N1 girls’ tournament brings 700 young footballers to Akureyri

Some 700 girls aged nine and 10 from 24 teams across Iceland have travelled to Akureyri for the second N1 girls’ football tournament, mbl.is reports. The tournament began on Friday and runs through Sunday.

The N1 tournament has a longer history than the girls’ event, as the 40th N1 boys’ tournament was held in July. Sævar Pétursson, managing director of Akureyri Football Club, said the girls’ tournament was launched last year in response to demand for events for both boys and girls.

He said the two tournaments are organised in the same way, but that the event is about more than football matches. Participants can go to the cinema and swimming pool, while a concert by Aron Can is also scheduled. Parents and players are welcome to attend the activities.

“It is really about creating different kinds of memories, rather than simply turning up and playing football,” Pétursson said. “After 10 years, many of the children may remember the overnight stay at school or the cinema trip more than the result of a particular football match.”