2024 Incheon UTD Academy Soccer Festival

Incheon: The Origin of Soccer in Korea

Welcome and thank you to all the youth soccer teams and their parents 

who attended the Incheon United Academy Soccer Festival today. 

Your love for soccer and Incheon is truly appreciated. Let’s continue with this spirit and passion.

As the owner of the club and the mayor of Incheon, it is important to recognize 

that the first soccer match in Korea took place in Incheon. 

In 1883, when Incheon opened its port, foreigners played soccer here for the first time, 

and there is a record of them giving the ball used in that game to children as a gift. 

Therefore, Incheon is the origin of soccer in Korea.

 It’s valuable to learn and appreciatew this historical fact.

You Are the Future

Grow into Outstanding Soccer Players and Respectable Adults

Incheon United will uphold its tradition of excellence and pave the way for a bright future. 

We have notable soccer players from Incheon, 

such as national team members Lee Kang-in and Jeong Woo-yeong; 

the future looks bright. I do believe that you are the future!

When I arrived here, I heard a mother call her child “Son Heung-min.” 

So, her son came over, and to her, he was Son Heung-min. 

In the future, you can become like Son Heung-min or Lee Kang-in. 

We have this saying, “We can do it,” right? When I say, “We can do it,” let’s say it together. 

Raise your right hand and say, “I can do it!” “I can do it!” “I can do it!”

I hope you become people who truly love soccer and Incheon. 

I loved soccer when I was in elementary school and still do. 

We all share this love for soccer and Incheon.

I wish Incheon United greater success and development. 

I hope you all enjoy the festival safely and without any injuries. 

Grow into excellent soccer players and future leaders. Congratulations.