Flamengo's Copinha debut is on January 3rd, facing Sport Club Shallon of Rondônia at the Joaquim de Moraes Filho stadium in Taubaté, the club's hometown. Until then, the youngsters from Ninho do Urubu have little time to train. Therefore, in the middle of the Christmas and New Year's season, there's no rest for the young athletes of Brazil's most beloved club. The youngsters selected for the competition have been training hard at the Flamengo training center to do well in São Paulo.

Defender Michel Pereira is one of the most cheerful yet committed players in the group. Despite his extroverted nature, the athlete says he sees no problem training on the eve of the holiday season. "It's worth training and working hard, even at this time. The results will come during the competition. This will be my last São Paulo Cup, and I hope to go far in it. We need a title, and there's nothing better than a competition like this to end this drought," he said.

The red-and-black squad is quite young. Few of the players have ever competed in the Copa São Paulo before. One of those who has already participated in the Copinha is defender Christianno. He played for Flamengo in the 2009 edition of the competition and hopes to do well this season, already dreaming of a spot in the senior team. "In the junior category, the Copa São Paulo is the main championship, and that's great. Competing in a tournament like this is always important, even for the future of your career. Doing well in the Copa São Paulo is a big step toward, who knows, being promoted to the senior team," he analyzed.

Full-backs and twin brothers Anderson and Alex are among the group's standouts. The duo should have their first opportunity to start a competition with both players starting in their respective positions. In the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, for example, Anderson was in the starting eleven, but Alex was Rafael Galhardo's backup. Both believe this is a golden opportunity to showcase their talent. "It's a great opportunity to showcase our football. It's a high-profile tournament and a unique opportunity for us," said Anderson, whose speech was endorsed by his brother. "It's a great showcase for Brazilian football," Alex added.

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Cast - Flamengo has been training with Marcello Vidotti, Alex, Christianno, Michel Pereira, Anderson, Lorran, Maicon, João Vitor, Guilherme, Nixon, and Dudu. However, João could be promoted to the senior squad and miss the competition. Furthermore, full-backs Jorbison and Galhardo, and forward Diego Maurício, all of whom are of tournament age, will be with the Brazilian U-19 team in an international tournament. Midfielders Erivelto and Luiz Antônio, as well as forward Eliabe, would be starters, but are recovering from injuries and have not yet been confirmed. Despite the lack of chemistry, coach Armênio Moura is banking on grit to achieve results.

"This team is young, but it has a strong desire to win. It's a team that reflects Flamengo. We have talented and determined players. It's a group that always fights, comes back to regain possession, and that's crucial," said the coach.

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Get to know the red-black group that is registered in the 41st São Paulo Junior Football Cup by clicking here. Among the best-known players are striker Diego Maurício, full-back Galhardo, and Maycon Santana, "the internet star," signed by Flamengo two years ago after a video he posted on YouTube became a hit.