NOMINATIONS for the 2025 Rale Rasic Mini World Cup football tournament at Inverell is nearing 50 team entries from across Australia, including regional teams from Moree, Tamworth, Glen Innes and Armidale.

This year marks the 15th instalment of the event, to be held October 2-5 at the Inverell Sports Complex.

The tournament draws players from across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria and transforms Inverell into a hub of football talent and excitement each year.

Already, 48 teams have registered for the 2025 tournament and director Heinrich Haussler says the event will bring hundreds of visitors to Inverell, injecting plenty of dollars into accommodation venues, restaurants and shops.

In a new initiative, individual players without a team are now being invited to sign up and be considered for an All-Star team, giving more young footballers access to this rare opportunity.

At the heart of the event is a once-in-a-lifetime prize: a fully-funded football tour to Germany, including training and match experiences at elite German clubs.

The tour is highlighted by a coaching stint at Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s top football academies.

A world-class selection panel will choose the stand-out players from the tournament for the German tour.

The panel includes A-League coach Mike Mulvey, German Bundesliga coach Jens Kiefer, former German national team player Petra Hauser and player agent with international connections, Joerg Schemberg.

Entries for the 2025 Rale Rasic Mini World Cup football tournament at Inverell is pushing past 50 team from across Australia (Image: K Burns).

Tournament director Heinrich Haussler said the event is a source of pride for Inverell.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 15 years of the Mini World Cup,” Hauser said.

“The pathway it offers young players is unmatched, and we’re proud to give them the opportunity not only to showcase their skills, but to chase their football dreams.”

With interest surging, players, coaches and clubs are encouraged to register now to avoid missing out.

“We’re especially proud to be giving kids from all backgrounds a chance to be seen by elite selectors and possibly launch their football journey on the world stage,” Hauser said.

Individual players eager to be involved are encouraged to contact Heinrich Haussler on 0427 210359.