Te Ao Māori

Whangarei welcomes Myanmar, USA

07:31 am on 28 May 2015

Whangarei is celebrating the presence of two of the world's best young soccer teams as they train for their first game on Saturday.

The city is hosting FIFA under-20 World Cup teams from the USA and Myanmar.

The Myanmar team performs its greatest hit- in response to waiata of welcome. Photo: Diane Stoppard

Players and coaches were welcomed this week with pōwhiri, taonga and a feast at Whangarei's Te-renga Pa-raoa marae.

Mayor, Sheryl Mai, said it was a privilege to have them in the city.

"It's huge for us, we've been building up the infrastructure to be able to host international games by bringing the third-largest event in the world - FIFA under- 20 World Cup - to our shores, this is just incredible.

"For Whangarei to share in that with four games, we're just thrilled."

Sheryl Mai greets a member of the USA entourage. Photo: Diane Stoppard