Helsinki Cup attracts record number of junior football teams from around the world
The Helsinki Cup, one of the largest junior football tournaments globally, kicked off on Monday, attracting 1,864 teams from around the world. Among these teams is the LSA team from Catalonia, Spain, represented by 14-year-old Álex Fernández and 13-year-old Miquel Villa, who are participating in the Helsinki Cup for the first time.
After four days and six matches, the LSA team is preparing to face a Swedish team in the cloudy and humid atmosphere of the Töölö football stadium. Thursday’s match is decisive; a victory means the team advances while a loss signals the end of the competition.
The participating players, primarily aged 7-18, have also been following the European Football Championships, which will culminate in a final on Sunday where Spain will face England. Many are hoping for a Spanish victory.
The Helsinki Cup’s Managing Director, Kirsi Kavanne, stated that the number of participants has been growing annually. This year, there are 80 more teams than last year, including 316 girls’ teams.
Teams have journeyed from 20 different countries, including Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Mongolia, and the United Arab Emirates. Juhani Kankaanpää, team leader of the Espoo-based FC Honka, highlighted the unique experience the Helsinki Cup offers to young players.
The six-day tournament will conclude with the final matches at the Olympic Stadium today, with nearly 30,000 players participating overall. Despite the large number of matches held across Helsinki, on 20 different playing fields and 100 different pitches, the Helsinki Cup is a tradition that has been held since 1976, and this year marks its 49th occasion.