Ten things you may not know about LaLiga Promises Villarreal

1 – This year's LaLiga Promises National Tournament is the 25th edition of the event.

2 – The competition is for Under-12s teams, and so the best sides in this age group from across Spain – known as alevines in Spanish – will be descending on Villarreal.

3 – In total, 56 matches will be played over the course of four days: 55 in the tournament itself, plus the 'All-Star Game', which will feature Raul, Fernando Morientes, Carles Puyol, Marcos Senna, Julen Guerrero and Gica Craioveanu!

4 – This All-Star encounter will take place the day before the competition kicks off and will see the aforementioned LaLiga legends teaming up with some of the kids involved in the main event.

The #LaLigaPromises is back!

All the info you need on the 25th National Tournament  https://t.co/JInsaBqmeU pic.twitter.com/bK4aDmGNnK

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) May 19, 2016

 

5 – The 20-strong field has been drawn into four 5-team groups. The top four in each group will go through to the round of 16, from which stage onwards it becomes a straight knockout competition.

6 – The group-stage, last-16 and quarter-final matches will be played over 24 minutes, with a three-minute half-time interval between the 12-minute halves. Meanwhile, the semi-finals and final will be 40 minutes long, with the teams contesting 20-minute halves and getting a 10-minute break in between.    

7 – Admission is absolutely free, so be sure to drop by and catch a game or two if you live in Villarreal or happen to be in that neck of the woods during the tournament.

8 – If you can't make it to the matches in the flesh, you can still enjoy all the action. Every minute of the competition will be streamed through LaLiga's YouTube channel. What's more, LaLiga's social media accounts will also be bringing you the inside scoop from the dressing rooms and other behind-the-scenes content.

9 – FC Barcelona are the reigning champions, having overcome a strong challenge from Sevilla FC in the final of the last edition.

10 – This could be your chance to spot the next Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres or Iker Casillas! This distinguished quartet all played at the tournament as youngsters.