Alvalade's under-13's in action

Sporting CP will be one of ten teams taking part in this year's XXXV International Youth Football Tournament, taking place from the 23rd to the 27th of March.

Representing Alvalade at the launch ceremony, Luís Dias highlighted the importance of Sporting's participation: "With the history that this competition has, it is always a memorable moment for young players. A lot of players who are or were professionals started off in this tournament and Sporting has reached the final every time in the last three years."

The ceremony also hosted the competition's draw, putting sporting into the same group as Benfica, Santa Clara, Getafe and the French side FC Lissois. Group B will be comprised of CAC, FC Porto, Cordoba and Nacional. While winning is not the priorirty for Luís Dias, the tournament is a chance for upcoming stars to shine: "At this age, it is really important that tournaments are competitive, so that everyone can enjoy it. Games are even broadcast on television now and knowing how to play in front of the cameras is important for the lads."