Dubai Set to Welcome 40 International Teams for MINA Cup in April
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The eagerly anticipated Mina Cup is set to kick off its third installment with unprecedented participation from teams representing a record number of countries, signaling the event’s growing stature as a premier youth football competition.
Commencing with a grand opening ceremony at the JA Beach Hotel, Palmito Garden, the Mina Cup will host over 700 players, coaches, and staff, setting the stage for three days of exhilarating football action from April 4th to 6th. The tournament will unfold across multiple venues, including the JA Sports Centre, Shooting Club, and Precision Football.
This year, the Mina Cup boasts a diverse lineup of 40 teams spanning five age groups from U12 to U16, drawing participants from various continents. Notable entrants include renowned football clubs such as Saudi-owned Premiership Club Newcastle United, Norwich City from England, Atlas from Mexico, and Chicago Fire from the United States. Additionally, two clubs from the Abu Dhabi-owned City Group, Mumbai City and Melbourne City, will vie for glory alongside teams from India, Qatar, Ethiopia, Mali, and New York.
The tournament promises thrilling encounters as these international powerhouses lock horns with the best private football academies from the UAE, including Miguel Salgado’s Fursan Hispania, Man City Soccer Schools, Barca Academy, La Liga, and Go Pro Sports, all of whom earned their spots through the national tournament held in October 2022.
Chris Brown, the founder of the Mina Cup, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s expansion, highlighting the tournament’s role in showcasing the growing talent pool in the UAE. He also announced plans for the inaugural Norwich City Mina Cup UK, scheduled to take place at the club’s Lotus Training Ground in October.
JA Resorts & Hotels headlines the event as the title sponsor, with support from official partners Umbro, Precision Football, Noon, and Samshi TV, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. Augustus Media for Smashi Sports has been enlisted to stream all matches live, enabling global audiences to witness the excitement firsthand.
Renowned football icon Teddy Sheringham, returning for a second year as the Mina Cup Ambassador, expressed his delight at being part of the tournament once again, underscoring the event’s growth and significance in promoting youth football excellence.
With anticipation building for another thrilling edition, the Mina Cup reaffirms its status as a premier platform for nurturing young talent and fostering international camaraderie through the beautiful game.
