The country's most modern sports arena ready to host Sporting CP

The 21st of June 2017, which is curiously exactly 15 years since the opening of the Sporting Academy, will be remembered as the day that the João Rocha Arena officially opened its doors to the public.

The ceremony got underway at 17h00 with the inauguration of the Visconde de Alvalade roundabout (between the arena and the stadium), proudly showing the words of president Bruno de Carvalho: "Talent is needed, but only with hard work, fighting spirit, drive, attitude and dedication to this club's objectives will be be champions."

The ceremony was attended by hundreds of well known Sporting CP personalities and also saw the president of the Lisbon Municipal Council, Fernando Medina, take to the stage to share his thoughts: "We shouldn't be scared to state facts. This is an historic moment for this great institution and for our city. I remember very well the world's best ever hockey team: "Ramalhete, Rendeiro, Sobrinho, Chana and Livramento. The fantasies of every Sporting CP fans are packed full of athletes who have been fundamental across a range of sports. Sporting CP is a massive part of Portuguese sport."

Bruno de Carvalho himself took on the role as presenter, calling up to the stage various people who have played a crucial part in building the arena, including the German architect Andreas Moerschel.

Bruno de Carvalho on the role of the latest Sporting Academy School

Bruno de Carvalho was in Guatemala this week to sign a cooperation agreement with Menedy FC, signalling the opening of the second Sporting Academy School in Central America. "Menedy FC have done a fantastic job. We want to work together responsibility and to give back to the community. Football is much more than just a business. Menedy FC are a great club, that is why we picked them. We recognise talent an a partner that shares our vision", said the Sporting CP leader at the signing ceremony.

His Menedy FC counterpart, Mario Meneses, also gave his personal backing to the new project: "This is an historic day for Guatemala, agreeing a deal with such a big club. Hopefully this year we will send two players across to Sporting CP. We want to open up doors in Europe and we will play like Sporting CP do. Now we have what we need to develop our athletes."

President Bruno de Carvalho in Romania for Challenge Cup celebrations

Bruno de Carvalho made the trip Romania for the Challenge Cup final this weekend and the Alvalade leader couldn't be happier with the latest edition to the Alvalade trophy cabinet: "This is a win for all three million Sporting fans and this is what we work for. Our handball department deserves this. Now the lads can celebrate, before we focus on the other objectives we have. This is Sporting CPs's 25th European title and it is great to see the players and fans so happy."

"Despite building up a big lead in Lisbon we didn't let our guard down here and the whole squad showed a fantastic attitude. This is Sporting CP's DNA, wanting to win and never giving up. If we can win by twenty goals then why should we stop at five? The players have to push themselves to the limit and that is what they did", finished Bruno de Carvalho.

Bruno de Carvalho happy with opening of new facilities in South Africa

The Sporting president has been touring South Africa in recent days and has just opened up the new Sporting Academy School in Nelspruit. With the new facility just 100km from Mozambique, Bruno de Carvalho has already picked ups next target: "We are on the doorstep of Mozambique, which is good. One of our objectives is to build facilities their too and and we will do everything we can to do that next year."

For Bruno de Carvalho, the dedication shown by those behind the new Sporting Academy Schools in South Africa reflects well for the future: "People will start to see that this is a solid project and has everything needed to succeed. People can see how great it is to be in one of these Acadmies."

The role of João Gomes, already named as Club Member of the Year, was also noted by the Alvalade boss: "He is involved in the Academy. He is involved in this project and it is important for us to have such quality people that also have a passion for Sporting."