"Growing as a player and as a person" — Overseas teams find meaning in the 'K League International Youth Cup' [Incheon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"It is enough simply to experience diverse cultures and grow as players and as people."

The K League International Youth Cup Incheon 2026 announced its opening through an opening media day. This tournament, which features six domestic teams and six overseas teams, is an international U-17 competition for players born in 2009 or later. It marks the fourth edition of the event.

Coaches from the six participating overseas teams attended the opening media day held at the Harbor Park Hotel in Jemulpo-gu, Incheon on the 23rd, sharing their impressions and expectations for the tournament. This year's participants include AD Union Adarve and Racing Santander (both from Spain), FC Midtjylland (Denmark), Kashiwa Reysol (Japan), Sydney FC (Australia), and PVF Football Academy (Vietnam). The six domestic teams are FC Seoul, Ulsan HD FC, Pohang Steelers, Gwangju FC, Incheon United, and Incheon Nam High School.

The head coaches from the overseas teams attending the press conference expressed that they expected players to gain experience and grow through participating in an international tournament held in Korea, rather than setting clear goals such as specific results.

"We are a small club from Madrid, so we are simply happy to be here at this international tournament," said Sergio Benitez, coach of Union Adarve. "We will take part in this tournament as an opportunity to enjoy the experience and learn a great deal. We respect all participating teams. Since we have traveled such a long distance, we want to test our strength against Asian teams, see what their techniques, tactics, and game models are like, and gain a comprehensive experience of Korean football and culture before heading home."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to come to Korea and experience a different culture," said Gonzalo Cillio Saide, team manager of Racing Santander. "Through this tournament, players will have many opportunities and grow. We hope it serves as a foundation for them to secure better opportunities in the future, such as in Korea, like Osmar Ivan (Seoul E-Land). We find meaning in participating in the tournament. It will be enough simply to experience diverse cultures and grow as players and as people." Osmar is a player who came through Racing Santander's youth system and made his professional debut.

"We are grateful to participate in this tournament as a Danish team," said Maas Winter Albeck, acting coach of Midtjylland. "Whether on the pitch or off it, we will do our best and show everything as Denmark's top youth development institutional investor. We look forward to facing teams from various countries. It is wonderful that competing with players from other nations provides an opportunity to grow not only in football but also culturally."

"I am truly grateful," said Sergio Malpara, manager of Sydney FC from Australia. "We expect to show a lot and achieve good results. At the same time, I look forward to experiencing and learning about diverse cultures while participating in this football tournament. The first match is both the most frightening and exciting, but we will strive to learn."

"I have played many matches in Korea," said Nguyen Ngoc Duy, coach of PVF Football Academy. "We will do our best to deliver good matches and work together to ensure everyone has a great game."

Takeshi Watanabe, academy director of Kashiwa Reysol, who is returning to this tournament after two years, said, "We are participating in this tournament for the growth and development of our players. Two years ago, the players grew significantly and learned a lot. It was also very meaningful for me in terms of developing the players," reflecting on his experience in the previous edition.

He added, "This year as well, we hope to gain something significant through exchanges with international players and players from the Republic of Korea. We look forward to seeing what game models, tactics, and play styles European teams employ. Many Korean teams left a deep impression on us two years ago. I want to see what kind of play they will show and which players will be there, as well as check their physical aspects, build, speed, and fighting spirit."

Hosted by the Korea Professional Football League and the Incheon Metropolitan City Football Association, and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, and Incheon Metropolitan City, this tournament will be held for one week from the 24th to the 30th at the Incheon Namdong Asia Rugby Stadium, the Incheon Asia Auxiliary Stadium, and the Songdo LNG Comprehensive Sports Town Football Field. The teams will be divided into two groups of six each to play a group stage, after which the top team from each group will advance to the final to determine the champion.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original