We are thrilled to announce that our talented students at Sporthood Football Academy recently showcased their skills and sportsmanship on the international stage by participating in three prestigious tournaments: the Saltmine Cup, the Sokolik Cup in Poland, and the Germany Cup. These experiences have allowed our students to gain invaluable exposure, compete against top teams from around the world, and create unforgettable memories.
Saltmine Cup, Poland
Our students had the incredible opportunity to represent India at one of Poland’s largest youth football tournaments, the Saltmine Cup. Competing against teams from across Europe at top-notch facilities in the mountain province of Nowy Sącz, our players displayed outstanding performance and dedication. The tournament also offered a chance to explore the famous Wieliczka Salt Mines of Kraków, a UNESCO Heritage site. This annual event attracts elite teams such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Benfica, Valencia, and Polish giants Legia Warszawa and Wisla Kraków. As the only team from India, our students faced these prestigious clubs, bringing home experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Matches were held in the idyllic 13th-century town of Stary Sącz, with games occurring simultaneously across numerous pitches. Each team played a minimum of six games against high-quality opposition.
Sokolik Cup, Poland
Representing India at the Sokolik Cup in Poland was a remarkable experience for our students. Competing against top European teams in Nowy Sącz, our young athletes demonstrated great enthusiasm, strategic prowess, and teamwork. They also had the opportunity to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a historic site that features a chapel, numerous sculptures, and a museum. The tournament included marquee teams like FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven, Benfica, Valencia, Legia Warszawa, and Wisla Kraków. Our team, the sole Indian representative, played against this elite opposition, gaining invaluable experience.
All participating teams played a minimum of six games. Before the tournament, a High Performance camp was organized in India by our senior coaches. This camp included intense group training sessions, competitive matches against local teams, and personalized development plans for each participant. Accommodations were comfortable, with nutritious meals provided, and parents traveling with the team stayed in the same hotel.
Germany Cup
The Germany Cup was another unique and enriching experience for our students. They trained under senior UEFA-licensed coaches at DFA, one of Germany’s top academies. The tournament, held in Dortmund, saw our team compete against top German clubs. In addition to the competition, our participants explored Munich and Dortmund, engaging in various leisure activities.
Training at DFI’s integrated campus in Bad Aibling, near Munich, allowed our players to train and compete with residential teams under the mentorship of experienced coaches. The Germany Cup guaranteed a minimum of six games per team, offering excellent exposure and reinforcing the lessons from our High Performance Camp.
Beyond the football field, our students explored Dortmund, a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism, and transportation. With an excellent public transport system, it was convenient for them to visit popular tourist destinations, savor authentic cuisine, and discover historical landmarks, fostering unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
We are incredibly proud of our students for their achievements and the professionalism they displayed throughout these international tournaments. These experiences are a testament to their talent and hard work, as well as the dedication of our coaches and the support of our entire Sporthood community. Thank you to all the parents, supporters, and sponsors for your continued encouragement. We look forward to many more successes in the future!
