A crowd of around 12,000 packed into Stage 88 at Commonwealth Park in Canberra to witness the official opening of the 2016 NSR Kanga Cup. A record number of 380 teams from 121 clubs have entered the 26th edition of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest and best Youth International Football Tournament and the colour was evident in the team’s attendance.

Following a wonderful opening to the event from Drum Assault, keeping the spectators happy whilst the thousands of participants marshalled for the traditional walk-past, MC Briony Ingerson kicked off proceedings by welcoming the assembled guests to the venue, which is home to the iconic Floraide each year.

The annual march past allowed each team to add their own flavour to the event with a number of entrants bringing superb banners to highlight their club and enjoying high-fives and hugs from Jack and Jill, the Official mascots of the NSR Kanga Cup who were on stage throughout this iconic and memorable moment.

“The Opening Ceremony was a wonderful way to kick-off the 2016 NSR Kanga Cup,” Tournament Director Michael Kelly commented. “The march past was greeted enthusiastically by the participants and we witnessed a sea of colour at Stage 88. The Kanga Cup Organising Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their assistance in making the event a memorable one and specifically thank our MC Briony Ingerson for a splendid job.”

With Capital Football Chair, Mark O’Neill and Minister for Sport, Yvette Berry, also speaking, the former officially opening the competition and the Canberra Brass Band treating the crowd to some spectacular show tunes, the event hit all the right notes.

Off stage the festival hub provided a number of food and drink options whilst the Central Coast Mariners, who will have a presence at the event throughout the week, were in attendance with their merchandise range. Matches in the 2016 NSR Kanga Cup kicked-off this morning at eight venues around Canberra.