Arsenal have submitted an application to return to the Dirinon International Tournament as organisers sort through more than 200 entries for next year’s edition.
Arsenal have applied to take part in the 2026 Dirinon International Tournament, one of Europe’s best known youth events, as the organisers prepare to narrow down more than 200 applications.
Co chairman Olivier Kerdraon confirmed the scale of interest, saying, “We have more than 200 teams who apply every year for 96 places (72 for guys, 24 for girls).”
Arsenal have a long history with the tournament, having competed regularly in the early 2000s and mid 2010s and winning the boys’ competition three times. The club’s academy teams were a frequent presence during that period, with players such as Bukayo Saka appearing in the event during their early development.
Kerdraon explained the tournament’s approach to selection each year. The organisers include around 45 local Breton clubs and then fill the remaining slots with French and international sides. “The idea is to bring all footballers together: the rich, the poor, the amateurs, the pros. With local clubs, teams from disadvantaged regions and upscale clubs,” he said.
The list of foreign clubs is close to final, with organisers confirming that Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven are among the new names.
The Dirinon Tournament has run since 1995 and includes U11 boys and U13 girls.