The Costa Blanca Cup opening spectacle embraces its international character in its premiere
The international youth indoor soccer tournament opened its doors on its first day, with teams from 19 countries competing for a night of light, color, and a fireworks display
The spectacular fireworks display at the conclusion of the opening ceremony was a highly significant moment in the curtain-raising ceremony for the 31st edition of the Costa Blanca Cup. The international soccer tournament, which runs from this past Monday until the finals on July 12, saw a celebration of recognition, music, lights, and performances in Benidorm's L'Aigüera Park. All the participating teams, representing 19 countries, gathered there, having already begun competing on the first day of the group stage.
The opening ceremony began with a parade of all the teams, a dance performance by the group Boogie Block, the entrance onto the stage of the tournament's overall champion trophy, a performance by Patinadores, and a welcome from the Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez.
This is a record-breaking edition for the international nature of the tournament, organized by Tor-Sport Promociones Deportivas. A total of 208 teams, representing nineteen countries, with 4,000 players, their technical staff, and supporters. While there is a notable local presence, with 51 teams, the number of clubs from outside the Valencian region is even: 80 teams from the rest of Spain and 77 from abroad.
In international terms, the consolidation of participation by teams from two regions of the world is significant. On the one hand, the Middle East with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. On the other, the Caribbean, with the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico with ten teams. China returns after several years of absence, as do Brazil and Taiwan, which are competing twice in both soccer and futsal. Iceland, a country of barely 300,000 inhabitants and with very few federation members, has competed in 21 of the 31 editions of the Costa Blanca Cup. The United States' presence is also growing.
Among the Spanish teams, there is one very special one: The Costa Blanca Cup organizers welcomed back with great enthusiasm, and also helped with their presence and participation, Arrels CF, a U19 women's team made up of players who will represent teams and/or localities affected by Dana, the unfortunate tragedy that hit part of the province of Valencia hard on October 29, 2024. A team formed solely and expressly for that representation and a tribute to their participation in the tournament, as was the case with the Valencia Cup Girls last Easter.
The championship is held in Benidorm, although it also takes place in various locations such as L'Alfàs del Pi, Altea, La Nucía, Finestrat, and La Vila Joiosa.