The Costa Blanca Cup Expands Its Reach in Benidorm and Beyond
A few days are set aside for sun and sport as nearly 4,000 young athletes from 23 countries converge on Benidorm and nearby towns for the 29th edition of the Costa Blanca Cup, an event that has grown into the world’s largest youth football trophy. This year the tournament brings together 287 teams spanning five continents, marking a decade-long trend toward greater international participation. The opening gala took place at the Julio Iglesias auditorium in Parque de l’Aigüera, a focal point of Benidorm’s tourism scene.
Participants began their journey along Poniente Beach, and many walked together in a ceremonial procession toward the Julio Iglesias auditorium. The event runs from the previous Sunday through to the 8th, featuring 674 matches across 19 football pitches and 7 futsal fields, with 16 men’s divisions and 7 women’s divisions showcasing a vibrant mix of talent and competition.
Likewise, a notable addition this year is the Inclusive edition, which welcomes teams that include players with functional diversity. The lineup includes two wheelchair football teams, Valencia CF and Valencia University, whose athletes were greeted with cheers as they arrived at the auditorium. The two A-Ball teams faced each other on Tuesday at Palau d’Esports l’Illa in Benidorm, finishing with a 4-2 victory for the UPV squad. This matchup highlighted the event’s commitment to accessibility and competitive sport for all abilities.
Costa Blanca Cup is projected to deliver a substantial economic impact for Benidorm, contributing more than two million euros to the local tourism economy. In addition to Benidorm, the tournament extends to a range of other venues, including Benissa, Calp, Altea, l’Alfàs del Pi, La Nucía, Polop, Finestrat, La Vila Joiosa, and Callosa d’En Sarrià. City officials, including Ana Pellicer, the first deputy mayor, Sports Councilor Javier Jordá, and district deputy José Ramón González de Zárate, attended the opening. They encouraged all athletes to participate wholeheartedly, emphasizing that the tournament is among Europe’s most important football events and a fantastic way to start the summer in Benidorm. Pellicer urged players to embrace the experience and portrayed the event as a source of inspiration for participants and supporters alike, highlighting how it fosters teamwork, friendship, and joy on the field. The leaders underscored values such as discipline, empathy, and respect, encouraging competition conducted with dignity and an eye toward personal happiness for players, coaches, and families alike.