Asian Cup to have an early test drive

The ACT Government has allocated an extra $26,000 towards volunteer management and upgraded computer systems for the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

More than 3600 junior soccer players from six countries will converge on Canberra from July 8-13.

Canberra has hosted the tournament for the past 20 years, which consists of a massive 650 games spread across eight venues and between 35 to 45 fields.

The tournament's future had been in doubt after Australian Capital Tourism slashed its funding in half over the past three years - from $60,000 in 2009 to its current level of $30,000.

While organisers have had to be more conscious of their spending, Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid said the additional investment from the ACT Government would ensure the tournament would be a success.

''We've had to trim the cloth a little bit to cater because we've got a little less money, but on the other hand the government has also provided us with an extra $26,000, which is going towards volunteer management and IT support,'' she said.

''So while we lost some money from tourism, we picked up some money, so we can input results at the various venues.

''The Kanga Cup will be used this year, but more so in 2013 and 2014, as a little bit of a test event for volunteer management and IT services as we head into the Asian Cup in 2015.''

Canberra will host six games, including a quarter-final, of the 2015 Asian Cup, with matches to be played at Canberra Stadium.

A total of 228 junior teams have nominated for the Kanga Cup - three short of last year's all-time high.

Every state and territory in Australia will be represented, while there will also a large overseas flavour.

New Zealand teams Oakura FC, Three Kings FC and Coastal Spirit FC, Pinoy Football Streetcats from the Philippines, South Korea's Singok PS, Indonesia's Imran Soccer Academy and Estrella Solitaria Batuco from Chile will also be represented at the event.