The Santos Colombia Academy, led by its coordinator Anderson Rivas, is once again participating in the Santos Peñoles International Cup 2026, reaffirming its commitment to the comprehensive development of its players through formative and competitive experiences on a high-level international stage.

The presence of delegations from different countries strengthens the global nature of the tournament, which year after year turns the Comarca Lagunera into a meeting point for thousands of footballers, coaches, and families, also generating a significant economic and tourism impact in the region.

In addition to the competitive experience, the Santos Peñoles International Cup represents a platform for projection for the participants, with monitoring and scouting by Orlegi Sports, thus strengthening the processes of youth talent detection and development.

Looking ahead to this new participation, Anderson Rivas highlighted the importance of this tournament for his players, noting that it represents an unforgettable experience by allowing them to compete against academies from different countries:

“For all our players, competing in the Santos Peñoles International Cup is a very meaningful experience. Facing international teams provides them with a unique experience, especially for those doing it for the first time, while for others who have already participated, it is equally enriching.”

Regarding the opening ceremony, the coordinator emphasized the impact it had on his players to experience it at the Estadio Corona, highlighting the excitement of being part of an event of this magnitude:

“It was a very special experience for our athletes. We arrived with great expectations, and experiencing the inauguration at the Estadio Corona exceeded everything they imagined.”

He also underscored what it means to play matches at the Club Santos Laguna facilities, highlighting the quality of its infrastructure:

“Playing here is something unique. For us, the infrastructure that Santos Laguna has is top-notch in Latin America, so competing in this environment is an unparalleled experience.”

In terms of the sporting impact, Rivas emphasized that this type of competition raises the level of his players by facing different playing styles and football cultures:

“The growth is very important because we face different playing styles. After our previous participations, we have returned to Colombia at a higher level.”

The Santos Peñoles International Cup continues to establish itself as one of the most relevant youth and children’s tournaments in the country, promoting sports and cultural exchange, as well as experiences that transcend competition and contribute to the formation of new generations on and off the field.