FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP CHILE 2015 | Page 9

Welcome Sunil Gulati Presidente de la Comisión Organizadora de la Copa Mundial Sub-17 de la FIFA. Chairman of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup T his tournament is a big stepping-stone for the footballing talent of the future. It is the world’s top football tournament for this age category, and the stage is set for Chile’s eight host cities to showcase everything that this beautiful nation has to offer. The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a crucial platform for football development, offering young players a unique platform to display their ability and passion for the game. We will have a truly international event in ten weeks’ time, bringing together 24 national youth teams from all continents for a veritable festival of footballing talent. Del Piero, Buffon, Casillas, Kroos, Figo, Neymar and James Rodriguez are just some of the big stars that have learned the ropes of international football competitions through the FIFA U-17 World Cup. At FIFA, it is our duty to develop the game of football in the four corners of the world. This will be the fourth FIFA tournament being organised in Chile, and we are proud of the positive impact this sustained support has had on Chilean football. We hope it will continue to propel football forward in this country and throughout South America, inspiring even more young people, girls and boys alike, to the world’s most popular sport. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to all those involved in the organisation of this event, especially to the Local Organising Committee. A special mention goes to our official commercial partners and suppliers, whose active support is a key element in the development and promotion of our wonderful sport, as well as to the volunteers, whose contribution is essential in order to make the event a success. On behalf of FIFA, I look forward to welcoming the participating member associations as well as fans, referees and media representatives to Chile, and wish them every success for the tournament. “The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a crucial platform for football development, offering young players a unique platform to display their ability and passion for the game”. Fifa u-17 World Cup 9