
Peter Hill, from Roslyn Wakari AFC, one of NZ’s oldest football clubs, says they’ve entered many events as a club, but the culture "felt different" at this one.
"The games are competitive, and everyone wants to do well, but that’s not the only focus.
"Having a buddy team and points for on- and off-field behaviour really helps promote what it’s all about."
A unique feature of last weekend’s tournament was the inclusion of international referees sourced from Queenstown’s travelling community, with officials from France, England and South America helping deliver the matches.
