Get ready for the second edition in 2026!

Lichtenvoorde, January 12, 2026 – Following a successful first edition, football club Longa ’30 is preparing for the second edition of its international Under-12 youth tournament, which will take place on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026. With a stronger and more international field of participants than last year, the organization underscores its ambition to further expand the tournament annually.

This year, too, they are once again welcoming a very appealing field of participants. Host team Longa ’30’s Under-13s will take on three teams from top clubs in the Netherlands (Ajax, PSV, AZ), two from Belgium (RSC Anderlecht and KRC Genk), and teams from France (LOSC Lille), the Czech Republic (Sparta Prague), Germany (Bayer Leverkusen), and England (West Ham United FC). The field of participants is partly the same as last year, with two significant upgrades in the form of Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham United. “We are proud of that,” says Chairman Dennis Seesing. “We stated beforehand that we want to further strengthen the field of participants every year. With the arrival of these two international top clubs, we show that we are truly living up to that ambition.”

In full swing with preparations

The organization is already hard at work with the preparations. The bar is set high after the first edition, but according to Seesing, that is primarily a great challenge. “The foundation is in place, but this year we really want to put on an even better tournament. For the players, the clubs, the public, and our volunteers. Everything has to be right: sporting, organizational, and in terms of atmosphere.” A small wish for the end of May cannot be missing. “Let’s hope the weather gods are a bit kinder to us this year,” laughs Seesing. “Then the picture will be completely perfect.”

A Whitsun weekend full of football, socializing, and fun

Although the international youth tournament forms the sporting centerpiece, there are also plenty of activities surrounding the Olympia Talent Cup. On Thursday evening, a sponsor evening for the tournament sponsors will take place. Friday evening is dedicated to a 35+/45+ tournament, featuring teams from football clubs in the municipality of Oost Gelre. On Saturday evening, Longa 1 plays its final home match of the season, after which the weekend concludes festively on Sunday evening with a party for the host families, as well as the volunteers from both Longa ’30 and the tournament. “That complete picture is very important to us,” says Seesing. “This tournament is not just about top-level sport, but also about connection. Between clubs, volunteers, sponsors, and the region. That is what makes this event so special.”