IDA Valencia Makes Its Mark at MIC 2025 with Knockout Success and First-Ever Trophy Win

IDA Valencia took a major step forward on the international stage this April, competing in the 23rd edition of the MIC Cup in Costa Brava, Spain. Known as one of the most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world, the 2025 MIC broke records with 444 teams from 44 countries, more than 1,000 matches played, and over 10,000 total participants.

This year, IDA Valencia proudly brought six teams to the event: U14, U15, U16, U18 Navy, U18 Royal, and U19. Each team faced world-class opposition and embraced the opportunity to represent IDA on one of the biggest youth stages in the game.

Competing with the Best

Throughout the week, IDA teams were matched up against top academies from around the world, including Arsenal FC, Villarreal CF, Inter Miami CF, Cambridge United, BCN Academy Brazil, Parkland Soccer Club, and Nàstic Sports Academy.

One of the tournament’s most memorable moments came when the IDA U16 boys took the field against Arsenal FC. In a hard-fought match, Luke Solomon scored a standout goal—an unforgettable experience for both him and the team as they challenged one of Europe’s most respected academies.

Thanks to strong performances across the board, three IDA Valencia teams—U15, U18 Royal, and U18 Navy—qualified for the Championship Bracket, competing in the top-tier knockout rounds of the tournament. Advancing at this level is a significant achievement and a testament to the depth and quality of the IDA program.

U19s Capture Silver Final Trophy

While the U19s narrowly missed qualification for the Championship bracket, they responded with resilience and purpose in the Silver Division, which featured strong teams from across the tournament field. The U19s closed out their campaign with a commanding 4–1 victory over Brazil’s Next Academy in the Silver Final, capturing IDA Valencia’s first-ever trophy at the MIC Tournament. This was a proud moment and a meaningful milestone for the players and staff alike.

Partner Spotlight: Toronto United FC’s MIC Cup Journey

We also want to spotlight the journey of our partners at Toronto United FC, whose U13 High Performance team took part in MIC 2025 and represented their academy with pride. Their strong playoff run concluded in the Round of 32 against a talented Crystal Palace side.

Throughout the tournament, Toronto United FC had the chance to face elite competition—including matches against PSV Eindhoven and Crystal Palace—providing an invaluable experience that most players only dream of. To finish among the top 32 in their division is a credit to the players’ resilience and preparation.

A special thank you goes out to the families and supporters who backed the team throughout the trip, and to the Toronto United FC staff for their continued collaboration with IDA. From the residency phase to MIC itself, we were proud to support their journey and look forward to their continued growth this summer.

Looking Ahead

MIC 2025 was more than a tournament—it was a platform for development, exposure, and growth. From high-level competition to cultural immersion and team bonding, the week reflected everything IDA stands for: preparing players for the next level through elite environments and global experiences.

IDA Valencia returns from Costa Brava with one trophy, three Championship Bracket qualifications, and a renewed commitment to providing world-class opportunities for student-athletes.