This morning, the press room of the Gran Canaria Stadium hosted the official presentation of the first edition of MADCUP FOOTBALL GRAN CANARIA, a groundbreaking project that brings the world's largest youth football tournament to the island in partnership with UD Las Palmas, further solidifying the tournament's global expansion.
The event was attended by key figures such as Miguel Ángel Ramírez, President of UD Las Palmas; Patricio Viñayo, General Director of UD Las Palmas; Pepe Ortiz, General Director of MADCUP; Hilarión Rodríguez, Representative of the Las Palmas Inter-Island Football Federation; Carmen Campoamor, Councilor for Sports of the Las Palmas City Council; Aridany Romero, Sports Advisor of the Gran Canaria Island Sports Institute; and Jaime Mata, UD Las Palmas player and ambassador for MADCUP FOOTBALL Gran Canaria.
The first edition of MADCUP FOOTBALL GRAN CANARIA will take place from June 26 to June 29, 2025. Over the course of four days, Gran Canaria will become the world capital of youth football, welcoming more than 80 boys' and girls' teams from local, national, and international levels. The tournament will follow directly after the fifth edition of MADCUP Madrid, which will be held from June 20 to June 25, 2025.
For this first edition, more than 1,500 players will compete at seven different venues across the island, utilizing a total of 14 football pitches. The central hub of the tournament will be the UD Las Palmas Training Complex in Barranco Seco. Over the four days, more than 250 matches will be played, offering players and spectators an intense and exciting schedule of football action.
The tournament, organized in collaboration with UD Las Palmas, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, and other local institutions, aims to have a significant impact not only on the competitive level of grassroots football but also on tourism, culture, and the local economy. The event will attract thousands of players, coaches, and family members, all of whom will contribute to the social and economic activity of the island.
During the presentation, various key figures highlighted the importance of the tournament and its impact on the community. Patricio Viñayo, General Director of UD Las Palmas, expressed his excitement, stating that they had already experienced MADCUP in Madrid with one of their youth teams and witnessed the scale and organization of such an important tournament. This experience encouraged them to bring the event to Gran Canaria, and they are fully committed to its success.
Pepe Ortiz, General Director of MADCUP, emphasized that this is a tournament that is "here to stay." He described MADCUP as a powerful vehicle for transmitting values to young players, which is why it has become the world's largest grassroots football tournament. He added that hosting the event in Gran Canaria would offer a sporting and cultural experience not only for the players but also for the families who will visit the island during the event.
Hilarión Rodríguez, Representative of the Las Palmas Inter-Island Football Federation, expressed the Federation's full support for such an important event, calling it a key step forward for the island's grassroots football and linking it to the preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He voiced his confidence that the event would be a major success for both Gran Canaria and its football community.
Carmen Campoamor, Councilor for Sports of the Las Palmas City Council, expressed her pride that the first edition of the tournament would be held in her city. She stated that this type of event is essential for promoting youth football and emphasized the unique opportunity for boys and girls from the city to be part of a global event. She also noted that in June, Las Palmas will become the center of the world’s grassroots football scene, a role that fills them with pride and responsibility.
Aridany Romero, Sports Advisor for the Gran Canaria Island Sports Institute, underlined the collaborative effort of various institutions and organizations that came together to bring the world’s most important grassroots football event to Gran Canaria. He highlighted the economic benefits of the event, noting that around 4,000 family members would visit the island, boosting the local economy and generating new jobs. He also mentioned the importance of promoting physical activity among young people, which is one of the tournament's core values.
Miguel Ángel Ramírez, President of UD Las Palmas, closed the session with a powerful statement about the club's ongoing commitment to youth development. He emphasized that UD Las Palmas will always champion its youth academy as a fundamental pillar of its identity. He expressed his hope that this tournament would allow them to discover young talents from other countries who could one day become part of UD Las Palmas. He also acknowledged the essential support of local authorities, which has made it possible to organize an event of this magnitude with complete confidence.
Since its foundation in 2021, MADCUP has transformed grassroots sports, using football, basketball, and volleyball as tools to promote values like respect, empathy, effort, and equal opportunities. Beyond competition, MADCUP implements year-round educational programs and community initiatives to leave a lasting positive impact.
With Gran Canaria now part of the MADCUP project, the tournament strengthens its position as a global benchmark in youth football, uniting sport, education, and tourism in a single event that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on the island.