At Gothia Cup, football is about more than just results – it’s about respect, community, and the joy of playing together across borders. The winners of this year’s Gothia Cup Fair Play Trophy are Partille IF Boys 17, Josh Evans Soccer School Boys 12, Täby FK Girls 15 and U.D. Chile G15.
Each year, we celebrate teams who show what true sportsmanship looks like, both on and off the field. This year, we received many inspiring nominations, and it’s clear that the spirit of fair play is alive and well. Out of all these strong candidates, four teams stood out for their actions, their attitudes, and the values they represent.
We are proud to present the Fair Play Trophy, in association with Länsförsäkringar Göteborg och Bohuslän to four exceptional teams who remind us what Gothia Cup is really about:
Josh Evans Soccer School Boys 12
Among the many inspiring stories, Josh Evans Soccer School Boys 12 stood out. After taking a clear lead early in their match, the coaches made the decision to slow the game down by asking their players to complete 30 passes before attempting to score again. It was a thoughtful act that ensured both teams could continue the game with dignity.
Their sportsmanship didn’t stop there – when an opposing player fell and lost his glasses, a Josh Evans player gave up a chance to score in order to help him. It’s small actions like these that leave a lasting impact, and we are proud to honor Josh Evans Soccer School as one of this year’s Fair Play Award winners.
Partille IF Boys 17
One of the stories that stood out came from Partille IF. During a challenging match against Manchester, the team faced inappropriate comments from some opposing supporters. Despite the provocation, the players remained calm and composed throughout the game.
In particular, their goalkeeper showed outstanding character. After the match, he personally walked up to each Manchester player to congratulate them on their victory – a powerful gesture of respect and maturity. Throughout the game, he encouraged his teammates, lifting their spirits and leading by example.
For showing grace under pressure and inspiring leadership, we are proud to name Partille IF as one of this year’s Fair Play Award winners.
Täby FK Girls 15
Täby FK Girls 15 received a nomination that truly captured the spirit of fair play. Despite winning their match by a large margin, the team showed deep respect for their opponents.
After the final whistle, they encouraged the crowd to stand and applaud the other team – a moving gesture that reminded everyone what football is really about. They embraced their opponents and demonstrated that the game is not just about results, but about unity, empathy, and shared passion.
For this, Täby FK are well deserving of a Fair Play Award.
U.D. Chile Girls 15
U.D. Chile Girls 15 have impressed not only on the pitch, but everywhere they’ve gone during the tournament. Whether it’s at their school accommodation or walking through the arenas, these players consistently show kindness, respect, and a positive spirit. They greet people, take care of their surroundings, and represent their team and country with pride.
Fair play goes beyond what happens during the match – it’s about how we treat each other in every moment. U.D. Chile G15 are a shining example of that, and we are proud to recognize them as one of this year’s Fair Play Award winners.
Gothia Cup is the world’s largest and most international youth football tournament. Each year, around 1900 teams from 75 nations take part and play almost 5000 games on 140 pitches. Gothia Cup is a meeting place for the world’s youth, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or nationality, with football as the common denominator.