Footy fever showcased in Whangarei

Myanmar football players Yan Naing Oo (left), Nan Wai Min, Wai Lin Aung and Kyaw Min Oo -- the team was the first to arrive in Whangarei ahead of the Fifa Under-20 World Cup this weekend. Photo / John Stone

The city is gearing up for the Fifa Under-20 Football World Cup with the USA and Myanmar teams already in the city and warming up ahead of kick off at the Northland Events Centre.

The Myanmar team arrived on Monday, just days before they play the USA side on Saturday and found the winterless North a little chilly -- compared with the balmy mid-30Cs of their home country.

On Tuesday, both teams were welcomed to Whangarei on the Terenga Paraoa Marae, in Whangarei's Porowini Ave.

Fifa Under-20 regional events and marketing manager Mel Miller said the 8000 seats at Toll Stadium were about half sold ahead of the three pool matches. About three-quarters were sold ahead of the round of 16 games on June 11.

Myanmar Football Federation director Soe Moe Kyaw said the colder weather might be a problem for the team this weekend, as they kicked off training in Whangarei in temperatures of about 13C, with a 40-knot southerly.

In Myanmar, football was the first, second and third most popular sport, Mr Kyaw said.

Fifa Under-20 competition co-ordinator Eric Wu said it was a great opportunity to show off Whangarei on an international stage.

Whangarei District Council economic development manager Pete Gleeson said the games in Whangarei could be broadcast to millions across the world.

The Ukraine, Fiji and Uzbekistan teams would arrive a couple of days before their matches.

Tournament mascot Wooliam was in Whangarei too to help Whangarei District Council contractors Coastline Markers with the job of spray painting orange footballs leading the way to the stadium.

Businesses and schools are showing support for the tournament, with more than 2000 Whangarei school students to attend the Myanmar versus Ukraine match on June 2.

The council is also hosting the Long Brunch on Saturday before the first match at 4pm.

The brunch will include contestants from TV show My Kitchen Rules (including former Whangarei man Aaron Gascoigne) cooking food from each of the countries playing matches in Whangarei. Entertainment on the day will include Brazilian dancers, street performers and drummers.

A "Fever Pitch" fan zone will be stationed in Cameron St Mall until June 11, selling merchandise and match tickets, and giving out information about the tournament, and Whangarei. Tickets are also available from the Ticketek website.

Meanwhile, Sport Northland's Colleen Atchison, who is co-ordinating the 200 World Cup volunteers, said Whangarei was the first host city to fulfil its volunteer roster ahead of the cut-off date.

Businesses are also being encouraged to deck out their shop fronts and windows in the official colours of purple and orange. Two prizes of $500 will be awarded by the Whangarei District Council for the best-dressed businesses -- one for a business with a window visible at street level, and another for a business more tucked away. To register your business, email mel@fifau20.co.nz.