The Lanzarote International Cup concluded this Sunday after four days of intense competition, transforming the island into a hub for national and international youth football. This year's edition has broken participation records and reinforced its commitment to values such as inclusion, coexistence, and respect.
Over 120 teams competed across the U7, U9, and U11 categories, playing more than 300 matches in twelve sports facilities spread throughout the island. This growth underscores the event's expanding scope year after year.
The competition has seen constant evolution since its inception, attracting clubs from across Spain and several countries. The presence of renowned teams has served as a showcase for numerous Canarian clubs, allowing them to compete against some of the best youth academies.
The participation of hundreds of young footballers once again made Lanzarote a space for sporting coexistence where competitive results shared prominence with cultural exchange and participant experience.
In the U11 Gold Phase category, Sevilla FC emerged as champions, followed by Manchester City and CD Tenerife. In the U11 Silver Phase, San Bartolomé CF took the victory.
Real Betis Balompié dominated the U9 Gold Phase, surpassing FC Barcelona and Valencia CF. In the U9 Silver Phase, the winner was Veteranos del Pilar.
Real Betis Balompié also claimed the championship in the U7 Gold Phase, with Benfica and Betis Academy Chenet completing the podium. The U7 Silver Phase was won by CD Inter Fuerteventura.
The closing ceremony was attended by officials including the President of the Canary Islands Parliament, Astrid Pérez; the Vice President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Manuel Domínguez; and Councillor Poli Suárez, along with representatives from the Cabildo de Lanzarote and the mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León.
Institutions highlighted the event's role in promoting physical activity, fostering coexistence, and decentralizing major sporting events within the archipelago.
A significant moment involved advocating for inclusion and visibility of disabilities, with volunteers from LanzaroTEA and participants from the documentary series Mi Lugar Favorito unfurling an orange banner, supported by Adislan.
The organization also emphasized environmental and social sustainability initiatives, including sustainable mobility, use of reusable materials, collaboration with local suppliers, and support for Lanzarote's social entities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
After three editions, the Lanzarote International Cup has solidified its position as a key event in youth football, blending sport, tourism, coexistence, and inclusion, establishing the island as a benchmark for organizing formative sporting events.
