South Africa’s Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (WCCPF) today announced in a news statement its plans to supply more than 2,000 oranges to this year’s US Youth Soccer National Championships tournament in a move which will mark the first time South African citrus is available on the national soccer stage.
“Summer citrus is the perfect half time thirst quenching energizing snack for soccer players and we are delighted to have the exclusive opportunity to provide the top youth players in the country with South African oranges,” said Piet Smit, managing director of the WCCPF.
As well as providing fruit to the players, the WCCPF will offer nearly 10,000 additional oranges to spectators at the event which will be held at Citizens Bank Fields at Progin Park in Lancaster, Ma. on 22-26 July.
The top 60 qualifying teams from throughout the country will compete for age group honors and the WCCPF will supply oranges on a daily basis to all participating teams.
“These are the best youth teams in the nation,” added Mr Smit, “and it is only fitting that they have access to among the best citrus in the world. South African summer citrus is known for its flavor, lack of seeds and ease of peeling, and has gained enormous popularity among local retailers, who have come to rely on the increasing availability of our products.”
The fruit available during the tournament will be supplied by the Cederberg Valley region between the towns of Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, about two hours northwest of Cape Town.
