Santiago, July 9, 2015: The launch of Brochico, the mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015, and the tournament’s official anthem, took place at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Thursday, 9 July. Brochico, a young boy who represents both his country and its young players who will take part in the competition, will be the face of the tournament to be held between 17 October and 8 November this year.
The mascot’s name is a derivative of cabro chico, local slang for “little kid”, a nickname given to him by the older children he plays football with in neighbourhood pichangas (kick-abouts). Brochico, who is good with his feet, started out as a striker and has always wanted to be involved in football.
His maths skills improved when he started to study league tables and teams’ average points and his travels along the length and breadth of Chile allowed him to improve his history and geography, but of course his favourite subject in school is physical education!
“Brochico is a mascot, a boy who really represents Chile, the host nation. His charisma is infectious and we are sure that he will have many fans and play an important role in making the tournament appeal to everyone,” said Thierry Weil, Marketing Director of FIFA.
The launch event, which was conducted by the Deputy Minister for Sport, Nicole Saez, the Governor of Santiago Metropolitan Region, Claudio Orrego and the Executive Director of the Local Organising Committee, Carlos Honorato, was also attended by Leopoldo Méndez, better known as DJ Méndez, the singer chosen to compose the official anthem for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.
“We just experienced an incredible Copa America, taking games of top level national teams to different regions of our country,” said the Minister for Sport, Nicole Sáez. “Following the same line, we want this U-17 World Cup to be accessible to everyone, because it’s the event of a country that has the promotion of the sport throught the whole nation as one of their main goals.”
Some of La Roja’s most well-known players from youth and senior FIFA competitions, as well as respected coaches, were also present at the event. Enthusiastic young Chilean players who are currently in preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup joined the guests.
“We are very happy that finally all the country can meet Brochico, who will be a key pillar to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015,” said the Executive Director of the Local Organising Committee, Carlos Honorato. “Brochico represents millions of children that dream to live a World Cup. His arrival, together with the official song of the tournament, composed and interpreted by DJ Méndez, mark a milestone for us.”
The event also saw the stands of the Estadio Nacional filled with excited children, who enjoyed seeing the many famous sportsmen present as well as Brochico and DJ Méndez, who played some of his biggest hits.
As the face of the tournament, Brochico will shortly begin a tour of host venues for the FIFA U-17 World Cup along with universities, sports clubs, schools and foundations. —- FIFA
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