Lismore Richmond Rovers will carry the weight of the nation on their shoulders when they compete in the Joeys Mini World Cup at the end of the month.
One of the key features of the tournament is that each team represents a country, and plays under a playing strip for that country.
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The Cup's Nation Draw was held on Wednesday, with the Rovers drawing the home nation.
Other teams competing in the Cup are: Danthonia Inverell Football Club - Brazil, Northern Rivers Football Academy 1 - Holland, Northern Rivers Football Academy 2 - Germany, Toowoomba Grammar - France, and Joeys FC United - England.
Lismore Mayor Krieg welcomed the tournament to Lismore, saying it was a positive event for the community.
"The World Cup most watched event around the globe, we're planning on making this event the second most watched event around the globe," Mr Krieg said.
"We've got to probably start looking more towards the future and looking forward rather than looking behind us now.
"Ready or not, here we come. We've just got to embrace these opportunities when they come now. We've got to start thinking economical development and promoting our city. Stop thinking of ourselves as flood victims so to speak, and we are a regional centre, we've got to get back into that mindset."
He said the tournament concept encouraged players to learn more about the country they are representing.
"Giving kids a country to represent, to research and to learn about is a great initiative. I am sure many of the players will have long lasting connections with the countries that they represent throughout this event," Mr Krieg said.
"I'm really excited that young people are coming to Lismore. We've got it for the next three years, and over next three years we can build on it."
Tournament Director and Founder Heinrich Haussler was also looking forward to holding the event in Lismore.
"I'm very pleased that we could pull it off this year in Lismore, after all Lismore has been through," Mr Haussler said.
The competition would continue grow in coming years, he said, as teams got to experience the facilities on offer in Lismore.
Lismore City Council, in partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW, secured Lismore as the event's host city for the next three years.
during the tournament, games will be played at: Oakes Oval, South Lismore, Richmond Rovers, Goonellabah Football Club, Dunoon, and Hepburn Park Goonellabah.
Mr Krieg said it was hoped both Oakes Oval and Crozier Field will both be open by early next year.
