The second week of the summer holidays saw Oli travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, to compete in the Gothia World Youth Cup after being selected to represent the Prep Schools Representative Teams.

Following successful performances at trials held last autumn, Oli attended a residential training camp during the Easter holidays before travelling to Sweden, where he joined thousands of young footballers from across the globe for the world’s largest international youth football tournament.

The week began with the spectacular Opening Ceremony at the famous Ullevi Stadium, where more than 50,000 players, coaches, parents and supporters came together to celebrate youth football. The parade of nations, live entertainment and spectacular fireworks created an unforgettable start to an incredible week.

On the pitch, the standard of football was exceptionally high, with the Prep School teams playing against teams from 34 different nations, including many professional academies and some of the strongest youth clubs in Europe and beyond. Every match presented a new challenge, giving Oli the opportunity to test himself against different styles of football while representing both Rokeby and the Prep Schools with pride.

Away from the football, the players enjoyed everything Gothenburg had to offer. Between training sessions and matches, many visited the Heden Centre to watch top-class youth football from around the world, while others found time to experience some of the city’s attractions, including Liseberg Theme Park, beach volleyball, crazy golf, the Science Museum and the beautiful Gothenburg Archipelago.

Perhaps most importantly, the week provided opportunities for the children to develop far beyond football. Living, travelling and competing together helped them grow in confidence, independence and resilience, while forming friendships that will last long after the tournament had finished.

Oli scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists across 5 matches for the U12A Prep Schools Lions, with the team succumbing to a 3 – 2 defeat in the Last 16 knockout stage. Oli captained the team and scored a hat-trick, earning the match ball and man-of-the-match award against Swedish side IFK Aspudden-Tellus in the Group Stages.

The Gothia World Youth Cup was a truly unforgettable experience. Competing against some of the best young players in the world is a rare opportunity, and Oli returned home having developed not only as a footballer but also having developed new friendships from across the world.

Preparations are already underway for next year’s season, with trials for the 2026/7 Prep Schools Representative Teams taking place later this term. Oli has already been selected and invited to represent the U13A Prep Schools Lions at the 2027 Gothia World Youth Cup on the back of his performances at this year’s tournament. We hope more pupils from Rokeby will be nominated and inspired to take part and enjoy the same experience next year.