Adelaide United’s Youth Team departs for Spain this Friday, where they will compete in the
International Cup 2014 (MIC) tournament held in the Catalonia region.
Adelaide United-s Youth Team departs for Spain this Friday, where they will compete in the
International Cup 2014 (MIC) tournament held in the Catalonia region.
In their first time competing in this tournament, the Youth Team will play against La Liga
heavyweights Athletic Bilbao, Second Division B side Terrassa and local Catalonia club
Hostalric.
Amongst playing in the tournament, they will also play Espanyol and the Qatar National U18 Team in friendly matches.
Matches aside, the Youth Team players will also have the opportunity to get a behind-thescene
tour of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou as well as being invited to attend the Matchday 33
La Liga clash between Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano.
“We have prepared as best we could for the tournament. It-s a new group and they are at the
early stages of learning the style,” said the Youth Team coach Michael Valkanis.
“For us, it-s about playing the style against better opposition that will test us and improve the
players in the long term.
“It will be a football holistic experience for the boys that will help in their development,
learning and playing this style.”
Ruon Tongyik is one of the lucky players selected for the trip. He joined the Adelaide United
Youth Team as a train-on player for the start of the 2013/14 Foxtel National Youth League
season.
“Staying on as a train-on player was the best decision I-ve made in my football development,”
said the 17 year old center-back.
“I was able to train and be amongst the best youth players from the state. Training was intense
but very rewarding. It was a privilege to be part of the Adelaide United set-up and learn from
great coaches and staff.
“Now being part of the Adelaide United Youth Program has and will continue to help me
develop in areas I need to improve in. This program has provided me a closer step to
becoming a professional footballer.”
Ruon, who is also a Barcelona Fan, is extremely excited and grateful he is part of the
travelling Youth Team.
“When we were first presented the opportunity to play in Spain, I was speechless. I now get a
chance to learn and play with the best and experience football in another country,” explains
Ruon.
The club would also like to thank Olympic Industries, Basetec Services, David Pollock and The Martyn Crook Foundation for sponsoring this trip and helping to provide young South Australian footballers the experience of a life time.
Adelaide United-s participation in this tournament along with previous Youth Team trips to
China to play in the prestigious Weifang Cup tournaments, confirms it-s commitment to
providing a strong development program for the best young South Australian players
including competitions against the best youth players around the world.
To view the Youth Team’s full tournament schedule, visit
http://www.micfootball.com/en/tournament/calendarios/a-1995.html
Travelling Squad:
John Hall, Bruce Kamau, Dion Kirk, Alec Maiolo, Daniel Margush, Angus Mitchell, Adam
Piscioneri, Donovan Pollock, Jordan Pudler, Christopher Skull, Tommy Stokes, Ruon
Tongyik, Anthony Ture, Mitchell Walsh, Oliver Zafiridis
Travelling Staff:
Michael Valkanis, Angelo Costanzo, Jarrad Elliott, Michael Giakoumis, Con Kapnistis
