The latest edition of MICFootball, held from April 15 to 20 on the Costa Brava, marked a turning point in the history of grassroots football. The creation of the exclusive MICFootball TV channel, thanks to a strategic alliance with E+, ATM MEDIA’s OTT platform, allowed the tournament to implement an automated audiovisual coverage system powered by artificial intelligence in 10 venues, offering matches live and on-demand.
The commitment to digitalization was a resounding success, providing coverage of nearly 400 matches over five days. And with remarkable numbers: 400,000 views with 24,000 registered users from 89 different countries. 37% of users came from Spain, with the United States (15%) and Brazil (10%) completing the podium. In addition to these figures, more than 16 million hours of play were recorded, reflecting the enormous interest and engagement generated by the tournament internationally.
“In an increasingly digital world, we were clear that we had to make a firm commitment to television. The creation of an OTT platform allows us to host all the tournament matches in a single space, offering viewers an experience tailored to the tournament and opening a door to exposure for brands. The visibility we have achieved this year is the path we must follow for the future. Our ambitious goal is to eventually broadcast live all 1,000 matches played each Easter,” said David Bellver, president of MICFootball.
For his part, ATM MEDIA’s business director, Matteo Samaranch, stated that “collaborating with MICFootball has been an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate the impact of technology on grassroots sports. We have enabled thousands of families, fans, and scouts around the world to follow the tournament in real time. This partnership confirms that the digitalization of sports expands audiences and generates value for local communities and the development of young talent.”
In addition to strengthening its global leadership in the world of grassroots football, this transformation had a direct impact on the region. The digitalization of MICFootball, thanks to the European Union’s “Last Mile” program funded by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, boosted the international visibility of the province of Girona, also offering the possibility for many local entities to access the streaming service in the long term.
With this historic edition, MICFootball ushers in a new era in the way we experience, follow, and share youth sports.
About MICFootball: MICFootball is one of the most prestigious grassroots football tournaments in the world. Every year it brings together elite teams and academies from all continents, offering a unique platform for the development of young talent. MICFootball has been held since 2001 and stands out for its organization, international reach, and commitment to the values of sport.
About E+: E+ is an OTT platform specializing in the broadcasting of semi-professional, amateur, women’s, and adaptive sports. Its mission is to democratize access to sports through digital visibility and technological innovation. Managed by ATM MEDIA, a company founded in 2021 with operations in Europe, Latin America, and Africa, E+ offers an automated production experience using AI-powered cameras, revolutionizing the sports content ecosystem.
