Flamengo set out initial plans for the 2026 season | OneFootball

Under-20 Players Begin Preparation for the First Rounds of the State Championship

Flamengo's soccer activities continue even as the professional squad enters a vacation period. Meanwhile, the under-20 team began, this Thursday (18th), preparation to compete in the first rounds of the Campeonato Carioca of 2026.

The team reassembled at Ninho do Urubu, with training sessions in two periods right on the first day of work. Additionally, the director of the youth categories, Alfredo Almeida, will join the group this Friday (19th), reinforcing the importance of the project and the direct oversight of youth management.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CAMPEONATO CARIOCA FOR YOUNG ATHLETES?

As in previous seasons, the under-20 team will compete in the first rounds of the Campeonato Carioca. This way, young athletes will have the opportunity to experience the professional soccer environment.

A good number of players starting this preparation recently played in the last round of the Campeonato Brasileiro of 2025. On that occasion, Flamengo faced Mirassol away and secured a 3-3 draw, showcasing a strong team performance.

For Alfredo Almeida, participation in the Campeonato Carioca represents a decisive step in the athletes' development. According to the youth director, competing in the first rounds of a professional competition allows them to face new challenges, gain maturity, and better understand the demands of high-level soccer.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO DEBUT IN THE CARIOCA?

Flamengo's debut in the Campeonato Carioca of 2026 is scheduled for January 14th, in the Taça Guanabara, in a match against Bangu. The regulations allow the under-20 team to play the first three rounds, while the main squad's reassembly date has not yet been set.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.