Cartagena hosts youth football cup with 5,000 players

Cartagena hosted the 33rd edition of the Regional Youth Football League Cup at various fields in the city, as well as in La Unión and Torre Pacheco. The tournament, which has now been established as one of the most important spring sporting events in the region, has brought together close to 5,000 young and passionate footballers, in both male and female categories.

A successful event, bringing together young athletes in the hub of Cartagena

The event, organised by the Cartagena City Council in collaboration with other institutions and entities, has brought together sports schools, clubs, and families in this exciting, fun, and vibrant sporting event on the Costa Calida. On Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11, dozens of teams competed at the different venues across the area.

In total, the competition featured 13 categories, ranging from beginner levels to Under-14 and Under-16 categories. The tournament also included Under-14 and Under-18 for the girls’ categories, reflecting a growing support for women’s football and a greater interest in female sports participation from the children. 

The matches were held simultaneously on more than a dozen municipal pitches, marking the tournament as a major sporting event in Cartagena. Among some of the values highlighted during the event for the children was teamwork, respect, and camaraderie.

The event also generated a significant social and economic impact on Cartagena; the arrival of players, coaches and their families generated income for sectors including hospitality and commerce, and reinforced Cartagena’s position as a leader in grassroots football.

Sports on the Costa Calida

When it comes to sporting events, the Costa Calida has already showcased the ability to host major tournaments. The Mar Menor, for instance, one of Europe’s most important lagoons, is gearing up for the final and main event of a recent string of international regatta competitions, the ILCA 4 European Championship.

Among other sporting events that have attracted international visitors in the region are a dressage competition, which Murcia has hosted for the first time; beach football, for which Mazarron recently hosted a tournament; and motorcycling, which is increasingly popular in the Region of Murcia.