Young Migrants Host ‘Mini Africa Cup 2026’ in Tenerife
A group of young African migrants, many previously under the care of local authorities, are running the ‘Mini Africa Cup 2026’ from June 29 to July 11 at a football field in Tacoronte. This tournament features teams made up of young people from various African communities in the Canary Islands, alongside locals.
The event, themed ‘One Continent, One Dream’, transforms the El Cantillo pitch into a venue for inclusion, coexistence, and intercultural exchange. Participating countries include Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cape Verde, Gambia, Morocco, Senegal, Guinea, and local teams from the Canaries.
Initiated by the young migrants themselves—many now settled and working in the islands—the tournament aims to foster community involvement and a sense of belonging within Canary society. Organisers Modou Lamin, Buba, and Alex have worked alongside various supporting entities to make this first edition a reality.
Miguel Llorca, coordinator of the Campus Sansofé, explained that the tournament is a grassroots initiative, driven by young people who arrived in the Canaries and now wish to unite through sport. He emphasised that this event showcases their enthusiasm for participation and inclusion in community life.
Lola Padrón, the Deputy of the Common, performed a symbolic kick-off to show institutional support for this initiative, which champions equal opportunities and the right for young people to engage in community, sports, and social activities. “A football field becomes a meeting place and a space for rights, respect, and coexistence,” she noted.
Padrón added that the geographical and cultural ties between the Canaries and Africa should be nurtured, and initiatives like this help to view migrant youth as participants in society, rather than distant observers.
The ‘Mini Africa Cup 2026′ has the backing of the Campus Sansofé, UD Tacoronte, the UD Las Palmas Foundation, and the Here We Are Migrating association, along with ATANFE, the referees’ association that aims to ensure the smooth running of the matches.
