Douro Cup 2018 kick-off has been given. During the first day of the event, the teams began to arrive in Vila Nova de Gaia, surrounded by a spirit of great joy and enthusiasm that lasted until the opening ceremony of the event.
At airport’s arrival, on a flight from Madeira, José Gomes, GRC Canicense U-15 coach, assured that “the goal is for everyone to participate, play and enjoy this experience”, anticipating with great expectation this edition of Douro Cup.
On his part, Gonçalo Nóbrega, an athlete from the Madeiran formation, admitted “being happy and willing to play”, without hiding the desire to make “memories for the rest of his life and find new friends”.
“That’s the key to a tournament. Not only to play, but also making new friends”, stressed the young man.
The opening day was reserved for arrivals, check-in and some activities, and culminated in the opening ceremony, which brought together several participating teams.
“The best formation skills are acquired in this type of tournaments, by the social part, which is fundamental, by group socializing, by sharing the tables and by the internship model. Many of them, it is possible, will not reach elite football, and in this way, they can have these experiences during their development process”, underlined José Pedro, General Coordinator of Vilaverdense FC youths, who this year reinforced the bet on Douro Cup by doubling the number of teams and athletes present, compared to the first edition.