Parma, 5 May 2026 – The three-day Copa Crozada 2026, organised by Parma Calcio 1913 Academy, came to a successful close on Sunday 3 May. The fifth edition delivered record-breaking figures: 82 teams from Italy and abroad, more than 1,500 players and staff, around 5,000 total attendees, 334 matches played and over 10,000 minutes of football. Once again, the event showcased the very best of youth football while promoting the core values of the sport.

The tournament was opened by Mattia Notari, Head of Parma’s Youth Sector, and Gianluca Baschieri, Head of Grassroots Activities. This was followed by the reading of the Copa Crozada oath by Eleonora Borelli and Mrija Kiara, players from Parma’s Women’s Under-15 side.

During the closing ceremony (attended by 4,500 players, families and guests) remarks and awards were delivered by Davide Antonelli, Sports Delegate for the Municipality of Parma, Marco Garilli, Head of Territorial Academies, and Roberto Pirovano, Head of Academy Italy, hosted by Gianni and Maddalena. Performances from the Vipers, majorettes and freestyle performers added to the atmosphere, while Parma Legends Fausto Pizzi and Alessandro Melli were also in attendance.

With teams travelling from across Italy and internationally – including Mexico and Malta – the 2026 edition confirmed the tournament’s growing appeal and strong connection with the local area, supported by an increasingly structured organisational model. Matches were held across the Stuard facilities in San Pancrazio for the qualifying rounds and at the Stadio Ennio Tardini for the finals, delivering an intense and highly competitive format.

Two key themes defined this year’s edition: sustainability and fair play. Through the “Play Green” initiative, the tournament significantly reduced plastic bottle usage, introduced water dispensers and promoted environmentally responsible practices. Meanwhile, fair play was reinforced with the introduction of the blue card, designed to sanction unsporting behaviour and encourage respect on the pitch.

The Fun Village and Play Park were active throughout the event, offering entertainment and engagement for players, families and guests. Activities included a Panini Group stand with sticker album stamping and giveaways, food areas, photo and video zones, cheerleader performances, freestyle workshops and BWT water stations. The official Parma Calcio store also remained open for the occasion.

On 2 May, the Fun Village also hosted a stage of Parma Lands, offering experiences linked to the local area, sustainable mobility and the promotion of regional excellence, with partners including Gas Sales and the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma. A “Mobile Clinic” by Progetti del Cuore was also present, providing preventive cardiology screenings.

Copa Crozada once again proved to be a unique platform for building relationships, promoting the values of sport and delivering a meaningful development experience both on and off the pitch.