2022 Generation adidas Cup to feature 80 world-class academies from around world including Celtic.This looks like some brilliant work from the club at youth level. A superb opportunity…
Celtic it has been announced by the MLS will be represented by teams from both Under 15 and Under 17 age levels in the 2022 Generation adidas Cup to be played Toyota Soccer Centre at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas from April 9-17.
This has to be seen as a massive opportunity for Celtic’s young stars to pit their wits against MLS clubs and 23 other teams from around the world, including River Plate, Flamengo, Manchester United, Porto and Valencia, and Celtic fans will also have the chance to see some of the games as they will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.
We’ve been waiting for this one. 🙌#GACup pres. by @adidasfootball is BACK for 2022 with the largest field of world-class academies and U15/U17 talent yet.
📍 Frisco, TX
🗓 April 9-17
📺 Twitch + YouTube pic.twitter.com/jnMIev5oGj— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 28, 2022
The Under 15’s will initially play Austin FC, Seattle Sounders, and Sporting Kansas City, meanwhile the Under 17’s will face up to Atlanta United, New England Revolution, and FC Cincinnati and you can see the full details of the fixtures here.
Here’s how the MLS explained how things will work.
Biggest clubs in the world
‘Adding to the largest field in the 13-year history of the Generation adidas Cup are 23 international teams from some of the largest clubs in the global game.
Represented in both the U-17 and U-15 divisions are Manchester United of the Premier League, River Plate of the Argentine Primera División, Celtic of the Scottish Premiership and Flamengo of Serie A.’
Competition format
‘Forty teams, divided into 10 groups of four, will compete in each of the two age divisions. MLS club seeding was determined by Generation adidas Cup Qualifiers at the inaugural MLS NEXT Fest in December 2021. Each team will play three group matches to determine qualification for the knockout round.
Sixteen teams will qualify for the winner’s side of the draw with winning teams advancing to play in a bracket-style elimination format. All teams competing in GA Cup are guaranteed to compete in seven matches and matches will be 60 minutes in length, comprised of two 30-minute halves.’
This is exactly the kind of tournament where young players can benchmark themselves against their international peers, as well as a fantastic opportunity for Celtic’s scouting team to have a good look at a vast selection of the young players on show from other clubs. It is also a further sign of the improving development of Celtic’s young players, something it seems the club really are keen on modernising.
The chance to watch the young Bhoys live will also be something many fans will be keen to see, and it’s something Celtic should certainly be commended for exploring.
Niall J
