Soccer Inter-Action hosts Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid stars of the future
The cadet teams of Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF, led by Álvaro Arbeloa, trained and stayed at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento de Soccer Inter-Action located in Enguera.
Both teams were preparing to play the TORCAF, which returned after a year’s break due to the pandemic. All of them have played the famous Ciutat de Alzira Football Tournament. The Luis Suñer Picó hosted the prestigious championship for U16 teams from 26th to 28th August.
How was TORCAF 2021 developed?
Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Valencia were drawn in Group A, while Villarreal, Barça and Levante played in Group B.
Both Los Blancos and Levante fell at the first hurdle, leaving Valencia CF – Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona – Atlético de Madrid in the semi-finals.
The following day, the ‘groguets’ reached the final after drawing 1-1 and knocking out the che club in a penalty shoot-out. Atleti did not have to go to the penalty spot to beat Barça 1-0 in the other semi-final.
The tournament was won by Atlético after a goalless draw against Villarreal and a better penalty shoot-out success (5-4). They take the baton from Madrid, who lifted the title in the 2019 edition also eliminating the Castellón team from Vila-real.
The tournament was won by Atlético after a goalless draw against Villarreal and a better penalty shoot-out success (5-4). They take the baton from Madrid, who lifted the title in the 2019 edition also eliminating the Castellón team from Vila-real.
How was the preparation at the SIA High Performance Centre?
If there is one thing the latest TORCAF winners have in common, it is their time at SIA’s elite facilities. In Enguera the best U-16 teams have been trained and formed, such as Real Madrid CF, who were crowned champions in the last two editions after training and staying at the CAR de Soccer Inter-Action, as well as this year’s winners Atlético de Madrid.
A high standard of accommodation with recreation rooms, study rooms, video rooms and even a swimming pool, several natural football pitches, a physiotherapy room or a gym.
are some of the resources that both Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid have been able to enjoy during their time at SIA’s facilities. The reward is clear: winning the TORCAF.
The future of TORCAF
Now that the 14th edition of TORCAF is over, the organisation is already looking ahead to next year. The best tournament for cadet teams in Spain will no longer belong to the national level but will become international. VisselKobe (Japan) and Los Angeles Galaxy (USA) have already confirmed their participation in the 15th TORCAF.
Plans to internationalise TORCAF were postponed due to the pandemic, as the organisation had planned to bring both Vissel Kobe and Los Angeles Galaxy this year. Also, the presence of other clubs such as Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will remain.
