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International Youth Tournament
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Villarreal brings together the world’s best football academies in the ‘International Youth Tournament’
Football’s young talents gather for prestigious competition
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Once a year, Villarreal CF organises a championship that brings together the best academies in the world of football. The ‘International Youth Tournament’ for youngsters aged 15 to 18 has established itself as one of the strongest competitions of its type in Europe. Since its inauguration in 2000, it has been competed for by the most prestigious of Spanish and foreign teams. Apart from Villarreal itself, other Spanish sides to have taken part are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, RCD Espanyol, RCD Mallorca, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and Real Zaragoza. Among the foreign clubs that have competed are, River Plate, Boca Juniors and Racing Club (Argentina); Porto (Portugal); Manchester United and Liverpool (England); Inter Milan and AC Milan (Italy); AFC Ajax (Netherlands); Celtic (Scotland); and the Costa Rica National side. |
El juvenil del Villarreal, el club anfitrió, s'ha proclamat campió del torneig en tres ocasions (2000, 2004 i 2006) |
Great footballing talents have taken part in the Yellow Submarine’s youth championship |
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The tournament has been graced by the presence of numerous talents that have gone on to demonstrate their skill in the world of elite football. Among those who have competed in the tournament and have gone on to establish themselves at the highest level are Giuseppe Rossi, Cesc Fabregas, Leo Messi, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Ever Banega, Ruben de la Red, Lisandro Lopez and Paul Caddis to name but a few.
Giuseppe Rossi appeared in a Manchester United shirt in 2004, aged just 17 and has gone on to become one of the stars in Villarreal’s first team.
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Giussepe Rossi, participó en la competición en la edición del 2004. |
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Héctor Font, César Arzo and Marcos García, who launched their careers via the academy at Villarreal and all ply their trade at the top level of Spanish football, have all participated in the tournament.
Ever Banega of Valencia CF was nominated player of the tournament in 2006 when he represented Boca Juniors, the trophy being presented to him by the then Villarreal manager, Manuel Pellegrini.
Leo Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique competed for Barcelona FC in the 2002 competition.
THE CHAMPIONS
2000: VILLARREAL CF 1-0 Valencia CF
2001: CA RIVER PLATE 3-1 Villarreal CF
2002: FC BARCELONA 1-0 Selección Nacional Costa Rica
2003: RCD ESPANYOL 2-0 Villarreal
2004: VILLARREAL CF 2-1 RCD Espanyol
2005: CA BOCA JUNIORS 0-0 RCD Espanyol (por penaltis)
2006: VILLARREAL CF 2-0 FC Barcelona
2007: REAL MADRID CF 1-0 CD Guaraní
2008: REAL MADRID CF 2-1 Villarreal CF
2009: LIVERPOOL 1-1 Celtic FC (4-2)
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Marcos García se formó en el Villarreal desde que era cadete y ahora milita en Real Valladolid.
Ever Banega recibiendo el trofeo de manos de Pellegrini
Leo Messi (esquerra), Piqué (centre) y Fàbregas (dreta) també pasaren per la Ciutat Esportiva amb el FC Barcelona en 2002. | |