In less than two months, more than 5.000 children aged 6-16 will be in Ayia Napa to enjoy a full six-day football at 16 football fields with natural turf. The event, which has been running for 17 years and draws more than 20.000 spectators, is being extended by another day this year, with even more categories for boys and girls being added. The games will take place on Holy Week, from March 31 to April 5.
Academies from Cyprus and abroad participate in the Ayia Napa Tournament. This is an event of the SoccerWorldCyprus Association which is under the auspices of the KOP and the Municipality of Ayia Napa, with a large sponsor the Cyprus Tourism Organization.
The event is sponsored by Ocean Basket restaurants, Petrolina, Nekki mobile application development company and the Pascal School Sports Department, while official sponsors are the Elite Sporting Club in Larnaca and Sports Gear.
The largest in the Mediterranean
The Ayia Napa Tournament is the largest organization of football academies in the Mediterranean, in which teams from all cities of Cyprus take part, as well as teams from abroad. Last year's event was attended by 334 teams, several of them from Great Britain, Poland, Romania, Jordan and Lebanon. During the days of the event, more than 20.000 spectators move in the area of Ayia Napa, effectively announcing the beginning of the tourist season.
Important innovations
This year's tournament will be quite upgraded, as the organizers have decided to introduce important innovations. The Ayia Napa Tournament 2018 extends for one more day, which means more games and more fun for young players.
Another innovation concerns the ranking of the teams in Eagles and Lions, based on their playing abilities. Lions groups will exist for the age categories from 2006 to 2010. The categorization gives the opportunity to all children, regardless of level of competition, to enjoy the organization, the game and the joy of participation. For the first time, a category of girls is also introduced, in which girls born from 2002 onwards will take part.
Registrations are open
For those teams wishing to participate in the Ayia Napa Tournament 2018, registrations are open on the website of the event.
It is reminded that children born from 6-16 years old, girls born from 2002 onwards have the right to participate, while there is also an open category of women.
More information and participation statements at www.ayianapasoccerfestival.com and info@soccerworldcyprus.com.
Source: CITIZEN