I Zico Football Cup shakes up Rio de Janeiro\ Sergio Mello\ Sports Journal\

The future of Brazilian soccer took to the field yesterday in the opening round of the 80st Zico Cup, featuring 9 teams in six categories. The competition, which runs until next Monday, is being contested at the U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17, U-20, and U-14 women's levels. It's worth noting that none of the young players participating are federated. The 80st Zico Cup—which is supported by JORNAL DOS SPORTS, Sportv, the Rio de Janeiro State Government, among others—will feature the finals at the Maracanã stadium, featuring an educational and disciplinary focus. The eternal idol of the Red-Black Nation, Zico, was responsible for the opening of the competition, which also featured Eduardo Paes, Rio de Janeiro's mayoral candidate for the Unidos pelo Rio coalition, and Rubens Lopes, president of the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ). In his speech, Quintino's Galinho emphasized that the tournament's main objective is to provide access to socializing, playing, and having fun, since soccer fields are increasingly scarce in urban areas. Having been out of professional football for 1 years, Zico is still revered and respected even by those old enough to have witnessed his idol's glory. The red-and-black maestro signed autographs and took many photos, always with a smile and his usual friendliness. After the 'marathon' of meeting fans, Zico said he believes the competition offers young people without a federation a chance to fulfill their dream of playing for a soccer club. "The difference with the competition is that it gives opportunities to those who don't have them. Those who are already federated are on their way. This project is still a community project and is another opportunity for the kids to play. I hope it will be a productive week filled with soccer. The excitement of having a World Cup named after me is immense. Soccer is a means of social inclusion. I feel incredibly proud to provide this for the kids." Of the XNUMX teams competing in the XNUMXst Zico Cup, we find common names like Mangaratiba, Rio Soccer, Novo Leblon, Real EC, Sport Planet, and West Fitness; and other more accomplished ones, like WimproXNUMX, Real Parças, Anjos da Bola, Esquadra Dutra, and Tudo Pela Paz.