Toronto FC III becomes the first Canadian team to participate in the 69th edition of the Viareggio Cup World Football Tournament Coppa Carnevale, also known as (Torneo di Viareggio or Viareggio Tournament). The tournament will take place in the Tuscan city of Viareggio, in Italy from Monday, March 13 to Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

“We would like to thank Roberto Bettega, who played and reached the final of this tournament with Juventus in 1968, for making the introduction for Toronto FC III to participate in the Viareggio Tournament,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “We are always looking for new ways to strengthen our club and by competing with some of Europe’s top teams at Viareggio, our level of play will continue to grow as we expose our young players to the best competition in the world.”

The Viareggio Tournament is known as one of the most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world. It is recognized by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Italian Football Federation (FIGC), UEFA and FIFA. The tournament coincides with the Carnival of Viareggio, a carnival that is annually held in Viareggio, Tuscany. Past players that have featured in this tournament are Italian internationals Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele De Rossi, and Argentine international Mauro Icardi. Toronto FC’s own Sebastian Giovinco participated and won the tournament with Juventus back in 2005.

“We are very excited to be participating in such a prestigious youth tournament, going up against some of the top European academies in the world,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “This is a great opportunity for our young players to compare themselves to players their age at the highest level. International tournaments like these are excellent tools that will aid in their development into professionals.”

Opponents, groups, match dates and times will be determined at a later date and will be updated on //www.torontofc.ca/ academy and by following the club’s twitter account @TorontoFCIII. For more information about the Viareggio Tournament, please visit http://www.viareggiocup.com/.