Once again, Benejúzar’s sports facilities will host a new edition of the Football 8 tournament dedicated to Francisco Escudero ‘Paquito.’ This sporting event, held in tribute to the footballer with roots in Vega Baja, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at the local football field.
The event was officially presented this morning by the town’s mayor, Vicente Cases, alongside the councillor for sports, Cayetano Jara, the honorary president of Atlético Benejúzar, Jaime Pascual, and the director of the club’s sports academy, Francisco Grau. Also in attendance was Teo Rastrojo, a former La Liga player for Athletic Club de Bilbao and Hércules C.F., who will serve as the event’s honorary ambassador.
This marks the fourth edition of the competition, organized by the local government and Atlético Benejúzar with support from the regional football federations of Valencia and Murcia. The tournament is open to young players in the U12 category and will feature seven invited teams: Hércules C.F., Real Murcia, Club Deportivo Eldense, Rayo Vallecano, Selección Vega Baja, Elche C.F., and Montemar Club Atlético. Atlético Benejúzar will participate as the host team.
According to Francisco Grau, the academy director, matches will kick off at 10:30 a.m. Each game will last 30 minutes, played in two halves, following a round-robin format with two groups of four teams. Additionally, a pre-tournament parade will take place through the town’s streets, featuring entertainment and interactive activities for both players and spectators throughout the day. The event will conclude with a trophy ceremony.
Honorary president Jaime Pascual emphasized the importance of maintaining this competition in the town, highlighting the role of Atlético Benejúzar in “promoting sporting values from a young age and fostering a love for football, sports, and a healthy lifestyle.” Sports councillor Cayetano Jara expressed his gratitude to the club’s management and coaching staff for their dedication and hard work in organizing the tournament. He praised their efforts in creating “such a special event that encourages teamwork, enjoyment, and commitment to sports.”
Mayor Vicente Cases shared his enthusiasm for hosting the fourth edition of the tournament at the town’s facilities, noting that it “has become a key sporting event not just for Benejúzar but for the entire province.” He also encouraged football fans from Benejúzar and neighbouring towns to attend on Wednesday and support the young players, describing it as “a perfect way to enjoy outdoor sports and its values on a festive day.”
