Valencia Cup Girls 2026 kicks off with a spectacular opening ceremony welcoming 600 players
The Luis Puig Velodrome once again hosted the opening of the sixth edition of this international grassroots girls’ football tournament
The Luis Puig Velodrome in Valencia hosted the opening ceremony of the sixth edition of the Valencia Cup Girls, organised by Sportea Association. The international grassroots girls’ football tournament officially welcomed the 600 participating players, along with coaching staff and families, with a spectacular ceremony held in one of Valencia’s most iconic sporting venues, which is set to host the European Indoor Athletics Championships in 2027. Around 2,000 people attended one of the tournament’s most emblematic and representative events.
As in every edition, the spotlight was firmly on the main protagonists: the players. The parade and presentation of each participating club marked the start and key moment of the ceremony. While the tournament has always had an international character, the 2026 edition further highlights this aspect as a record-breaking year, with players from ten countries, including Spain, taking part.
Following the parade of Spanish clubs—among them UE L’Alcudia, overall champions in 2025; Valencia CF, champions in 2024; as well as Atlético Turia, CD Serranos, Mislata CF, Tavernes Blanques and Arrels—it was time for the international teams, which make up 70% of the participants in this sixth edition.
Teams were welcomed from Norway (NSU Norsk Spillerutvikling and Team JC), the Netherlands (VV SHO), Italy (BS Soccer Team Fasano), Northern Ireland (South Belfast YFL), the Republic of Ireland (Kerry Schoolgirls), England (Leeds Schools FA, Newbury District and AFC Henley Hunters), Germany (FFC Turbine Potsdam and SG Hohensachsen), Mexico (Tijuana FC), and the United States (Parkland Soccer Club, Selectivo San Diego, Rush Select and DV7 NY, founded by David Villa).
Towns such as L’Alcudia, Mislata and areas in the south of the city of Valencia were affected by the severe storms (DANA) in October 2024. However, already in the previous edition—and again in 2026—a special team named Arrels has been formed, made up of players representing various clubs and communities impacted by that tragedy. The Arrels players come from towns including Paiporta, Guadassuar, Algemesí, Aldaia, Carcaixent, Alzira, Paterna, Corbera, Manises, Alginet, Vilamarxant, Pedralba, La Torre (Valencia), Utiel and Requena. They belong to clubs such as E1 Paiporta, UD Aldaia, CDFB L’Eliana, UD Alzira, CD Camporrobles and Feme Castellón (futsal), with permission to participate, and with the collaboration of FBCD Catarroja.
Following the parade, the organisers expressed their gratitude for the institutional support received, including the Valencia City Council and its Municipal Sports Foundation. Matches (a total of 73) are being played at municipal facilities such as Serranos, Pont de Fusta, and Sections II and VIII of the former Turia riverbed. Support also comes from the Provincial Council of Valencia (through its Sports and Tourism departments) and the Regional Ministry of Sports of the Valencian Government. In the private sector, the tournament is backed by Kappa and Prime.
To help players, families and friends follow the tournament, a free mobile app is available on both Android and iOS (search for ‘Toursport App’ and select Valencia Cup Girls 2026).
As always, the opening ceremony featured a vibrant display of light, colour and talent, including performances by Stylos Dance Academy and, later, a show by acrobat Garrydo.
Between these performances, there was also a particularly special moment. Since its inception, the tournament has placed strong emphasis on recognising pioneers and role models in women’s football—those players who, often facing significant challenges, helped pave the way for women in the sport and achieved national and international success. In this context, a legend of the game, Tere Saurí, presented a new edition of the “Legends Match” (Saturday 4 April at 19:00 at Serranos), which this year will carry special emotional significance as a memorial tribute to Laura Mansilla Plata, a former player for Levante UD, Colegio Alemán and the Valencian regional team.
As part of the Valencia Cup Girls, a nod was also made to its sister tournament, the Costa Blanca Cup, followed by the unveiling of the new championship trophy for this year’s edition.
The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo featuring the captains of all participating teams, taken on the central stage of the iconic Luis Puig Velodrome.
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