The international Ayia Napa Soccer Festival 2018 is extended for one more day, since this year's event will start on Saturday, March 31st and will end on Holy Thursday, April 5th.
According to an announcement, the 18th edition of the largest and oldest academy tournament in Cyprus is expected to break the participation records, attracting more teams both from Cyprus and abroad.
The SoccerWorldCyprus Association, which has been running the tournament since 2001, is introducing various innovations in the structure of the tournament, which is expected to attract even more teams and young players aged 6-16.
The tournament is under the auspices of KOP and the Municipality of Ayia Napa, which hosts it at the Ayia Napa Sports Center, on 16 football pitches with natural turf. A major sponsor is the Cyprus Tourism Organization.
It is noted that 2017 teams from Cyprus and Romania, Great Britain, Poland, Lebanon and Jordan took part in the Ayia Napa Tournament 334, with the participation of over 5.000 children. It is estimated that the games are watched by 20.000 spectators moving to Ayia Napa and the wider area on the days of the event, while arrivals from abroad are estimated at 750 and concern footballers, coaches, escorts and parents.
The 2018 tournament will feature boys 'and girls' teams with footballers born between 2002 and 2011 - there is also an open women's category for girls of all ages.
The most important 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.
In the 2017 tournament, a women's category was introduced for the first time. In the next event, a girls category is inaugurated, where groups of girls born from 2002 onwards can take part. As last year, women's teams will participate, in a separate category, the announcement concludes.
Source: KYPE