Botafogo-sp/">Botafogo-SP’s under-20 squad began preparing this week for the 2027 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. Players spent the opening days on readaptation work and assessments, having last played on October 18, when they were knocked out by Palmeiras in the round of 16 of the Paulista under-20 championship.
The team will next begin ball-work sessions at Botafogo Academy. The club’s schedule includes six practice matches before the Copinha starts in January.
Youth academy coordinator Bruno Franceschi said the competition is part of the club’s effort to develop its players. He said the squad will have an average age of 18.5, and that most players will be representing Botafogo-SP in the tournament for the first time. The aim, he added, is to continue developing them so they can join the senior squad.
The São Paulo Football Federation has not yet announced the tournament dates or group draw. The groups are expected to be revealed in November.
Botafogo-SP reached the third round of this year’s Copinha, recording four wins and a draw. The team finished sixth in Group B of Série B and did not advance to the second phase. In the Paulista championship, it finished 14th after being eliminated in the round of 16.
Sources: Globo Esporte.