Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
La Laguna hosts elite youth football tournament
The municipality of La Laguna will become the European capital of youth football at the start of September with the Royal Elite Cup by Ciudad de La Laguna 2026. The tournament, reserved for the U11 category with players born in 2016, will bring together a historic line-up of 16 academies of the highest national and international standard on 4, 5 and 6 September at the Ciudad Deportiva Javier Pérez, home of CD Tenerife’s youth teams, with free entry for spectators.
World champions and a charitable cause
Organised by the Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma Foundation and supported by the Sports & Management (S&M) brand, the event combines high-level competitive football in the seven-a-side format with a charitable cause. The initiative has the backing of Pedro Rodríguez himself, world and European champion with the Spanish national team, and part of the proceeds will go towards strengthening the paediatric care unit at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria.
Three days of football action
The competition will unfold over three intense days, guaranteeing each team at least one match per day, with a minimum of 90 minutes of rest between games to protect the young players’ health. The tournament begins with an initial group stage of four groups of four teams, with results determining the direct knockout matches in the Gold Phase (for the top two in each group) and the Silver Phase (third and fourth placed teams), followed by the consolation Bronze Phase.
International giants and local talent
The list of participants brings together some of the best youth academies in the world, with the added presence of the two biggest clubs in the Canary Islands and a representation of local talent.
International clubs: Chelsea FC (England), Sporting CP (Portugal), SS Lazio (Italy) and PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands).
LaLiga academies: FC Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, Girona FC, Real Betis, Villarreal CF, RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Canary Islands representation: CD Tenerife, UD Las Palmas and the La Laguna regional team, joined by an invited club yet to be confirmed.
Match schedule and legends game
The action kicks off on Friday 4 September with the first two rounds of group matches between 10:00 and 17:00, with the day rounded off by the official presentation of the Legends Game, a match between two teams led by David Silva and Pedro Rodríguez. Saturday 5 September sees the group stage completed in the morning session, followed by the quarter-finals in the afternoon. Sunday 6 September is reserved for the semi-finals, with the consolation finals starting at 16:00 and the Grand Final for the Gold Cup at 17:30, ahead of the trophy presentation and closing ceremony.
Hospitality, facilities and broadcast coverage
To accommodate the public and travelling teams, the organisers will set up a Hospitality & Fan Zone spanning more than 150 square metres at the Ciudad Deportiva itself, complete with rest areas, catering, spaces for content creators and promotional stands. Medical cover will be available at all times with emergency services and physiotherapy, while the teams will be based at the Panoramic Garden Hotel.
The media reach of the Royal Elite Cup will extend well beyond the Canary Islands. The competition will receive live regional television coverage through Televisión Canaria and its Canarias Play platform, plus international broadcast via streaming platform DAZN, along with live results and statistics tracking through the event’s mobile app.
Awards and honours
In terms of honours, the organisers will present collective awards for the champions and runners-up of the various phases, along with the Fair Play Prize and Best Academy accolade. Individual awards will recognise the Tournament MVP, the Golden Boot (top scorer), the Golden Glove (best goalkeeper), the Final MVP and the Best Coach of the edition.
What’s happening in the Canaries – straight to your phone
News, weather alerts and practical updates – direct from the islands, in English. We live here and know what’s going on – before the international media catch up. Everything lands on our WhatsApp channel – no middlemen, no algorithm. Curated for families, expats and travelers.
HYROX Tenerife 2026: Elite fitness arrives in the Canary Islands
Orcas from Marineland to be flown to Loro Parque in Tenerife
Five restaurants showcasing the best of Canarian cuisine
Northern Tenerife: food, trails and breathtaking views
Plátano de Canarias backs La Vuelta combativity award
Canary Islands fashion takes centre stage at MBFW Madrid
Record summer for global tourism as Spain leads the way
The giant Tenerife sandwiches that are breaking the internet
Candelaria’s new auditorium takes shape in Tenerife
