The first stage of the Fla-Rio Cup, promoted by the Escolinha Fla franchise chain, will be held on the 25th and 26th in Gávea. Around 720 children and adolescents, ages 7 to 15, will begin their battle for qualification for the final stage of the tournament, scheduled for December, and also for a spot in the Fla-Brasil Cup, which will be held for the second time.

The Fla-Rio Cup is an initiative of Time Forte, the company responsible for the Fla Escolinhas (Fla Schools), which has been promoting socialization and sports education for 12 years, seeking to enhance the Flamengo brand and create new fans. The Flamengo franchise is the largest football club network in the world, with approximately 130 branches across the country. It is managed by businessman José Martins, known as Zezinho, who played as a right-back in the 80s but chose a life outside the football field.

"Our first goal is to bring the club closer to its youngest fans, those who will eventually form their own opinions and become Flamengo fans at heart," explains José Martins. "Today, we have around 11 students, who, alongside their families, consume the Flamengo brand, but also have fun. Young people are entertained and participate in the socialization that only sports can offer," adds the project's executive director.

The Fla-Rio Cup will have three more stages, scheduled for August, October, and December, when the Fla-Brasil Cup will also take place, bringing together the qualified teams from other regions of the country. On the 25th, the U-7, U-9, and U-11 teams will play; on Sunday, the 26th, the U-13 and U-15 teams will play. The games will be played simultaneously on four indoor soccer fields set up on the Gávea pitch, from 8 a.m. to 17 p.m.