PASADENA : 6-Day Disney Youth Soccer Cup Kicks Off on Monday

Just as World Cup ’94 ends, 6,000 athletes from around the world will arrive in Pasadena to play soccer.

Say what?

The Disney International Youth Soccer Cup will draw the amateur players, ages 10 to 19, for a six-day event beginning Monday.

Italy, Brazil, the United States and 13 other countries are sending 6,000 athletes, or 395 teams, to the cup July 18-24. Each team is divided by age and gender, and will have the chance to play at least five games in area fields, with the final games to held at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl.

Athletes, who started arriving last week, will stay with local families or in nearby hotels, said Disney spokesman Rich Bertolucci. “They’ve already set up side games to practice and get used to our climate,” he said.

The event is hosted by the American Youth Soccer Organization, with Disney and other sponsors coordinating the registration and recreational activities. Opening ceremonies, which are free to the public, will be held in Old Pasadena on Monday, with a 7 p.m. parade along Holly Street.