HISTORY OF THE GAÑAFOTE CUP: A YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT THAT GROWS YEAR AFTER YEAR
Since its first edition in 2017, the Gañafote Cup has evolved into one of Spain’s most important youth soccer tournaments. Held in various municipalities throughout Huelva, this sporting event has attracted renowned teams and young talents from around the world, establishing itself as a major driver of tourism and a showcase for future soccer stars. In addition, the tournament addresses a wide range of issues through educational, business, environmental, and social initiatives:
- Educational: Our mascot, “Brinco,” visits schools throughout the province to raise awareness about the educational, tourism, and social importance of the Gañafote Cup, giving children the opportunity to meet future top-level players.
- Business: A roundtable discussion is being organized at the University of Huelva (School of Law) to foster synergies among companies that are partners and influential players in the worlds of sports and society.
- Environment: In collaboration with the Regional Office for Sustainability, the Environment, and the Blue Economy, we promote reforestation in natural areas and are committed to planting trees in Huelva.
- Social: Initiatives such as food drives in collaboration with the Huelva Food Bank, inclusive “ Matches ,” and the “Patio del Amor” project at the Juan Ramón Jiménez University Hospital, which creates an educational and recreational courtyard for hospitalized children.
- Tourism: We are promoting Huelva’s image by maintaining a presence at all tournament venues and collaborating with the local hotel industry, and we have reserved more than seven hotels to accommodate the participants. We are also highlighting the appeal of our region during the preliminary rounds held on two continents.
Joaquín Rasco, the company’s CEO and founder, took his first steps by organizing soccer skill-building camps in towns throughout the province of Huelva. Following their great success, the idea arose to create the Gañafote brand, a company specializing in the customization and manufacturing of sports products and merchandise. Today, Gañafote has an international presence and collaborates with more than 3,500 clubs worldwide, regardless of their sport. As direct manufacturers, all our products are made in Europe—specifically in Portugal—which guarantees superior quality standards. The Gañafote Cup and the Gañafote brand are closely linked, as the tournament is not only a showcase for youth soccer talent but also a platform to highlight the innovation and quality of our sports products.
Gañafote Cup 2017: The Birth of a Dream
In 2017, the first edition of the Gañafote Cup was held in Huelva, Palos de la Frontera, San Juan del Puerto, and Moguer. Over the course of three days, local teams and prominent clubs such as CD Badajoz, Real Murcia, Córdoba CF, AD Alcorcón, and Real Betis Balompié participated in a thrilling tournament.
2018 Gañafote Cup: Expansion and Consolidation
In 2018, the Holea shopping center hosted the draw for the second edition. The previous venues were retained, and the categories were expanded to include pre-benjamín, benjamín, and alevín, with 72 teams participating over the course of a week. Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, Málaga FC, and other renowned clubs raised the bar for the event.
Gañafote Cup 2019: Innovation and Diversity
In 2019, the tournament expanded to six municipalities, including Rociana and La Palma del Condado, and introduced a women’s division. More than 90 teams and 1,500 young soccer players participated, making the Gañafote Cup a major tourist attraction for Huelva.
2021 Gañafote Cup: A Triumphant Return After the Pandemic
In 2021, the Gañafote Cup made a strong comeback after the pandemic, spanning six venues and featuring more than 170, Matches ts in five categories: pre-benjamín, benjamín, alevín, girls’ division, and infantil. New venues such as Bollullos Par del Condado and Cartaya joined the traditional ones.
Gañafote Cup 2022: A Flagship Event
In 2022, more than 90 teams played 240 Matches during Holy Week in Huelva. Real Valladolid, Málaga CF, FPA Las Rozas, and Real Betis were the champions. The opening ceremony at the Nuevo Colombino Stadium marked the start of an event that is already well-known in Huelva.
Gañafote Cup 2023: An International Tournament
In 2023, Sevilla FC and Real Betis Balompié won in three categories. Teams such as Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Manchester City, Roma, and others participated, attracting 20,000 spectators and 3,000 players from 13 countries and 3 continents. David Villa served as the tournament’s patron.
Gañafote Cup 2024: An International and Double Edition
In 2024, the seventh edition of the tournament was held in two categories: the “Gañafote Cup K7DS” from March 22 to 24 and the “Gañafote Cup JUN11OR” from June 21 to 23. This year, the preliminary rounds were played internationally in Funes (Argentina) and Dubai. The finals were held in municipalities along the coast, in the Sierra, Huelva, Condado, Andévalo, and Cuenca Minera regions, with the city of Huelva serving as the tournament’s epicenter. In the K7DS edition, AC Milan and Sevilla FC emerged as winners in various categories.
The Gañafote Cup has established itself as a celebration of youth soccer and a driving force for tourism in Huelva, with each edition surpassing the last and attracting young talent from around the world. Our vision for the future includes expanding our international presence across all five continents, increasing the number of host venues in the province, and striving for excellence in every edition.
