NU World Cup plans to organize the largest student-run soccer tournament on campus after its 2020 Italy tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.

The group was formed in 2009 when the International Student Association hosted the first annual tournament on campus. It’s currently recruiting new members and planning virtual events for the Fall Quarter, Communication junior and NU World Cup treasurer Brandon Kyung said.

“We’re planning on hosting virtual events, but we’re still working out the details and logistics right now,” Kyung said. “We’re looking to utilize FIFA tournaments, something that can connect people in different time zones.”

In a typical fall quarter, NU World Cup hosts a 5v5 “Wicked Cup” soccer tournament on Lakeside Field, as well as a meet-up event with the club’s partner philanthropy, Gonzo Soccer.

Both fall events have been canceled, but the club is moving ahead to prepare for the large spring tournament and other Winter and Spring Quarter events on the presumption that all students will be able to return to campus in January.

The student group is looking for new members in all committees on their executive board, including positions for tech, events, community outreach and more. And despite the challenges of recruiting on a fully virtual campus, Kyung says it has found ways to reach a substantial number of people.

The club has had a lot of virtual interaction with students, particularly freshmen, through Wildcat Connection, ISA and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Kyung said.

“We’ve set up some chats and info sessions directly to freshmen students that are not in Evanston, and have been able to connect with a decent number of freshmen through those avenues,” Kyung said.

Karan Gowda, Weinberg junior and NU World Cup co-chair of events and programming, said the club’s executive board chooses a country to be the theme of the spring tournament. Prior to the tournament, they hold an event open to the student body to celebrate the culture of the country chosen and bring people together.

“Last year we had picked Italy but weren’t able to do it, but the year before was Nigeria,” Gowda said. “There was a cultural event out in Deering Meadow. We had food and there was Nigerian rapper performing…. There was pickup soccer and other stuff going on in the area.”

All of the proceeds from the spring tournament will go towards Gonzo Soccer, an organization that uses soccer as a tool to empower girls allowing them to reach their full potential.

NU World Cup looks to make a positive impact on the community — and this year is no different, Medill junior and NU World Cup games and logistics chair Carson Burton said.

Kyung believes there is a space for all students within NU World Cup and urges them to reach out about getting involved.

“We have people who are great at soccer. We have people who are terrible. Love or hate it, doesn’t matter,” Kyung said. “This is more than just about the sport. It’s about community, so it’s really a place for everyone.”

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