Five players from the tournament have been called up by Felipe Baloy for the South American Games: Alberto Adams, Ian Centella, Lucas Norte, Thiago Chalmers, and Alfredo Maduro. Additionally, goalkeeper Sebastián Sotelo could be part of the Under-17 World Cup squad. Although the school tournament will end earlier, participation in national teams usually limits presence in collegiate competitions, which could impact several key teams.
Key tournament dates: • Opening: Friday, April 10 • Group stage: April 10 – May 23 • Quarterfinals: Saturday, May 30 • Semifinals: Saturday, June 6 • Grand Final: Sunday, June 14
Weekend Schedule Here’s how the first round will be played, all at Yappy Park in Paseo del Norte:
Friday • Thomas Jefferson School vs. Colegio Real – 7:00 p.m. • Colegio Javier vs. Instituto Enrico Fermi – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday • International School of Panama vs. Panamerican School – 3:30 p.m. • Colegio Brader vs. Metropolitan School – 5:00 p.m. • Academia Interamericana vs. El Colegio de Panamá – 6:30 p.m. • Instituto Atenea vs. Instituto Panamericano – 8:00 p.m.
In addition to the Under-16 title, they were also champions in the Under-14 category in 2022. After two years of waiting to reunite, the Raiders arrive as serious title contenders.
Teams Seeking to Disrupt the Established Order Beyond the usual protagonists, there are teams looking to break the hegemony.
The Thomas Jefferson School’s Potros have built a project based on hard work and sports scholarships, an innovative model in Panama that benefits both players and the institution.
On the other hand, Instituto Enrico Fermi, recently promoted from Liga+, surprised in 2025 by winning the Under-18 Super Cup against AIP. The wait is over, and a new Liga10 season in its Under-18 category is back in action after nearly 10 months of pause. With that momentum, they could be one of the surprise teams.
The Possible Impact of the Under-17 World Cup Liga10 is also represented in the national team. This is reflected by the recent Liga10 Under-18 champions. AIP was champion in 2023 and 2025, while Colegio Real dominated in 2021, 2022, and 2024. For this season, the Brader Raiders deserve special attention: 19 of the 22 Under-16 champions in 2024 now form the Under-18 team. This generation—born in 2008 and 2009—could be one of the most talented in the school's history.
The Academia Interamericana’s Fighting Owls conquered both Liga10 categories last year, defeating the La Salle College Spartans in a thrilling penalty shootout in the Under-18 final. AIP suffers some significant losses due to graduation but maintains the core of the team. The competition between goalkeepers Miguel Ponce and Daniel Giannoti will be key in defense. In defense, Santiago Typaldos and Jaime Sabal return, while in midfield, Lorenzo Romagosa, Bolívar Vallarino, Julián Guardia, Maximos Christou, and national team player Alfredo Maduro stand out.
In attack, top scorer Remo Watson returns, accompanied by Ignacio Guardiola and national team player Thiago Chalmers, both crucial to the Under-16 title five months ago. Among the contenders, the La Salle College Spartans, the Colegio Real Lions—champions in 2022 and 2024—the International School of Panama’s Dolphins (third place in 2025), and the Brader Raiders, 2024 Under-16 champions, stand out once again.
Are the Stars Aligned for the Brader Raiders? In youth sports, where age defines cycles, everything can change quickly. The tournament kicks off this Friday with a doubleheader at Yappy Park in Paseo del Norte. The favorites and their main challengers When it comes to analyzing potential favorites, the first thing to look at is the past.
