From Houston to Spain: Five Villarreal Houston Girls Set to Compete at the Majorca International Football Cup

This April, five standout players from Villarreal Houston Academy will take a major step in their soccer journeys — traveling to Spain to compete at one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in Europe, representing Villarreal CF.

Niya Nganga, Pipper Frith, Analiese Rivas, and Grace Newell from Summer Creek High School, along with Caslin Esteban from Kingwood High School, have been selected to attend the Majorca International Football Cup in Mallorca, Spain from April 1–5.

Selected Among the Best in North America

Their selection was not by chance.

Last December, the five athletes attended the Villarreal North American Select event in Las Vegas, where Spanish coaches from Villarreal CF evaluated top talent from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Competing against some of the strongest players in the region, these girls distinguished themselves through their technical ability, tactical understanding, work ethic, and professionalism.

Being chosen to represent Villarreal CF internationally is both an honor and a validation of their development within the Villarreal Houston program.

Competing on One of Spain’s Biggest Stages

The Majorca International Football Cup is recognized as one of Spain’s premier international youth tournaments. Each year, it attracts elite academies and professional club programs from across Europe.

Clubs such as FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and SL Benfica have confirmed their participation, creating an environment where players compete at the highest level of international youth football.

For these five athletes, this experience goes beyond just games. It’s about:

• Competing against world-class opposition

• Adapting to the European style of play

• Gaining international exposure

• Growing both on and off the field

A Unique Opportunity in Texas

Opportunities like this are rare — especially in girls soccer.

Villarreal Houston Academy has worked intentionally to build one of the strongest girls development platforms in Houston and Texas. Through its direct relationship with Villarreal CF in Spain, the club provides authentic international pathways that very few academies in the region can offer.

While many clubs speak about exposure, Villarreal Houston delivers real, tangible opportunities for players to step onto international stages and be evaluated within a professional European structure.

For families and athletes with aspirations of playing at the collegiate, national, or professional level, this type of experience is invaluable.

Representing More Than a Club

When Niya, Pipper, Analiese, Grace, and Caslin step onto the field in Spain, they will represent more than Villarreal CF. They will represent:

• Their families

• Their high schools

• The Houston soccer community

• The growing strength of girls soccer in Texas

Their journey is proof that with the right environment, guidance, and international vision, local players can compete globally.

Villarreal Houston Academy continues to raise the standard for girls development in the region — creating pathways, opening doors, and proving that Houston talent belongs on the world stage.