Summer Sport Festival — The Cage
Street football on the Gargano coast
About The Cage Mattinata
Street football arrives in Mattinata
The Summer Sport Festival — The Cage is the premier sporting event of the summer in Mattinata, on the Gargano promontory in the province of Foggia. From June 26 to 28, 2026, the Area Mercatale will be transformed into a true urban playground: The Cage Street Soccer, the street football format taking Italy by storm, lands in the heart of Puglia for three days of challenges, entertainment, and talent.
What is The Cage
The Cage is the pure essence of street football: high tempo, tight spaces, intensity, and style. In a confined pitch, every match becomes a show where technique blends with urban soul. It is not just about the result, but the technical skill, the dribbling, and the moves that get the crowd on their feet. It is a different kind of football compared to the big stadium game, defined by limited space, speed, and creativity—perfect for engaging young people and energizing the entire town square.
A special guest
The 2026 edition features guest of honor Emanuele Cicerelli, a professional footballer currently playing for Catania, who developed his career across Foggia, Salernitana, Frosinone, and Ternana. His presence brings the Mattinata public closer to professional football and gives local kids the chance to meet a pro player up close.
Part of Mattinata èXtraordinaria
The festival is part of the extensive Mattinata èXtraordinaria calendar, the summer program promoted by the Municipality of Mattinata, which accompanies residents and visitors from June to September with events dedicated to culture, music, sports, nature, and local food and wine. In a town overlooking the sea and surrounded by the olive groves of the Gargano, the Summer Sport Festival brings a youthful, sporting dimension to a summer of great community participation.
Who is it for
The event is primarily dedicated to children and youth categories, but it is open to the entire community: families, fans, and curious onlookers can watch the matches, exhibitions, and street football spectacle for free, in a festive atmosphere that brings the Area Mercatale to life until late in the evening.
The Cage Mattinata — edition 2026
The first Mattinata stage of The Cage Street Soccer brings the Area Mercatale to life from June 26 to 28, 2026. For three days, the square becomes the most spectacular street football arena in the province of Foggia, featuring close-quarters matches, high-tempo action, and plenty of style.
The protagonists are primarily the youth: tournaments are reserved for children born between 2012 and 2020, who can challenge each other on the pitch in front of the public. Making this edition special is the presence of guest of honor Emanuele Cicerelli, a professional footballer from Catania with a background at Foggia, Salernitana, Frosinone, and Ternana.
The event is part of the Mattinata èXtraordinaria 2026 program, promoted by the Municipality of Mattinata, which brings sports, culture, music, and tradition to the town from June to September.
Programme The Cage Mattinata 2026
Three days of street soccer
From June 26 to 28, 2026, the Area Mercatale of Mattinata transforms into The Cage Street Soccer pitch.
- Street football tournaments reserved for youth categories (children born 2012-2020)
- Close-quarters challenges, technical plays, and street football-style exhibitions
- Live show with the arena set up in the market square
Guest of honor
Emanuele Cicerelli, professional footballer from Catania, who grew up playing for Foggia, Salernitana, Frosinone, and Ternana.
Registration
Registrations were collected at the Mattinata Info Point (Corso Matino 68) on June 12, 17, 20, and 22, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Highlights The Cage Mattinata 2026
Prices The Cage Mattinata 2026
Practical information — The Cage Mattinata
Location
Area Mercatale, Mattinata (FG), Puglia. The square is equipped with a street soccer pitch for the duration of the event.
When
From June 26 to 28, 2026, as part of the Mattinata èXtraordinaria calendar (June-September).
Registration
Registrations for youth tournaments were collected at the Mattinata Info Point, at Corso Matino 68, on June 12, 17, 20, and 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. For information, you can contact the organizers via The Cage Street Soccer.
Admission
Free entry for the public wishing to watch the matches and exhibitions.
How to reach us
Mattinata is accessible by car via the SS89 Garganica; the town is just a few kilometers from the coast and the main tourist spots of the Gargano.
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Where does it take place — The Cage Mattinata
Area Mercatale
Area Mercatale, 71030 Mattinata