The international youth football tournament Etropole Tournament 2026 concluded with an impressive final and a vibrant atmosphere, transforming Chavdar Stadium in Etropole into a stage of sporting spirit, excitement and inspiration. The event brought together thousands of participants and guests, further establishing the town as a notable destination for youth football in Bulgaria.
Over the course of four days, more than 250 matches were played, featuring 77 teams and over 800 children. The final matches gathered the top teams across age groups and turned the closing day into a true highlight, marked by intensity, sportsmanship and well-earned victories.
Among the official guests at the final were the Mayor of Etropole Municipality, Eng. Vladimir Alexandrov, the Minister of Youth and Sports Dimitar Iliev, Hristo Stoichkov, the Executive Director of Geotrading AD Rumyana Ivanova, and the Rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov, who personally awarded the winners.
Initiatives of this scale require strong organisation and personal commitment, as demonstrated by Mayor Alexandrov. At the opening of the ceremony, he shared:
“I am extremely happy that Etropole hosted a four-day football celebration. We welcomed 77 teams and over 800 children who played across 12 pitches. Their determination and sporting spirit turned Etropole Tournament 2026 into an unforgettable event. I would like to thank Dr Eng. Ivan Vutov, who embraced our idea,
and Geotrading AD for supporting the tournament. None of this would have been possible without one more person – the honorary citizen of Etropole, Mr Hristo Stoichkov.”
As the tournament’s general sponsor, Geotrading AD supported the initiative with the understanding that investing in young athletes is an investment in the future and a core part of the company’s long-term commitment to sport.
“Today is much more than an awards ceremony – it is a testament to the hard work, talent and dreams of a new generation,” said Rumyana Ivanova in her address, before personally presenting medals and trophies to the winning teams.
“At Geotrading, we believe that supporting young people is a contribution to the future of Bulgaria – a mission that Dr Eng. Ivan Vutov pursues with consistency and personal commitment. Sport builds character, discipline and values,” she added.
Throughout the tournament, not only sporting skills stood out, but also team spirit, perseverance and the drive for improvement – qualities that will shape the future of Bulgarian and European football.
Across the four days of competition, the children’s sporting spirit energised everyone present with optimism and belief. On the pitch, there was not only a desire to win, but also determination for future achievements. Behind every performance stood the daily support of parents, who nurture values and confidence in a family environment, as well as the dedication of coaches, organisers and guests who provide opportunities for development and expression.
During the final, the Minister of Youth and Sports also highlighted the importance of such initiatives:
“These kinds of initiatives are essential for the development of youth sport. They build not only future champions, but also capable individuals. Football teaches responsibility, teamwork and the pursuit of improvement – qualities that last a lifetime,” the Ministry’s press office stated.
Hristo Stoichkov also delivered a strong message to the young participants, encouraging them to believe in themselves, remain persistent and never give up.
The tournament was organised by PFC Etropole, in partnership with the Municipality of Etropole, Geotrading and Hristo Stoichkov, on the occasion of his 60th anniversary, attracting broad media interest and public attention.
The event received extensive coverage in national and specialised media, further highlighting its significance and positioning Etropole Tournament as a platform for developing young talent and sharing sporting experience.
Etropole Tournament 2026 demonstrated that with vision, partnership and consistency, sport can unite and inspire. With the support of Geotrading, young talents not only competed, but also established Etropole as a place of opportunity and growth.
