Tenerife Secures Major Football Events, Funds Grassroots Growth
Tenerife's Vice President and Tourism Councillor met with the FIFT president to discuss plans for 2026, including hosting the Spanish Women's Futsal Super Cup and launching new grassroots football initiatives with increased funding.
Lope Afonso, Tenerife's Vice President and Tourism Councillor, met with Alejandro Morales Mansito, president of the Tenerife Inter-Island Football Federation (FIFT), at the Insular Palace to discuss plans for 2026.
A key topic was Tenerife's continued role as a host for major football events. This includes the Spanish Women's Futsal Super Cup, set to happen in Adeje on January 31 and February 1. This event marks its first time in the Canary Islands, made possible by an agreement between the RFEF and FIFT.
Thanks to the partnership between the Cabildo de Tenerife and the FIFT, Tenerife has become a strong host for major national and international football events in recent years. Past events include matches for the senior men's and women's national teams (2024), the U18 4 Nations Tournament (2023), and the preliminary rounds of the Spanish Football Championships for both men and women (2022).
The Cabildo and FIFT are also looking into a new sports and education project, planned for the 2026/27 season. This project could help cover the cost of insurance for FIFT members in Tenerife. Both organizations see this as an important and innovative way to boost grassroots football and futsal on the island, which are becoming the most popular sports based on the number of registered players.
Alongside these initiatives, the 'Youth Development Aid' program continues, supporting clubs and sports groups working with young athletes. Thanks to the strong partnership between FIFT and the Cabildo, the Sports department has increased funding for this aid in recent years. For example, 2.4 million euros were allocated for 2025, a 20% increase from 2 million euros in 2024, and over 900,000 euros more than the 1.5 million euros in 2023.
Lope Afonso stated that the Cabildo de Tenerife is "firmly committed to grassroots sports and to football as a way to bring people together, provide training, and promote the Island." He added, "Working with the FIFT helps us not only attract major sporting events that boost Tenerife's image nationally and internationally, but also support projects that directly benefit our clubs, athletes, and families."