The Bendigo Colts United team has put in a lot of time preparing for the tournament which kicks off this Sunday after the opening ceremony at the Australian Institute of Sport.

More than 220 teams will compete in age groups from under-10 to under-18 at the five-day tournament.

Colts United’s representative line-up was selected from the club’s under-10 teams that compete in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League competition.The team is coached by Bill Ross, with Greg Payne the assistant coach.

David Field is the team manager.

Now in its 18th year, the McDonald’s Kanga Cup is the largest soccer tournament of its kind in the southern hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world.

The Strathfieldsaye-based Colts United Soccer Club is fielding 24 teams in this year’s BASL action, either championship or non-championship matches.

Colts United Soccer Club spokesman Heather Beever said the Kanga Cup tournament would be a tremendous learning experience for the boys and girls in the team.

"The team is looking forward to playing up an age bracket and for the many challenges they will face in every match.

"The main goal is that the team has fun and a memorable competition."

One of many awards judged at the tournament is the `Fair Play’ trophy, which is not just about the players, but also spectators at a tournament aimed to unite the world through football.