SWINDON Town Football in the Community Trust youngsters are set to kick-off their Gothia Youth World Cup campaigns in Sweden today.

The girls’ under 12s, under 13s and under 15s are all taking part in the comeptition in Gothenburg, in what is the 40th running of the tournament.

Over 1600 teams from 73 nations from around the world will be involved over the coming week, while the Town girls represented England and flew the flag of St George at the opening ceremony on Friday evening.

The group stages take place between Monday and Wednesday before the knockout format is introduced from Thursday onwards.

Community Trust manager and under 15s coach Clive Maguire said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with and prepare the girls for the tournament, with the excitement and anticipation of the event being so evident amongst all the players. We are so looking forward to competing against foreign opposition and I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves.”

Under 12s player and flag bearer Jasmine Hindon said: “Since finding out we were going to the Gothia Cup back in September we have all worked really hard in training can’t wait.

“I also feel really special that I have been choosen to flag of behalf of Swindon Town FITC and England, and I have made my family really proud.”

Community Trust manager and under 12s coach Jon Holloway said: “The Gothia Cup experience is a unique week in our STFITC annual calendar when these young players will have a shared football and life experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

“This has again been made possible by the generous sponsorship from Intel, Trak, Verelogic, Hills and Castrol, as well as fundraising commitment from parents and players. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking the sponsors and supporters, and we know the players really do appreciate being given this chance.”

You can follow the girls’ Gothia Cup experience at www.gothiacup.se or www.stfitc.co.uk.