The world's top U-17 teams set to meet at the Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament

Future Champions is a project aimed at improving the standard of youth football in South Africa and more specifically in the Gauteng region. The objective of the programme is to act as a lever for social development. LaLiga has been working with Future Champions on the project this year and the organisation's interest in the development of the game in the region has seen it become a driving force behind the scheme.

The Future Champions competition involves three phases, the last of which is the International Tournament, which is to be held between 14 and 19 March. The sides to have made it through from the second phase (the Gauteng Cup) are Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Black Aces and Kaizer Chiefs, these local teams will be joined by Atletico Mineiro; defending champions, Torino and Chinese outfit, Shandong Luneng in the International Tournament. Completing the final phase line-up are, Spain's Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Clube Ferroviario de Maputo, Xolos de Tijuana and the final South African representatives, Orlando Pirates.

The format of the tournament, organised by Global Sports International in partnership with the Provincial Gauteng Government, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the City of Johannesburg, will see the 12 U-17 teams (five local teams and the top seven international sides) divided into four groups of three.

The sides will play each other in a round-robin format, with the leaders in each group progressing to the semi-finals. The remaining eight teams will play each other to determine positions five to 12.

"We are truly excited to get this opportunity to not only catch a glimpse of future internationals from around the world, but also from our very own province. All five Gauteng teams competing this year have a rich history of developing players for the local game," enthused Faith Mazibuko of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

The Gauteng province is all set to play host to a prestigious five-day tournament which provides the game's stars of the future with a platform on which to showcase their talents. The participants will also get the chance to meet LaLiga BBVA ambassador, Christian Karembeu, who will make a special guest appearance on 18 and 19 March.