International Futsal tournament, Hawaii Cup, resumes this weekend
Hawaii International Futsal Cup Expands Its International Reach
The Hawaii International Futsal Cup, an annual tournament celebrating the indoor variant of soccer, has grown to become an international event, attracting teams from across the Pacific region and beyond. This year's edition, taking place on the Big Island of Hawaii from August 15-17, features teams from California, Oregon, and Japan, alongside teams from various Hawaiian Islands.
Futsal, a modified version of soccer played on a hard court about the size of a basketball court, has gained popularity worldwide since its origin in Uruguay in 1930 and its rise in Brazil a decade later. In this compact and fast-paced game, only five players per side compete, using a smaller and heavier ball.
The tournament caters to a range of age groups, including U10, U12, U14, U16, and open adults. The event will commence with an Aloha Ceremony at noon on August 15 at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium in Hilo, followed by a parade of teams carrying their club banners.
The Hawaii International Futsal Cup was created to inspire younger generations, and its expansion reflects this mission. The tournament's roots can be traced back to 2021, when the WeGo! Foundation, in collaboration with local organizations like Hawaii Futsal and Deluz Chevrolet, hosted the first tournament in Kona and Kailua. The event has since grown, with the 2024 tournament moving to Hilo due to the need for larger facilities.
The event this year has seen an increase in participation, with 62 teams competing, up from 30 in 2021. The finals matches will be held on Sunday at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium. In addition to the futsal matches, the event will also feature a pule (Hawaiian prayer) and entertainment.
The WeGo! Foundation, Hawaii Futsal, Deluz Chevrolet, and Dalponte are the main sponsors of the event, supporting the growth of futsal and its role in the development of youth sports in the Oceania and Pacific regions. The tournament is an important platform for promoting the sport and fostering camaraderie among young players from different nations.
[1] Hawaii International Futsal Cup Official Website: https://www.hawaiifutsalcup.com/ [2] Oceania Football Confederation: https://www.ofcfootball.com/ [3] 808Futsal: https://www.808futsal.com/ [4] Aloha Copa Futsal: https://www.alohacopafutsal.com/ [5] Hawaii Tourism Authority: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/
- Despite its origin in South America, the popularity of futsal has extended to the Hawaii International Futsal Cup, with teams now participating from countries like Japan, showcasing the event's growing global reach in the sports realm.
- Alongside the thrilling football action, the Hawaii International Futsal Cup offers a cultural immersion, with traditional Hawaiian events such as the Aloha Ceremony and pule integrated into the tournament's schedule, fostering unity and camaraderie across participating nations.
