Run the Ball
2026
Spain isn’t just a place where football is played, but lived. From small coastal towns to major football cities, the game is part of everyday life. Almost every youth player in the country has spent holidays with their family at one of the hundreds of organized tournaments held across its geography. This tradition has guaranteed the establishment of events with decades of experience and professional standards. International academies and schools have visited, returned, and spread the word, making Spain the ultimate destination for youth football.
For young players, competing in Spain means measuring themselves against different playing styles, understanding the rhythm of elite football environments, and living an experience that goes far beyond the pitch. For academies, it’s an opportunity to grow their project, motivate players, and strengthen their identity through international competition.
What makes Spain stand out?
Year-round calendar. You aren't restricted by the weather. From Easter in the Mediterranean to winter tournaments in the south, there is always a high-level pitch ready for your team.
Professional organization. Experienced staff and proven formats that prioritize the player experience.
A tier for every team. Spain offers everything from elite showcases against La Liga academies to community-focused tournaments, there is a bracket that fits your current level.
Tactical richness at every corner. Even in the more accessible tournaments, you’ll face local neighborhood clubs that prioritize game intelligence and tactical discipline. It’s a unique learning curve for international players used to more physical styles.
Football culture. An atmosphere that extends from world-class stadiums to local neighborhood pitches.
Safety and infrastructure. Reliable transport, high-quality accommodation, and safe environments for young athletes and their families.
This combination makes Spain an ideal testing ground for academies seeking international exposure without sacrificing quality or player development.
We have selected a range of the most exciting tournaments in Spain from world-famous heritage events to new, high-potential launches that we are following closely. While these are our top picks for this blog entry, there are hundreds of other options that might fit your academy’s specific goals, and we are here to help you find that perfect match.
The MIC was founded 25 years ago and has become the global benchmark for youth competition. Held every Easter on the Costa Brava facing the Mediterranean Sea, it’s famous for seeing stars like Messi, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Cole Palmer before they hit the big stage.
While the finals often feature the world’s top clubs, the tournament is built for all levels. Its group stage format ensures that whether you are an elite academy or a local school team, you get to compete in a professional environment.
Next Edition (24th): March 31st – April 5th, 2026.
Categories:
11-a-side: From U12A (born after 01/01/2014) to U19 (born after 01/01/2007).
7-a-side: U12B (born after 01/01/2014).
11-a-side: Women’s U16 (born after 01/01/2010).
The vibe: High-level organization and the chance to test your players against the highest standards of Spanish football.
The Oviedo Cup is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in Northern Spain. Hosted in Asturias, it’s a place where the local football tradition is incredibly strong. Unlike the coastal tournaments, Oviedo offers a different atmosphere: green landscapes, cooler weather, and a very high tactical standard.
It is a perfect middle ground. While it attracts top-tier Spanish academies (like Real Sociedad or Athletic Club), the tournament is famous for being competitive yet accessible. It’s an ideal choice for academies that want to test their players' grit and intelligence without the overwhelming pressure found in other settings.
Next Edition (20th): April 1st – April 5th, 2026.
Categories:
11-a-side: From U13 (born after 01/01/2013) to U19 (born after 01/01/2007).
8-a-side: From U8 (born after 01/01/2018) to U12 (born after 01/01/2014).
The vibe: Pure football. An intimate, local atmosphere that breathes Northern Spanish football culture.
Organized by Swit Sport, the team behind the SWIT Cup, the world’s largest exclusive women’s youth tournament, the BCN Cup is launching its first edition this summer. Barcelona is synonymous with a specific football philosophy, and this tournament is designed to reflect that identity.
We have high expectations for this event. Given the organizers' track record, we expect it to quickly become a reference point in the Spanish tournament circuit. It is an ideal stage for academies seeking international exposure in a city that lives for the ball, offering a particularly strong representation of the female game with 6 dedicated categories.
Next Edition (1st): June 30th – July 5th, 2026.
Categories:
11-a-side: From U13 (born in 2013) to U19 (born in 2007).
7-a-side: From U7 (born in 2019) to U12 (born in 2014).
11-a-side: Women from U14 (born in 2012-2013) to U19 (born in 2007-2009).
7-a-side: Women from U10 (born in 2016-2017) to U14 (born in 2012-2013).
The vibe: Modern, urban, and highly technical. It’s about being part of something new in the heart of one of the world's great football capitals.
Held every July in San Sebastián, the Donosti Cup is one of the largest and most international youth tournaments in Europe. Because it coincides with the end of the Spanish club season, it feels less like a professional scouting camp and more like a massive football festival with more than 900 teams from 30 different countries. However, don't be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere, the level remains high as many local teams reinforce their squads with top academy players for the summer.
The tournament is a standout for its commitment to the female game, featuring 5 dedicated girls' categories that range from U12 (8-a-side) up to U18 (11-a-side). It is the perfect choice for clubs, football schools, and academies looking to combine serious competition with team bonding in one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world.
Next Edition (34th): July 6th – July 12th, 2026.
Categories:
11-a-side: From U13 (born after 01/01/2013) to U18 (born after 01/01/2008).
8-a-side: From U9 (boys between 01/01/2017 and 31/12/2017) to U12 (born after 01/01/2014).
11-a-side: Women from U14 (born after 01/01/2012) to U18 (born after 01/01/2008).
8-a-side: Women from U10 (born between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2017) to U12 (born after 01/01/2014).
The vibe: The entire city of San Sebastián focuses on the event. It starts with the opening ceremony at the Reale Arena and moves between the local pitches and La Concha beach. It’s a summer football atmosphere that involves the whole community.
Not all tournaments are the same, and not all academies need the same challenge. Age category, competitive level, objectives, timing, and budget all play a key role when selecting the right international tournament.
That’s why having the right partner on the ground makes the difference.
We help academies choose the tournament that truly fits their profile and expectations. We work with a wide database of tournaments in Spain and Portugal, available throughout the year, covering:
All age categories and formats
Various competitive levels, from elite to recreational.
Multiple destinations across the peninsula.
We know these tournaments first-hand. We’ve supported academies competing in them, understand their real competitive demands, and know which team profiles fit best in each event.
We advise. You compete.
If your football academy or school is looking for an international experience aligned with your goals and long-term vision, we will guide you every step of the way. Choosing the right competition is the first step toward real growth.
Contact us to find your team's next tournament.
