The 6th edition of the Barça Academy Hungary Cup organised by Barça Academy Budapest saw some hotly disputed, high quality matches in the four age categories at the Szabadkikötő de Csepel Sports Centre. One of the tournament strengths was again the international participation, enabling the young players to experience different football cultures and playing styles.

From England via the Pannonian Basin to Serbia

This edition again showed that the tournament is much more than a traditional youth competition. The gathering of teams from England, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia and Hungary created an international atmosphere in which the young players were able to complete, but also develop, obtain new experiences and learn about different footballing cultures.

One of the major assets of the Barça Academy Hungary Cup each year is the diversity and international participation. The 2026 tournament included teams from several countries and different regions in the Pannonia Basin, making it a truly international footballing event.

The legacy of Sándor Kocsis

The legacy of Sándor Kocsis, the legendary blaugrana player at the end of the 1950s and start of the 1960s, was also present at the tournament. Salgótarjáni BTC were taking part in the U-12 competition after earning a place at the Barça Academy Hungary Cup by winning the national final of the 2026 Sándor Kocsis Cup.

The Kocsis Cup is special because it gives young people – even those from smaller towns and villages – the opportunity to show their talent via qualifying rounds and a chance to reach a national final.

Vital experience for Barça Academy Budapest

Barça Academy Budapest took part in every relevant age group in the tournament, a truly special opportunity for our academy players each year. The main objective of the tournament for Barça Academy Budapest is that the young players gain valuable experience in an international atmosphere. Coming across different footballing cultures and playing styles presents new challenges for the young players, playing an important role in their long-term development.

More than football: a community experience in Csepel

The Barça Academy Hungary Cup is not just about football matches. The organisers aim to create a festival of football in which boys and girls, coaches, families and fans can be part of a special international sporting experience.

Each match presents a new challenge for the young players, each opponent a new experience. The tournament also offers children from different countries the chance to get to know each other, make new friends and experience how football is a powerful tool for integration.

 

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