Spanish Youth Soccer Kickstarts New Respect Program and Copa del Rey Juvenil Competition

This weekend marks significant developments in youth soccer across Spain, combining a new educational initiative and the kickoff of a major youth competition. On January 23, 2026, the city of Almería will officially launch the 'Respetándonos' program, an initiative aimed at promoting respect and fair play within grassroots football. Supported by clubs, families, referees, and municipal staff, it targets youth categories such as Benjamín, Alevín, and Infantil. The program focuses on instilling positive behavior, respect for referees and opponents, and encouraging responsible sportsmanship without imposing sanctions, according to Antonio Casimiro, Almería’s Councilor for Active City, Urban Mobility, and Sports. Antonio Urdiales, the Councilor for Environmental and Energy Sustainability, highlighted that 'Respetándonos' seeks to foster good habits and shared responsibility across all parties involved in youth sports.

Meanwhile, the 74th Copa del Rey Juvenil tournament commenced on January 17 and 18, 2026, featuring 32 teams from the División de Honor Juvenil competing in a knockout format. Only 16 teams will advance after this round, setting the stage for the octavos de final on January 28. This tournament remains a vital platform for showcasing emerging talent from Spain's most historic youth academies, with notable matchups including Real Madrid versus Cádiz and FC Barcelona versus Unión Deportiva Logroñés. Together, these efforts highlight Spain's dedication to nurturing both the athletic skills and ethical values of its young footballers.