McDonald’s Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival returns in April

The McDonald’s Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival is returning, once again bringing football to life for thousands of children. A celebration of participation, fair play and boundless enjoyment is set to unfold through the largest youth football tournament in Cyprus.

On the occasion of its 24th edition, a press conference was held on March 18, 2026 at the event hall of Ayia Napa Marina. Representatives of the media, Soccer World Cyprus, McDonald’s Cyprus, Lidl Cyprus, the Cyprus Football Association, the Cyprus Coaches Association and the Municipality of Ayia Napa were in attendance.

Each year, the McDonald’s Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival showcases the magic of football for children, placing them firmly at the centre of the action on the pitch. The participation of McDonald’s Cyprus, as Title Sponsor, adds distinctive value to the event, creating ideal conditions for unique experiences for both children and their parents and accompanying persons.

Through its consistent commitment to sport and youth, McDonald’s promotes the spirit of fair play, sportsmanship and a healthy, active lifestyle. “We are delighted that sport, team spirit and the value of fair play once again provide the occasion for us to be the proud Title Sponsor of the McDonald’s Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival,” noted McDonald’s Cyprus Marketing Coordinator Rodothea Charalambous. “For us, football teaches values that accompany children throughout their lives, while both on and off the pitch, what truly matters is respect and effort, not the final result.”

Equally significant is the contribution of Lidl Cyprus, which is supporting the Festival as Platinum Sponsor. Lidl Cyprus General Manager Vasilis Lagogiannis, hailed the initiative. “We are delighted to take part in this important event,” he said. “We celebrate not only football, but also the strength of the younger generation and of our sport. For the fifth consecutive year, we support the McDonald’s Youth Soccer Festival, strengthening the largest sporting institution for children and young people.” This long-standing partnership also promotes healthy nutrition and the value of exercise.

Meanwhile, the event has gained further momentum via a new sponsorship collaboration with Cosmos Sport, participating as Silver Sponsor. Its presence contributes to the development of a modern football institution, offering the thousands of kids who take part each year the opportunity to develop, enjoy the game and create unforgettable experiences.

The tournament will be hosted at the athletic facilities of the Municipality of Ayia Napa across 16 specially configured pitches, from Saturday, April 4, 2026 to Thursday, April 9, 2026. Approximately 350 age-group teams and more than 4,000 children will take part, ranking the event as the largest of its kind in Cyprus and one of the largest in Europe. Matches cover 21 different age categories for boys and girls, and continue an innovation of recent years: all teams progress from the group stage and are placed into three competitive tiers.

Girls’ participation is to be further strengthened through dedicated U15, U13 and U11 tournaments, supporting the development of women’s football and promoting equal opportunities in sport.

The success of the event is also reflected in audience attendance, with more than 20,000 spectators expected to follow the tournament. The shared objective of all involved is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the children, while upholding sportsmanship and respect for the rules, referees and all those in attendance.