Socca Returns to Rethymno: A Global Tournament with Local Impact

From October 16 to 22, the city of Rethymno, Greece, will once again become the epicenter of international small-sided football, as it hosts the TUI Socca Champions League and the Socca Aegean Cup — two of the most prestigious events organized by the International Socca Federation.

The Champions League will bring together over 100 club teams from 40+ countries, while the Aegean Cup will feature 10 national teams in both men’s and women’s competitions. Yet these events are more than just tournaments. They represent the ISF’s commitment to using sport as a platform for tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

With more than 1,500 international participants expected, the city will activate a broad range of daily cultural, environmental, and community-focused initiatives. From heritage walks to local food showcases, the aim is to immerse visitors in the authentic experience of Crete, strengthening the bond between sport and place.

At the heart of the event space, a revamped Fan-zone Village will serve as a vibrant meeting point for fans, locals, and partners — brighter, larger, and more interactive than ever. It’s a reflection of the ISF’s broader goal: to create tournaments that leave a lasting legacy in their host cities.

Supported by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Region of Crete, and the Municipality of Rethymno, the events also benefit from a strategic partnership with TUI, the world’s largest tourism group — a synergy that underscores the growing role of sports tourism on the global stage.

Having already hosted the Socca World Cup 2019 and last year’s successful editions of the Champions League and Aegean Cup, Rethymno is now firmly established as a leading destination for international Socca events — and a model for how sport can contribute meaningfully to local economies and global understanding.