Girona, Spain – The Mediterranean International Cup (MICFootball), a cornerstone of youth soccer in the region, has secured its future in Girona, Spain, through at least 2030, officials confirmed Thursday. The commitment ensures the prestigious tournament will continue to bring hundreds of teams and thousands of young players to the Costa Brava for years to come.
Miquel Noguer, President of the Girona Provincial Council (Diputació de Girona), announced the agreement during a presentation of the 24th edition of the tournament. “This year we finish the contract, but the intention is to renew it for four more years. There will be MIC until 2030. It’s already agreed. Everyone wants it to stay here,” Noguer stated, according to reports from Diari de Girona.
The announcement comes as preparations are underway for the upcoming tournament, scheduled to take place during Semana Santa (Holy Week), from March 31st to April 5th. Organizers anticipate participation from approximately 400 teams and over 8,000 players, competing across more than 60 fields in nearly 50 municipalities throughout the Girona province. This represents a significant logistical undertaking and economic boost for the region.
The MICFootball tournament isn’t just about competition; it’s about fostering friendships and providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent. David Bellver, President of the MIC, highlighted the tournament’s impact, noting that over 100,000 players have participated throughout its history. “One of the great things that has been achieved at the MIC are the friends. During all these years, 100,000 players have passed through. It’s huge. There are 100,000 stories, each with its own anecdote about playing against someone who has risen higher, from abroad…” he said.
Maite Colomer, Director of the MIC, described the tournament as “a transatlantic ship that cannot be stopped,” emphasizing the dedication of the organizing team and the extensive support from the Costa Brava region, with around 450 collaborators involved in the Semana Santa event. The tournament’s success is attributed to meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to providing a positive experience for all participants.
The MICFootball has also served as a launching pad for professional players. Girona FC’s Àlex Moreno, who participated in the tournament in 2010 while playing for Fundació Atlètic Vilafranca, was recently named an ambassador for the 2024 edition. Moreno recalled his experience fondly, stating, “I have all the photos saved on Facebook. I’ve never deleted them. It was incredible. Getting out of the town, Vilafranca, to play with your team against teams or selections from outside your environment… I remember we faced China and Brazil.” He added, “Perhaps I am here today given that of this,” suggesting the tournament played a role in his development as a professional footballer.
Other notable players who have competed in the MICFootball include Daley Blind (Girona FC), Laia Codina, Joan Jordán, and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí. Bellver pointed out that Cubarsí, having played in the MIC, went on to debut with Barcelona’s first team the following season and is still eligible to participate in the tournament.
The economic impact of the MICFootball is substantial. A recent study, commissioned by the Diputació de Girona and conducted by Camelonic Analytics, revealed that the 2024 edition generated an economic impact of €14.5 million for the region. This figure includes direct spending on accommodations, meals, and transportation, as well as indirect impacts from media coverage and social media engagement. The study highlighted that the tournament results in approximately 40,000 overnight stays directly attributable to players and their families.
Noguer emphasized the tournament’s broad reach, noting that it involves numerous municipalities throughout the province. “There is no event that moves so much and includes so many municipalities as the MIC,” he said. The continued success of the MICFootball is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Diputació de Girona, the Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona, and the Agrupació Deportiva MICFootball.
With the future secured through 2030, organizers are already looking ahead to the 25th anniversary edition, promising a special celebration of the tournament’s legacy and its continued contribution to youth soccer development. The next edition of the MICFootball is scheduled to take place during Semana Santa in 2025, continuing its tradition of bringing together young players from around the world to compete and forge lasting friendships.
Fans and participants can stay updated on the latest news and information about the MICFootball through the tournament’s official website: https://micfootball.com/
