Academia Santos Bogotá Ready to Travel to La Comarca Lagunera

• The Santos Peñoles International Cup, known as Mexico’s Best Cup, has become a landmark event in La Comarca Lagunera and across the country, even reaching international recognition. This Friday, the tournament’s 12th edition will kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony at Estadio Corona.

• What began years ago with just 40 teams has now grown to around 450 squads, all seeking glory while enjoying an unparalleled experience at Territorio Santos Modelo (TSM). This world-class facility will provide young athletes with an experience that mirrors the daily life of professional teams.

• As part of the inclusive philosophy of Ganar Sirviendo, this year’s edition will once again feature a special category for athletes with intellectual disabilities, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to inclusion.

• Additionally, the Orlegi Sports Scouting Department will be present at the tournament. Several Santos Laguna first-team players, including Carlos Acevedo, Jordan Carrillo, and Stephano Carrillo, have played in the Santos Peñoles Cup as part of their development. Stephano Carrillo himself emerged from Academia Santos Peñoles in Velardeña.

Torreón, Coahuila – April 24, 2024. With just days to go, Academia Santos Bogotá is making its final preparations to compete in the Santos Peñoles International Cup for the second time. The tournament has firmly established itself as Mexico’s premier youth soccer competition.

A Coach’s Perspective: High-Level Competition

Anderson Lyriel Rivas, General Director of Academia Santos Colombia Bogotá, shared his thoughts on the tournament:

"I want to highlight the outstanding level of competition in this Cup. From the very first matches to the knockout rounds, every game is highly competitive. The facilities are world-class, and the event organization is equally exceptional. This is a truly international tournament, which helps improve both the quality and development of our players from a young age."

Experience in the 2023 Edition

After participating last year, Rivas praised the tournament’s infrastructure and competitive environment:

"Being part of the previous edition of the Santos Peñoles Cup was an incredible experience. Territorio Santos Modelo is on par with European facilities—there is no club in Latin America with this level of infrastructure. It was an honor and a pleasure for us to compete, play multiple matches at TSM, and share moments with some first-team players. This motivates young athletes to work even harder to reach the professional level."

Scouting Opportunities at the Tournament

The presence of Santos Laguna scouts adds extra motivation for players aiming to take the next step:

"Knowing that scouts are watching and that there is a chance to be recruited into Santos Laguna’s youth academy is a huge incentive for our athletes. Traveling to Mexico, knowing scouts will be present, and competing against international teams immediately sparks motivation and the desire to perform at their best."

A World-Class Opening Ceremony

Rivas also expressed admiration for the tournament’s spectacular opening ceremony:

"It’s simply phenomenal. Just stepping into Estadio Corona is an unforgettable experience, and the opening show itself is on another level. I would compare it to the opening of a Copa América or a Youth World Cup—it’s visually stunning, with incredible lighting effects. We had never seen anything like it in Colombia, and for us, it was absolutely spectacular."