The Junior World Cup Antalya (JWCA), one of the most prestigious events in youth football, is set to return for its second edition in Antalya, Turkey. From April 16 to April 20, the world’s rising young football stars will converge on Belek for this massive event, which will feature over 300 teams from 28 countries across five continents, including more than 3,000 young athletes.
Aiming for the World’s Largest Youth Football Festival by 2028
Growing rapidly with the ambitious goal of becoming the world’s largest youth football festival by 2028, this year’s tournament doubles its capacity, underscoring its increasing prominence in the world of youth sports. Organized under the auspices of the Antalya Governorship and hosted by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the event receives support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, and the Federation for Sports for All (HİS).
A Meeting of Football’s Future in Antalya
The tournament will host the youth teams of Europe’s and the world’s most renowned clubs. Clubs like Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Fulham, Everton, Köln, Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, Rayo Vallecano, and many others will send their young talents to compete. In addition to international teams, Turkish clubs such as Beşiktaş, Altınordu, and Antalyaspor will also participate, bringing a global flair to the competition. Last year’s inaugural JWCA saw clubs like Porto, River Plate, and Sabah take home the championships in various age groups, solidifying the tournament’s reputation for showcasing top-tier youth talent.
Mert Paflak: “Children Improve Through Play”
Mert Paflak, the Tournament Director of Selectum JWCA 2025, emphasized the global impact of football as a bridge between cultures and a source of inspiration for young talent. “Football is more than just a game.
It brings people together, strengthens friendships, and inspires the youth,” Paflak said. “With this vision, the JWCA aims to grow on a global scale, with the ultimate goal of becoming the largest youth football festival in the world by 2028. This tournament not only contributes to the development of football but also helps position Antalya as a hub for international sports tourism.”
Paflak further noted that JWCA 2025 is more than just a football tournament—it’s an unforgettable experience for children and a platform for the stars of the future. “We are proud to be part of such a grand event and wish all participants a successful tournament,” he added.
As a fan of youth football, it’s inspiring to witness the scale at which tournaments like the JWCA are growing. Not only does this event provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, but it also fosters an international spirit of cooperation and friendship among future stars.
Events like these not only enhance the development of football but also elevate the global profile of cities like Antalya, turning them into key players in the sports tourism industry. Here’s hoping that the tournament continues to expand, offering even more opportunities for young talent to shine.
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Source: www.e-haber.net
