Lamezia Terme Prepares for Ninth Edition of International Youth Football Tournament
The city of Lamezia Terme is gearing up to host the ninth edition of the Torneo Internazionale Città di Lamezia Terme – Memorial Pasquale Gallo, scheduled to take place from April 23 to 26, 2026. The youth football tournament, dedicated to the memory of Pasquale Gallo, will feature 80 teams from the pulcini category (under-10 age group), representing clubs from across Italy and abroad. Matches will be held across three municipal stadiums: Guido D’Ippolito, Gianni Renda, and Rocco Riga, with the final set for Sunday, April 26 at 2:30 PM at the Gianni Renda stadium.
Over 1,200 young players born in 2015 are expected to participate, supported by coaching staff, families, and volunteers. The event is organized by F&A Eventi in collaboration with ASD Italia Live and Academy Lamezia, under the patronage of the Lamezia Terme municipal administration. Organizers anticipate more than 60 individuals involved in tournament operations, reflecting the event’s growth from 64 to 80 participating teams since the previous edition.
The tournament’s opening ceremony will occur on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 PM at the Gianni Renda stadium, where all participating teams will be presented. During the ceremony, the annual Premio Calcio Giovanile (Youth Football Award) will be conferred to four distinguished figures in Italian and international football: Martina Molinaro, an international football referee; Ciro Polito, sporting director of Catanzaro Calcio; Roberto Trapani, youth sector coordinator for Genoa CFC; and Rafaela Vitale Pimenta, a globally recognized football agent and lawyer.
Premio Calcio Giovanile Honors Leaders in Youth Football Development
The Premio Calcio Giovanile recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to youth football development and sports management. Martina Molinaro is acknowledged for her role as an international referee, having officiated in various UEFA and FIFA youth competitions. Ciro Polito has served as sporting director for Catanzaro, overseeing player recruitment and youth integration into the first team. Roberto Trapani coordinates Genoa’s youth academy, focusing on player development and educational pathways for young athletes.
Rafaela Vitale Pimenta, described in local reports as “the world’s leading football agent,” inherits the legacy of the late Mino Raiola and represents high-profile clients including Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba, and Erling Haaland. Born to a family with roots in Lamezia Terme, Pimenta’s connection to the city prompted organizers to pursue additional recognition. In coordination with the municipal administration, the Torneo Internazionale Città di Lamezia Terme committee secured the conferment of the Benemerenza Civica (Civic Merit) upon her.
The Benemerenza Civica is an official honor awarded by the City of Lamezia Terme to individuals who bring distinction to the territory through their professional or civic actions. Pimenta will receive the award during a charity dinner on the evening of April 23 at Officine 109, a venue partnering with the tournament. The event aims to raise funds for the association “un..due..tre…Alessio,” which supports families of children undergoing oncological treatment.
Tournament Format and Community Impact
Competition will follow a multi-stage format across the four days, with teams contesting for five trophies designed to ensure maximum participation and playing time for all young athletes. The expansion to three venues responds to the increased number of teams, allowing broader access to facilities and reducing scheduling pressure. Local authorities have coordinated logistics, accommodation, and transportation for visiting delegations, many of whom will stay in city-hosted facilities.
The tournament benefits from a dedicated broadcast channel, canale 254 MemorialGalloTv, available on digital terrestrial television, which provides live coverage and highlights. This media partnership supports the organizers’ goal of increasing visibility for youth football and promoting the values of sportsmanship, inclusion, and community engagement.
As preparations continue, the municipal government and organizing committees confirm that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality arrangements are on schedule. The event underscores Lamezia Terme’s growing role as a host for national and international youth sports initiatives, combining athletic competition with social outreach through partnerships with local charities.
For updates on match schedules, team lists, and live results, the public is encouraged to follow the official tournament channels and the MemorialGalloTv broadcast. Fans and supporters are welcome to attend matches at the Guido D’Ippolito, Gianni Renda, and Rocco Riga stadiums throughout the event period.
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