The Estadi Johan Cruyff Stadium was buzzing as players from the different participating countries arrived, all full of energy and enthusiasm to kick off the tournament at the Ciutat Esportiva, the 12th edition of the global gathering of Barça Academies from around the world.

The opening ceremony began with a welcome from Vicky López, ambassador for Barça’s women’s team, who introduced a spectacular entrance by the tournament mascot, CAT, accompanied by dancers in a vibrant choreography. Next, the castellers (human towers) from Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Molins de Rei captivated the crowd with an impressive display, performed to music and in an exceptional atmosphere.

The FC Barcelona 125th anniversary anthem played for all the international players—a moving moment that was followed by the presentation of the different Barça Academies, each entering to the song they had chosen to represent them.

Institutional welcome

Once everyone was present, the speeches began. Aureli Mas, member of the Board of Directors and board member responsible for futsal, thanked everyone who had come and who had made the event possible. Benny Megreli, Director of Barça Academy, and Sergi Barjuan, Sporting Director of Barça Academy, both highlighted the importance of the tournament within the Barça framework and acknowledged the effort made by families to get here to play. They also stressed the importance of always playing in line with the club’s values: humility, effort, ambition, respect, and teamwork.

Finally, the opening ceremony concluded with the mascot CAT delivering the tournament manifesto to boys and girls representing the different Academies, who all pledged to play with honour and sportsmanship.

Support for Barça Academy República Dominicana

This year, special support was extended to the Barça Academy from the Dominican Republic due to the recent tragedy in their country, particularly to the families and friends of players who lost loved ones. All matches began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims.