Last Saturday saw the first edition of the Queen Deyna Legacy Tournament, an event created to raise awareness, promote, and continue strengthening women's soccer in our country. Led by Deyna Castellanos, the leading figure in Venezuelan women's soccer and one of the most influential soccer players in Latin America, four teams gathered at the Empresas Polar Sports Complex. I had the honor of attending as part of the coaching staff of one of the invited teams, and today I want to share with you what it meant to experience something like this from the inside.

As a lover of women's soccer and youth soccer, I confess that from the moment I heard about this initiative, I couldn't contain my excitement. I counted down the days until I could get to that pitch where today, more than ever, I feel that a new page is being written for the players of this country. I represented San Ignacio FC, one of the four guests alongside Seca Sport, Adiffem, and AFF Yurubí, institutions that for years have been pillars in the development of women's soccer and have even represented Venezuela beyond our borders.

The tournament format was straightforward: four teams, two initial matches, and the winners advanced to the final. Our first match was against Seca Sport, a rival with a long history that had represented Venezuela in the Conmebol Liga Evolución. We managed to take the lead, but Seca tied the game in the last minute. Everything was decided in a penalty shootout, where our girls showed their mettle and secured a historic spot in the final. Against all odds, we were in the running for the title.

The second match was between Adiffem and AFF Yurubí, two teams that always put on a show. Once again, it was a dramatic game: Yurubí took the lead and Adiffem equalized just before the end to force penalties, where the Yaracuy team finally secured their place in the final.

After the first two matches, the official opening ceremony took place, and finally, the moment we had all been waiting for: Deyna's arrival. For many players, it was more than just a formal introduction. Hearing her talk about her goal with this project, about lending a hand to Venezuelan women's soccer, and, above all, about the importance of studying, was deeply inspiring. She lived it, she achieved it, and she wants to open doors for new generations. And that was evident in every word she spoke.

The match for third place was then played, which ended up going to Seca Sport, and then came the most eagerly awaited match: the grand final between AFF Yurubí and San Ignacio. It was an intense, exciting match that was fought until the last minute, but ended 2-1 in favor of Yurubí. Even so, San Ignacio finished as runners-up, demonstrating character, competitiveness, and a style of soccer that continues to grow. And as an added bonus, our beloved Dariana Medina, a Vinotinto U-17 player, was recognized as the tournament's MVP, a source of pride that filled our hearts.

Today, looking back, I can only say that it was an honor to have been part of the history of this first edition of the Queen Deyna Legacy. I feel that we have taken an important step towards the growth of women's soccer in Venezuela. We need to continue supporting our female soccer players, and initiatives like this are a clear example that it is possible to dream and work for a different future.

Hopefully this tournament will be repeated next year and each edition will be a new opportunity for girls to continue believing in the path of soccer, for families to accompany that dream, and for Venezuelan women's soccer to occupy, once and for all, the place it deserves.

Recursos Utilizados - Resources Used
_{Traductor / Translator: Deepl
Todas las fotos son de mi propiedad / All photos are my property.}