Under-13 coach Pedro Coelho and skipper Armando Silva on Pontinha win

Speaking at the end of his side's XXXV Pontinha International Tournament win, Sporting's under-13 coach Pedro Coelho proved satisfied with what is Alvalade's 10th time claiming the silverware.

“We had to work hard, but it was a fair win, especially considering hwo we have played. We were the most consistent team, although of course the lads were a bit nervous. That is only normal at this age. We had a lot of chances, three or four with only the keeper to beat, and maybe a bit of nerves got in thr way. This win started on Thursday, but the work we have been putting in all season was really important", said Coelho at the conclusion of the tournament.

Under-13 captain Armando Silva was also happy with the win: "We are all really satisfied. We had a good tournament and we fought hard right up until the end. We believed in ourselves and we did it."

Alvalade youngsters lift trophy for third consecutive year

Sporting's under-13 team beat the Spanish side Cordoba to win the XXXV Pontinha International Tournament this weekend, with a penalty shootout win after a 0-0 draw at full time. This is the 10th time, and third consecutively, that Sporting has won the prestigious competition. The Alvalade youngers finished with six wins in six displays, scoring a total of 21 goals without conceding once. Sporting dominated the Portuguese XI, with a total of five athletes in action.

Sporting beat FC Porto 3-0 on the way to the final, after dominating their group with eighteen goals.

Tournament results in full

Final

SPORTING CP-Cordoba, 0-0 (3-2, pens.)

3rd and 4th

FC Porto-Benfica, 0-2

Semi-final

Cordoba-Benfica, 0-0 (3-2, pens.)

SPORTING-FC Porto, 3-0

Saturday

Santa Clara-Benfica, 0-9

FC Lissois-SPORTING, 0-8

Rec. Huelva-CA Cultural, 10-0

FC Porto-Nacional, 6-1

Friday

Nacional-CA Cultural, 7-0

Rec. Huelva-Cordoba, 0-3

SPORTING-Benfica, 1-0

Santa Clara-Getafe, 0-6

FC Porto-Cordoba, 0-1

Nacional-Rec. Huelva, 0-2

FC Lissois-Getafe, 0-6

SPORTING-Santa Clara, 7-0

Thursday

Benfica-FC Lissois, 10-0

Getafe-SPORTING, 0-2

CA Cultural-FC Porto, 1-8

Córdoba-Nacional, 2-1

Benfica-Getafe, 3-1

Santa Clara-FC Lissois, 0-0

CA Cultural-Cordoba, 0-7

Rec. Huelva-FC Porto, 0-0

Alvalade's under-13's in action

Sporting CP will be one of ten teams taking part in this year's XXXV International Youth Football Tournament, taking place from the 23rd to the 27th of March.

Representing Alvalade at the launch ceremony, Luís Dias highlighted the importance of Sporting's participation: "With the history that this competition has, it is always a memorable moment for young players. A lot of players who are or were professionals started off in this tournament and Sporting has reached the final every time in the last three years."

The ceremony also hosted the competition's draw, putting sporting into the same group as Benfica, Santa Clara, Getafe and the French side FC Lissois. Group B will be comprised of CAC, FC Porto, Cordoba and Nacional. While winning is not the priorirty for Luís Dias, the tournament is a chance for upcoming stars to shine: "At this age, it is really important that tournaments are competitive, so that everyone can enjoy it. Games are even broadcast on television now and knowing how to play in front of the cameras is important for the lads."