The Kanga Cup has become an integral part of Canberra’s sports calendar. Photo: File.
It is hard to comprehend the organisation that goes into an operation as substantial as the Kanga Cup which is taking place across Canberra this week.
To put it into context, it’s the biggest international youth soccer tournament in the southern hemisphere with more than 1000 matches played over five days.
Originally the numbers were going to be capped at 324 teams before being expanded to include late entries.
At one stage it looked as though up to 366 teams would be taking part before the numbers were finalised on Monday at 355, with players and their families from across Australia and overseas converging on Canberra.
They are impressive numbers when you consider this year there are no under 17 or 18 age groups. Instead, the focus is on under 9s to 16s.
Having coached teams in the Cup and worked for Capital Football in an advisor role for a couple of years, I am well aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes to get this huge event off the ground.
The Kanga Cup brings so many people to the ACT. Photo: File.
The management of facilities has been a logistical challenge this week with wet weather forcing a reallocation. A major operation over the weekend was the movement of goals from one ground to another, with the goals loaded onto trucks to relocate them.
Beyond the allocation of playing grounds, accommodation needs to be considered, along with transportation logistics.
Options also need to be available for those seeking activities during the down time.
There’s also the demand on referees for each and every game played. In the lead up to the tournament, a number have been undergoing training with the Kanga Cup Referee Youth Academy.
In many cases individuals are refereeing up to three games a day.
The numbers alone are impressive.
And that doesn’t take into account external issues such as player and spectator behaviour, which I have seen at both its best and worst over the years.
A warning has been issued to attendees about parking inspectors along with organisers pleading with people not to bring dogs to games.
It has become an iconic Canberra event in the same vein as Floriade and it takes place at a traditionally quiet time of the year in the middle of winter.
The Kanga Cup volunteers and organisers – those who have spent many a sleepless hour putting this event together – need to be congratulated.
Not too long ago the event was in danger of moving to another city before Canberra rallied to keep it in the nation’s capital.
There have also been concerns about the cost to Capital Football to stage the event with the hiring of grounds posing a major cost.
The event receives government funding from the tourism bucket but my feeling has always been that the impact is underestimated by the ACT Government.
It needs to be looked upon as an event with the ability to attract more than bed-nights and dining. Its positive impact is comprehensive. It brings so many people to the ACT not only to play football, but to enjoy all that the City has to offer.
