Youthful enthusiasm, talent and teamwork on display as LaLiga Promises gets underway in Villarreal

The 26th edition of the PAMESA LaLiga Promises National Tournament kicked off with a bang, with a total of 40 matches on the schedule. Youthful enthusiasm, talent and team spirit were the common denominators as the 20 participating Under-12s sides – one each from every club in LaLiga Santander 2016/17 – got their campaigns up and running on a day that was extra special for Athletic Club and CD Leganes.

The Basques and Madrilenians were both buzzing to be making their debuts in the competition and were given a rousing reception by a lively crowd, who did not stop cheering all day long. It was a priceless and unforgettable experience for the Athletic and Leganes starlets, who got to represent their clubs at this tournament for the first time.

Villarreal CF's Pamesa Ceramica Training Ground was crackling with anticipation in the morning and the players did not disappoint, serving up a great spectacle right from the off. As ever, it was a fitting showcase of Spanish youth football at its finest.

After an action-packed day, debutants Leganes and Athletic were two of the four teams – the others being SD Eibar and D. Alaves – to bow out in the group stage. The other 16 sides return to the fray on Saturday, when they will battle it out to be among the final four who will vie for the LaLiga Promises title on Sunday.