The II VCF Academy World Cup tournament takes place at the Ciudad Deportiva this week, and on Thursday the competition was opened at Mestalla with a parade featuring all of the participating teams.

In attendance were current Valencia CF player Javi Guerra and club ambassador Miguel Tendillo. Guerra told the more than 150 players present that "I hope you enjoy this great experience in Valencia and the II VCF Academy World Cup."

“I have been a kid like all of you and I'm sure that you also have the dream of becoming a professional footballer. I'm happy because I am fulfilling the dream I had as a child and all the hard work has been worth it," he added as advice for those from around the world taking part.

Tendillo, who as a Valencia CF player won the 1979 Copa del Rey, the 1980 European Cup Winners' Cup and the 1981 European Supercup, encouraged the children to keep enjoying their football.

Guerra also set a challenge for the participants to reproduce his first goal for Valencia CF -a late run and strike against Valladolid at Mestalla. Francesca, from the VCF Soccer Academy in Canada, was the winner and received a signed football.

"Thank you to the participants and the families who have come to enjoy this experience," said Jorge García, Valencia CF's Marketing Director. “Thank you to the coaches of the academy teams for the work you do for Valencia CF throughout the year in your respective countries. Thank you for being part of the Valencia CF family."

The II VCF Academy World Cup runs from June 30th to July 2nd at the Ciudad Deportiva.