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Wolverhampton Olympic Wanderers under-14s are dreaming of a trip to Sweden for the 2026 Gothia Cup, the world's largest youth football tournament. It has been held annually in Gothenburg since 1975, hosting nearly 2,000 teams from more than 70 nations. The grassroots team already punch above their weight in the Midlands Junior Premier League, regularly pitting themselves against semi-professional football club academies from across the Midlands, and are now hoping to challenge themselves on the world stage. A GoFundMe page has been set up by head-fundraiser Michelle Watts, a parent of one of the players, which the team hope will help towards the total fundraising target of £7,000 to help the families cover the costs for the week-long tournament. The individual costs per player will be well in excess of £1,500, a figure the club hope to lower as much as possible through various fundraising schemes. "We're reaching out to share the exciting journey our team is on — and to ask for the community’s support in helping our boys achieve something truly special," Michelle said. "After an incredible season, our team has the amazing opportunity to represent Wolverhampton at the Gothia Cup. "As a parent, I’ve seen first-hand just how much commitment these boys put into the sport, and how tirelessly the coaches support and push them to be their best. "This chance to fly out and compete internationally is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and one the entire team is incredibly excited about." To help fund the trip, Wanderers are running several fundraising activities, including three seasonal raffles, bucket collections and a sponsored team hike as well as the GoFundMe page. They are also welcoming sponsorship from local businesses, and already have five on board. All funds raised will go towards travel costs, accommodation, kits, equipment, and tournament fees, as the club hope to "help make this unforgettable experience possible for every player, regardless of financial background". "As a grassroots club, we rely on community support to make this dream possible," Michelle added. "Every donation, big or small, helps bring these young players one step closer to an unforgettable experience." Manager Amo Kalirai, who hopes to lead Wanderers to Sweden along with coaches Damian O'Connor and David McSween, said: "I must give a huge thank you to the local firms that have all supported the fundraiser: Leavier UK Ltd, Morris Read and Co Solicitors, Portland Opticians, Tomkinson Teal Chartered Accountants, Helping Hands Tuition and ASK The Mortgage Experts. "The Gothia Cup is more than just a football tournament; it’s an experience that will live in the memories of our players for the rest of their lives. "Thousands of players, coaches, families, and supporters from every corner of the globe come together to share the same dream, and that's certainly our dream for 2026." Several famous footballers, including Zlatan Ibrahimović, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, and Alan Shearer, played in the Gothia Cup as youth players, with Brazilian icon Kaka's son among the thousands of hopeful future footballers to feature there last year. The Gothia Cup is an invite-only tournament, with Olympic receiving their invite from Schulz Coaching. More fundraising information can be found through the Wolverhampton Olympic Wanderers under-14s Facebook page.
