The Gothia cup is a week-long event.

Group games consist of one game each day on: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Depending on finishing position in the group stage, teams will enter a A or B draw for the knockout stage (Gold or Silver).
Knockout games are on Thursday and Friday. There may be 2 games on one day, we won’t find this out until the draws happen.

Format

Our B12 side will play 40-minute games, separated by 2*20minute halves, in a 7-a-side format using a size 4 ball.
B12 players are those born in 2013 or later.
There is no offside rule in 7-a-side. The only change in rules is that the goalkeeper can kick OR throw the ball when it is a goal kick.

Our B13 side will play 40-minute games, separated by 2*20 minute halves in a 9-a-side format using a size 4 ball.
B13 players are those born in 2012 or later.
The offside rule DOES apply to 9-a-side.

Number of Players & Substitutes

Despite NO limit to the number of players a team can have, we’re keeping our team numbers to a minimum to maximise playing time. Substitutes are rolling and can be done without stopping the match.

Proof of age

ALL teams will submit a list of players to the Gothia Cup administration. Players will be in attendance when this is carried out, with proof of age (ID document, or Passport must be provided). If age control can not verify a player’s age, they may be excluded from the tournament.

Pitches

The Gothia Cup hosts the tournament across many different areas and pitches, pitches are either grass or artificial turf.
We will be in Sweden during the summer months; a day or two of rain is to be expected, however, the grass will generally be in good condition. Be sure to pack appropriate footwear.

Fixtures & Standings

All fixtures, results, and standings will be posted live on the official Gothia App. Fixtures will be released closer to the tournament start date.
For parents, friends, and family at home – you can purchase a Gothia Cup streaming video pass where you can watch some of our games (if they are chosen to be broadcast).

Flights

After discussions, parents expressed their preference to fly with their child. This means, on this occasion REPs Football will not be organising flights. However, we know that not all parents can travel to Sweden so if you would like your child to travel with our staff, please let us know as soon as possible. 

The closest airport to the tournament is Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport.

Direct flights from the UK can be made from the following airports:

• London Heathrow Airport
• London Stansted Airport
• London Gatwick Airport
• Manchester Airport
• Edinburgh Airport

Alternatively, flying to Copenhagen, Denmark is a more cost-efficient route. You can then travel by direct train from Copenhagen Airport to Gothenburg which leaves every hour. 

Documents

We will provide a document checklist after registration, this will be available on our Useful Downloads page.

Passport requirements are as follows: 

• Be less than 10 years old when your child travel – check the date of issue  
• Valid for a minimum of 3 months – check the expiry date 

GHIC 

A GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) allows holders access to state-provided emergency healthcare for free or reduced cost.  

Apply for a GHIC which is free of charge on the NHS website [Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) – NHS]. 

Travel Insurance 

We would ask parents to arrange their own insurance for their child participating in the Gothia Cup, ideally in effect prior to the final payment date. It is the parents’ responsibility to choose a suitable policy and to ensure sports liability is included to cover for accidents or injuries that may occur.

Further information is available on the GOV website [Foreign travel insurance – GOV.UK].

Travel Money

Gothenburg, like much of Sweden, is becoming increasingly cashless. It is a good idea for players to bring some cash (Swedish Krona) for small purchases, however, it is essential to provide them with a reliable payment method for larger expenses.

A few child-friendly banking options available are:

• GoHenry
• Revolut
• Greenlight
• Starling Kite
• nimbl

Accommodation 

We will stay at Good Morning+ Göteborg City, a 3* floating hotel. This boat hotel is docked in the city centre, overlooking the Göta River – a truly unique stay. The hotel is conveniently located next to the Gothenburg Central Station, and the Nordstan Shopping centre which boasts great shopping, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel is cashless, which means all purchases inside the hotel must be done via bank card or contactless payment.
Players will be in a standard twin room with its private bathroom, shared with one other child. 

Food

Breakfast will be provided by the hotel offering buffet, continental, and vegetarian options. 

Lunch and dinner will be available at one of the many school cafeterias around Gothenburg. We encourage a team dinner at a local restaurant with coaches, players, and parents so the team can come together, build bonds, relax, and enjoy an evening.

What will the week look like in Gothenberg?

Players will arrive on the 12th or 13th of July. Check-in times will be throughout the day on the 13th at the Hotel. These will be arranged closer to the date.

The first games are on Monday 14th July. We won’t know the exact time or location until a few weeks before the Gothia Cup. Below is an example of what the week will look like:

Activity

There are various of activities for both parents and players to take part in:

• Beach Volleyball
• Liseberg Amusement Park
• The Universeum Science Centre 
• Sightseeing on the boat Paddan

Team Dinner

We would like for parents to join their children’s team for a dinner during their time in Gothenburg. The options are endless but here’s a few that we’ve experienced!

• Butcher’s Market
• Deg
• Salogen in Skeppet
• Moreno Pizza
• Boulebar Roselund
• Brunchoteket

Live Updates

We recommend downloading the Gothia Cup App where you can keep up with fixtures, live match streaming, match locations and other updates.

Our coaches will ensure parents are in the teams’ WhatsApp groupchat providing regular updates of the team’s schedule including Gothia Cup Group Games, training sessions, and team activities.

Gothenburg Stay

Gothia Cup allows parents and supporters to book a hotel through them. All room bookings include a complimentary Gothia Cup Card. These hotels are ideally located for travelling to matches and to connect with fellow parents.

If parents prefer to book their own accommodation, the Gothia Cup Card and Opening Ceremony ticket can be purchased separately.

Transport

Travel for free on public transport with your Gothia Card. All match locations are accessible by public transport. Download the Västtrafik’s app ToGo to find the travel route or visit Västtrafik: public transport.

Gothia Cup’s own bus service, Gothia Line, runs on busy routes, offering convenient transport to and from various tournament venues.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony is the week’s major gathering. A two-hour long show with music, dancing, fireworks, and a presentation of all participating nations. It is a spectacular event, likened to the Olympic ceremony, filled with a crowd of 50,000 people.

Gothia Card

The Gothia Card includes a physical ticket to the Opening Ceremony. If you would like to place an order for a Gothia Card, please email us at gothia@repsfootball.com before 31st March 2025 to be able to sit with the team. These costs 50EUR. Alternatively, parents are able to purchase a Gothia Card during the tournament at the Information desk at the Heden Center. Please note that tickets are limited and seat allocations are random.

Match Days

Parents will be informed of fixtures by their child’s Lead Coach. The Gothia Cup App allows parent to have access to full details on matches, results, location, etc.

The match schedule will be announced by Gothia Cup at the end of June.
Despite the excellent public transportation available in Gothenburg, we do advise that parents and supporters aim to arrive 15minutes before kick-off. Gothenburg is extremely busy at this time of year.