Quaresma, Mendes, Tomás and Fernandes have all debuted for the first team

At the Academia Sporting there is a long-standing tradition, in which the names of youth team products to debut for the Sporting CP first team are added to a ceremonial wall. On Friday, the names of Eduardo Quaresma, Nuno Mendes, Tiago Tomás and Joelson Fernandes were inscribed there, as the latest quartet of players brought through at Alcochete to play for the senior squad.

The four players join the likes of former Sporting CP stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Cédric Soares and Eric Dier, as well as members of Rúben Amorim’s current squad: João Palhinha, Jovane Cabral, Luís Maximiano and Rodrigo Fernandes.

A ceremony to add their names, dates of birth, dates of their debuts and age upon their first official appearances to the wall was attended by Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas and Academia Sporting director Paulo Gomes.

Eighteen-year-old striker Tomás, part of the first team squad, thanked the coaches who have helped him along the way and enabled him to “improve every day.” He also signalled that there are plenty more young players who will make it to the Primeira Liga.

President Varandas said that “this is an important day for these four players, for those present and, above all, for Sporting CP”. “Everybody at the club is working hard so that more players get into the first team, which has to be the true dream of a young player at Sporting Clube de Portugal.”

“In the nearly two years since I became president, 12 players from our youth system have made their debuts for the first team, which is something that makes me very proud. It is important to defend players from our academy, who must know the values and requirements of this club. They are the future, and the way forward.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Gomes added that he is "extremely pleased to see these youngsters reach the Sporting CP first team.”

"I accompanied them as the head of the Polo EUL team. I saw them on their first day here. Like these players, there are many whom I have seen that are knocking on the door of their dream. Our job here at the Academia Sporting is to provide everyone with the conditions so that they have opportunities. From there, they need hard work, dedication, commitment and effort. Talent alone is not enough.”

"From the day they took office, this board said that they would be committed to players from our youth system. The door is open and these four players are proof of that,” said the man who oversees the under-23s side.

"We Are One"

Sporting CP Youth Squads were surprised this Thursday as new team members integrated their training session. 

Bruno Fernandes, Tiago Ilori, Jérémy Mathieu, Luciano Vietto and Joelson Fernandes from our Main Squad showed up fully equipped to train with the Young Lions of the U-6 and U-13 squads. 

The yound players had the opportunity to share the pitch with their idols and, above all, Sporting CP showed once again that "We Are One". 

Have a look at the fun photos from this special night.

Youngsters from the age of 6 to 19 with the chance to train with Sporting Clube de Portugal coaches

On the 29th of March Sporting Clube de Portugal signed an agreement with the company Agence BB Switzerland. This partnership has resulted in the organistion of SummerCamps in Switzerland from the 24th to the 28th of July 2017 and from the 31st of July to the 5th of August 2017, where youngsters from the age of 6 to 19 can take advantage of training under the guidance of Sporting Clube de Portugal. The Club will also be offering kits and providing logistics support for the SummerCamps. This is a unique opportunity for young athletes who live outside of Portugal, providing access to the training of one of the world’s best football academies with the guidance of Sporting CP’s coaches André Lourenço, Bernardo Bruschy and João Lourenço.

Sporting CP learn Champions League qualification fate

The draw for the UEFA Women's Champions League qualification round took place this Friday, handing Sporting CP a place in Group 8 along with BIIK-Kazygurt (Kazakhstan), do MTK Hungary (Hungary) and Hajvalia (Kosovo).

The qualification tournament will take place from the 22nd to the 28th of August, with the winner and best runner-up qualifying for the main competition.

UEFA Women's Champions League Schedule

Qualification round: 22nd to 28th of August

Last 32 draw: 1st of September

Last 32: 4th/5th and 11th/12th of October

Last 16 draw: 16th of October

Last 16 : 8th/9th and 15th/16th November

Quarter-final and semi-final draw: 24th of November

Quarter-finals: 21st/22nd and 28th and 29th of March

Semi-finals: 21st/22nd and 28th/29th of April 2018

Final: 24th of March 2018, Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium, Kiev (Ukraine)

Bruno Mascarenhas takes aim at support for illegal fan groups

Filipe Chaby

Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Belenenses Futebol, SAD for the permanent transfer of the player Filipe Chaby, with Sporting SAD remaining with 50% of the player's economic rights.

Sporting SAD wishes Filipe Chaby the best of personal and professional success.

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."

Alvalade strengthens position in Central America

Central America is taking on even more importance for the Sporting CP brand, with Guatemala announcing the opening of the latest Sporting Academy School.

The Sporting CP president Bruno de Carvalho and board member Luís Roque travelled to Guatemala this week to meet with the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Raúl Morales Moscoso.

On Monday a protocol was officially signed with Menedy FC, prior to a visit to the Guatamala Football Federation on Tuesday.

Sporting Academy Schools continue to be the number one choice for countries looking to get the best out of their young talent, with facilities already in Angola, South Africa, Spain, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Cabo Verde, China, Singapore and Costa Rica.

There are also plans to reach out to more CPLP countries and invitations are also on the table in the United States, India, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Russia, Switzerland and Bulgaria.

July 2016 to March 2017 accounts released

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has presented its results for the period running from the 1st of July 2016 to the 1st of March 2017. SAD can boast its best turnover ever, with 138.8 million euros, supported "by a growth in all revenues and the two biggest sales of sports rights ever - João Mário for 40 million euros and Slimani for 30 million euros, with these amounts possibly increasing based on objectives. This turnover has provided a positive result of 35.089 million euros for the period", as noted in the latest financial overview.

Hadi Sacko

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Leeds United FC for the permanent transfer of the athlete Hadi Sacko, following the activation of the option to buy clause. The transfer is valued at 2,000,000.00€, with an additional 1,000,000.00€ based on objectives. The deal also grants Sporting SAD a 20% sell-on clause in any future transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes Hadi Sacko the best of personal and professional success.