2022 PAMESA LaLiga Promises Santander National Tournament. Villarreal, Castellon

Every academy player dreams of one day putting on the captain’s armband in their club’s first team. Given that current captain Koke came through Los Colchoneros’ ranks himself the Atleti youngsters taking part in Villarreal feel that they have a very tangible goal in mind. Just like Diego Simeone’s charges these U-12s will give their hearts and souls out on the pitch.

The club’s academy directors have always instilled a specific playing philosophy into its players. Barcelona reached the final last time out in Gran Canaria and won’t want to head home empty handed this time around.

It’s a fairly common occurrence to see Los Pericos go far in this competition; as such they’re one of the teams in with a strong shout of reaching the LaLiga Promises final.

In light of the first team’s impressive showing in LaLiga Santander in 2021/22 these youngsters taking part in the tournament in Villarreal will also be eager to show their own brand of happy-go-lucky and attacking football.

In the 2021 edition Los Blancos went away from the Canaries with the trophy in tow. Will the Madrid youngsters repeat last year’s feat in Villarreal?

As per the club’s motto, Sevilla’s academy teams are taught to never throw in the towel. Their U-12s, known for their unwavering commitment, will be heading east determined to show their worth.

Los Che came out victorious twice in this tournament (in 2011 and 2014) and will be looking to add a third such trophy to their cabinet. Valencia will take the tournament game-by-game with the ultimate goal of conquering LaLiga Promises Santander.

The hosts won the 29th edition of LaLiga Promises and will be hoping to defend their crown at home. Villarreal’s academy frequently produce teams which play easy-on-the-eye football.

The Basque academy is one of Spain’s most renowned; their first team is replete with its graduates. Los Leones’ youth team travel south to Villarreal keen to come away with the LaLiga Promises title.

The Vitoria-based club never ceases to unearth special talent and this group of youngsters will be raring to show that they’re capable of featuring in LaLiga Santander when their time comes.

This group of U-12s are crossing the plains of Castilla La Mancha and Aragon full of excitement and hope at putting on an impressive showing at LaLiga Promises.

The club’s academy has always been known for its competitive teams and this side is no different. They’ll be keen to put this U-12 team up there with the best in Spain.

Many youngsters who are currently in Celta’s academy are keen to follow in first team heroes Iago Aspas, Brais Mendez, Denis Suarez, and Hugo Mallo’s footsteps. This current crop of U-12s will have the chance to impress in Villarreal.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Guevara, Martin Zubimendi - the bedrock of La Real’s first team - took the very same steps these U-12s will be taking in Villarreal. This group of youngsters will be wanting to show that the river of talent flowing through Zubieta is long from running dry.

The club’s directors have always put a great deal of effort into the academy and the proof of this is the amount of professional footballers El Tajonar churns out. Jon Moncayola and David Garcia are two recent graduates which the U-12s featuring in LaLiga Promises will be keen to mirror.

They made it to the semi-finals last time out but ended up losing on penalties. Los Nazari have dusted themselves down and will bring their attractive brand of football to this edition of LaLiga Promises Santander.

Rayo are back at LaLiga Promises and are more than eager to prove what a top-class academy the club has. Those on show will want to come away having poured every last ounce of effort into the games.

The Balearic side hop across the Mediterranean ready to unleash their brand of football which exudes humility and hard work. They could well be one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

The club’s first team gave a good account of themselves in LaLiga Santander; this will no doubt inspire their U-12s. There’s no doubt that Elche will be up for giving their all in this tournament, a hallmark of what the club is all about.

One of Spanish football’s most attractive and legendary clubs is involved in LaLiga Promises and won’t hesitate in showing what they’re made of. Cadiz has always produced talented youngsters and this bunch will be seeking to give a good account of their city.