In an international soccer rematch of the 1994 World Cup game between the United States and Colombian men's national men's teams, the under 11 girl's Estrellas representing Colombia will travel to Southern California to take on the United States, which will be represented by the under 11 Southern California Blues.

Both girls U11 teams, administrators, and fans will take part in the "KIDS KUP",an International Youth Soccer Exchange and Festival on Sunday, July 14, 1996. The festival and game will get underway at the Occidental College Stadium in Pasadena with festivities beginning at 12:00 pm, and game time scheduled for 3:15 pm. Occidental College is at 1600 Campus Road, 2 Fwy, Verdugo Road, Eagle Rock Boulevard.

Playing at the event will be Latin Jazz Headliners Justo Almario and Costazul orchestra. There will be a Regional Food Festival for all to enjoy. The party starts with childrens contests at 12:00 pm. The musical celebration will begin at 1:00 until just before game time. Special introductions of the teams and officials will start at 2:45 and kickoff for the long awaited match is again at 3:15 with music resuming at the conclusion of the game.

The importance of this event goes way beyond soccer competition for these young ladies. On July 10 the Blues will hold a soccer clinic for both teams at 3:30 pm at their home fields, Rancho Capistrano. That evening the Blues girls and families will open their homes to their Colombian opponents so that these special soccer players can get a taste of american family life. The next morning the girls will wake up early and have scheduled a trip for both teams to Disneyland along with other activities. The hope is that through this friendly exchange in soccer, these young girls learn about each other and develop an international understanding and friendships.

When asked about the planned trip by the Colombian girl's, Rebecca Mildrew (Blues U12) said "I want the girls to come over, because it will be a neat experience playing them, and it would be nice to find out how they play. It would also be nice to become friends with them and stay in touch. I hope one day we will be able to return the trip to Colombia, it would be quite an adventure to learn what life is like over there."

This trip is being planned and set up by attorneys Richard and Maria Hamar of Beverly Hills along with the help of several prominent Colombian dignitaries. The Hamars have taken a strong interest in the growth of girl's soccer in Colombia including the establishment of the country's first ever girl's league and national championship tournament which drew over 5,000 spectators. There are plans in the works to schedule a return trip for the Blues girls sometime in November.

Several generous sponsors have also signed onto the project including Mexicana Airlines who agreed to fly the Colombian girls round trip free of charge. Regardless of the generosity of all those involved there will still be costs for implementing a project of this magnitude. If anyone is interested in offering financial or advertising assistance it will be welcomed and worth while indeed. Please contact Hamar & Hamar at (310) 550-0460 with any project inquiries.