News
LUN 09.05.2016
We now know the identity of the last of the 16 sides who will contest the National Final of the Danone Nations Cup, the leading international football tournament for boys and girls aged between 10 and 12. After Fundacio Damm sealed their qualification, the stage is now set for the National Final, which is to be held at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona over 20, 21 and 22 May.
In spite of the constant downpour, the 32 teams, who descended on RCD Espanyol's Dani Jarque training complex from the four Catalan provinces, displayed no shortage of enthusiasm and desire in the Catalan section of the competition. In addition to sharing in an unforgettable day of sporting action, the youngsters got the chance to learn all about healthy lifestyle habits as they participated in games and talks on nutrition laid on by the event organisers.
Fundació Damm ran out eventual winners after overcoming CF Damm 3-0 in the semi-finals, in a game in which both sides demonstrated all of their quality, and no little respect towards their counterparts. The other finalists, Gimnastic de Tarragona, booked their place in the showdown after edging past Gimnastic de Manresa in a penalty shoot-out. The final, which kicked off at 19:00, saw Fundacio Damm see off Gimnastic de Tarragona 3-0 in a thrilling clash. The Consolation Cup encounter between EF Gava and Cambrils Unio CE was no less dramatic, as Cambrils Unio CE came out on top in the penalty shoot-out.
Furthermore, the youngsters participated in several interesting awareness-raising activities, such as the Adecco Foundation's Circuito de las estrellas (Circle of stars), in which the children assumed the role of a disabled person, as they gained an understanding and appreciation of the effort involved in even the most basic of daily tasks.
The day was rounded off with the presentation of the trophies. The Fair Play award went to Gimnastic de Manresa for the players' excellent attitude and exemplary conduct throughout the whole tournament. Barcelona is currently putting the final touches to its preparations for the National Final, which will be staged at RCD Espanyol's Dani Jarque training complex and the RCDE Stadium on 20, 21 and 22 May.
Each year the Danone Nations Cup (DNC) brings together more than two and a half million boys and girls from over 30 countries across the five continents. In total, more than 11,000 clubs and 34,000 schools take part in the event worldwide, whilst within Spain around 40,000 youngsters participate in the competition. Quite apart from its status as the leading children's football tournament, the DNC also represents a unique opportunity for young players from across the world to enjoy a one-off experience whilst fostering dreams of lining up in the World Final.
© LALIGA - 2016