An unforgettable experience.
Three teams that competed in the 2026 Elite Clubs Alliance League participated at IberCup Estoril in Portugal from June 29-July 5. They were Brentwood (2017 Boys), Plainedge (2015 Girls), and Smithtown (2014 Girls).
During the tournament, it provided the experience of playing teams from around the world, including Bermuda, Brazil, Portugal, and South Africa, which will only have a positive impact moving forward.
“This competition will definitely impact their development,” Brentwood coach Victor Farfan said. “They know what the next level is like at an international stage. Playing teams from Portugal, Brazil, and South Africa was an experience that they will remember and use to improve their game.”
“Our most memorable moment was securing a 2-1 win against a team from Bermuda,” Plainedge coach Joseph Szylaga said. “This was our fourth game of the tournament after three tough losses. To persevere and get an international win after having a few rough matches certainly made us feel as though we had belonged. We were proud of the girls for keeping their heads up and continuing to compete.”
At every IberCup tournament, the experience stretches far beyond the pitch. While the event provides opportunities to bond while sightseeing or enjoying the beachy area, the opening ceremony also provided an elevation to the event.
“The opening ceremonies were grand and made our team feel like they were part of something very big,” Szylaga said.
“I would rate the experience a 10 out of 10,” Farfan said. “I was amazed every component of this competition.”
With ECAL providing qualification to IberCup, it’s a competition that Farfan notes all LIJSL clubs should take advantage of.
“I highly recommend all the teams in Long Island to be part of this amazing opportunity that LIJSL provides through the ECAL tournament,” Farfan said. “The ultimate prize is just about what you want to test your team and, regardless of the result, to give your players the opportunity to experience an international competition is priceless.”
The time in Portugal brought about several lessons that players from all three teams brought back to the United States.
“While our team has had a lot of success, we saw a level of skill that gives us something to strive toward,” Szylaga said.
“As I told my boys, there are so many lessons we can take from the games and the overall experience,” Farfan said. “From being more independent at the school we stayed at, to feeling grateful for this opportunity. I feel like they came back to the U.S. a lot more aware of what life is about and I’m happy I was able to contribute to that.”
Farfan also now has that experience in tow to bring to the LIJSL Academy during the summer.
“First of all, it is a privilege to be part of the LIJSL Academy and be able to work with some of the best players in the area,” he said. “I definitely return to work with a better vision for my current team. It would be an honor to go back to this competition and represent our LIJSL Academy at one of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe. In the meantime, I will promote the level of commitment required to bring the best out of all our players.”
In the end, the simplest joys of the game always stand out the most – whether playing in Europe or a home.
“I would say the first goal that we scored [was the most memorable moment],” Farfan said. “It wasn’t even about the score or the game; it was about a dream becoming a reality. My team was playing in Europe, my boys were playing in Portugal, I was coaching in Europe, and to be able to do that with my son as part of the team was simply a dream.
“I want to thank LIJSL for the opportunity and also my club, Brentwood SC for always supporting me. I feel blessed and lucky to have experienced this trip and I’m happy my players were able to live this unforgettable adventure.”