The first teams to arrive in Valencia to participate in the VCF Academy World Cup have been enjoying time in the city before the competition gets underway, taking part in several footballing and cultural activities.

The tournament runs from June 23rd-26th, and brings together 10 sides from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America with affiliations to the VCF Academy.

“Ever since we found out about the VCF Academy World Cup, we knew that we wanted to participate in this great event,” explains Mauricio Mata, head coach of the Houston academy.

“We wanted to come here as soon as possible to work with the players, and to enjoy the Valencia CF facilities.”

Hugo Guillamón and Yunus Musah

“It was a great surprise. He transmitted to us the passion that he shows when playing with the first team,” commented Jovani, one of the members of the Houston team.

The VCF Soccer Academy programmes in the USA have another idol to keep a close eye on, with USMNT international Yunus Musah now an established senior player at Valencia CF. Coach Mata sees this as a big positive for the youngsters.

“He is an example for us. All of the players are always talking about him, and sometimes he has sent us messages of encouragement.”

Jovani added that “I admire Yunus a lot, I watch him play and I learn from that.”

The first edition of the VCF Academy World Cup kicks off this week at the Ciudad Deportiva.