Surf Cup International Salou 2023 hosts youth teams from 22 countries

Published in Partnership with International Development Academy

This Thanksgiving break, 128 teams from 22 countries gathered in Salou, Spain for the annual Surf Cup International Salou.

The elite tournament ran from November 23-26, and is sure to leave both players and parents with life-long memories. Teams competed at the beautiful Futbol Salou Sport Complex and were offered full-board at Cambrils Park Sport Village and multiple hotels in Salou.

SCI Salou 2023 featured many international teams who traveled thousands of miles to compete. Hola Skoko traveled over 4,000 miles from South Africa, and Van City Pro made the longest 5,344 mile commute from Vancouver, Canada. Surf Cup International was proud to bring over 2,500 people, including 1,800 players to Salou this November, creating an immense positive impact on the region.

Brazilian elite professional Clube Atlético Mineiro from Belo Horizonte traveled for the first time to Surf Cup International. They competed in the U17 category and beat Atletico Madrid after a thrilling final ended in PKs.

The level of competition was very high with some of the best football clubs in the world participating: Real Madrid CF, Barcelona FC, Valencia, Villarreal, Porto, Sporting Lisboa, Paris Saint Germain, Rangers FC, RCD Mallorca, Sevilla, Leicester City, Levante, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Girona FC, Real Zaragoza, Granada and Celta De Vigo.

Sevilla Technical Director Juani Moreno commented: “Our coaches have been very impressed with the event – everything in the organization was superb, from the hotel to all meals, from the competition to the communication. We will see you again in the next edition.”

Not only were our players and parents immersed in a high-level soccer experience, but they also were invited to explore the many things Salou and the surrounding areas had to offer.

The 14 North American teams at the event had a great time visiting beautiful Tarragona and Barcelona.

Players and their siblings were invited to train via a partnership with International Development Academy, a full-time residential academy in Valencia, Spain. Many teams were offered the chance to attend RCD Espanyol vs. AD Alcorcon in a La Liga matchup to get the full spanish soccer experience.

Jan Esteller, Surf Cup International Director of Operations stated: “It was an amazing few days in Salou. The level of competition and atmosphere on the field was top-class. We had 70 clubs represented from all over the world come together to compete and enjoy the game they love. We are excited to keep the momentum going into our next Surf Cup International Events!”

Teams were also offered cultural experiences to take a break from the fields including a vermouth tasting experience at the historic Catalunya Vineyards and attendance at the largest theme amusement park in Spain, PortAventura.

Champions

• U19 Boys – RCD Mallorca
• U18 Girls – FFB Reus
• U17 Boys – Atlético Mineiro
• U12 Boys – Leicester City FC
• U16 Girls – Real Madrid
• U15 Boys – RCD Espanyol
• U14 Boys – Villarreal CF
• U13 Girls – FC Porto
• U12 Girls – RCD Espanyol
• U11 Boys – Sevilla FC

MVP’s

• U17 Boys – Kristoffern Skarnpo – Ullensakerkisa
• U16 Girls – Evelyn Contreras – Surf Select
• U15 Boys – Marc Martinez – Valencia CF
• U14 Girls – Alex Arasa – Amposta
• U13 Boys – Lausley Juliao – FC Porto
• U12 Boys – Erik Belkis – Leicester CF
• U12 Girls – Carmen Matas – Valencia CF
• U11 Boys – Enzo Marquez – Gimnastic de Tarragona