NEWS

In addition to the HİF Centers and Football Villages, another organized event, Mini Mini Football Festivals, is also focused on encouraging children to become involved in sports.  These festivals were brought to life for the first time in 2007, in Ankara. That year the event attracted 63 teams from 39 provinces – a total of 1,200 mini-footballers.  In 2008, the event was held in Istanbul and was expanded to include 206 teams and more than 3,000 players between the ages of 8 and 10.  An even greater number of children participated in 2009.  The event held in Istanbul included 210 teams and nearly 4,000 young players. The Mini Mini Football Festivals became even more colorful and enjoyable with the participation in 2009 of 16 girls’ teams and 226 teams altogether.  The 2010 Mini Mini Football Festivals held in 62 provinces were organized for 9 – 10 year-olds and 10 – 11 year-olds 1,500 teams made up of nearly 20,000 players enjoyed the festivals.  Each team was guaranteed at least 6 games. The matches were based on a single elimination format and Ülker supported HIF referees officiated at the games.