New toppartnership and big names for 29th edition U13Cup
The local government of Assenede has signed another top partnership with the organizers of the U13Cup, the international youth soccer tournament in Bassevelde. For the 29th edition, the organization is also showing off a lot of great names including such big names as Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The toppartnership means the local board provides logistical support for the U13Cup. “This tournament puts us on the map internationally and runs almost entirely on volunteers. Moreover, it brings people closer together through youth soccer. Community spirit and meeting each other (athletically) are values that we as local government also stand for. That is why we like to support this tournament logistically. Moreover, it remains a great showcase for a municipality like Assenede,” explained mayor Trees Van Eykeren.
The countdown can already begin. Today the organizers announced their complete bill for the weekend of June 5, 6 and 7. With Real Madrid and Manchester United, they have in Bassevelde again two of the biggest soccer names on the planet. But also renowned soccer schools such as PSV, Celtic, AZ, Lille OSC and Parma Calcio are sending their promising U13 talents to the tournament, where they will compete against other top academies.
From Belgium, RSC Anderlecht, Club NXT, Royal Antwerp FC, KAA Gent and SV Zulte-Waregem are signing on, while the Swedish talent of Brommapojkarna, Dutch JVOZ and NAC Breda are also claiming their places.
In addition, another U13Cup Selection will also be kicking off, a unique opportunity for talented players from the region to compete with the absolute international top.
International growth for the U14 Sparks Cup
Girls’ soccer will also once again gain prominence during the tournament weekend. The U14 Sparks Cup continues to grow, welcoming teams from three different countries for the first time this year. With this, the tournament underlines its ambition to promote top girls’ soccer and to offer young talents an international stage.
KAA Gent Ladies, Club YLA, RSCA Women, the Swedish Brommapojkarna Girls, JVOZ Ladies and a selection U14 Sparks Cup will kick off.
Soccer for all
In addition to top soccer, the U13Cup also remains committed to inclusion and connectedness. As in previous years, G-football will once again be given a prominent place within the tournament weekend. This way, the U13Cup remains an event where soccer really is for everyone.
“That’s really one of our core values. Making soccer accessible to everyone,” said U13Cup president Joeri Hertleer. “We are already very pleased that teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid still want to be part of this story. The U13Cup remains the tournament where Belgian talents play their first major international matches. Kenneth Vandesteene, coordinator of tournaments at Club NXT, cited it recently. Tournaments are the perfect training ground for youth players. Not only on a sporting level, but players also learn during that period to deal with other cultures, traditions and customs and sharpen their social skills. Being able to contribute to that in Bassevelde makes us proud.”
A weekend full of soccer experiences
With top international clubs, emerging talent, girls’ soccer and G soccer, the weekend of June 5, 6 and 7, 2026 promises to be another unique experience. For three days, passion, talent and sportsmanship take center stage, while supporters can get up close and personal with the stars of tomorrow.
