Caldas presents itself to members at the II Termas Rainha D. Leonor Trophy

Pelicanos host U. Leiria at 5 p.m. on Saturday in the final test before the start of the Liga 3 season.

Caldas Sport Clube officially presents itself to members and fans this Saturday, August 3, at 5 pm, at Campo da Mata, in a duel against União de Leiria that marks the second edition of the Termas Rainha D. Leonor Trophy.

Up for grabs will be a trophy inspired by the figure of Queen Leonor and produced “with materials associated with local tradition,” created by Diogo Frutuoso.

This year, the game will also have a charity component. Unlike in 2023, when admission was free, Caldas da Rainha management decided to set a symbolic price for tickets, with all proceeds going to the Caldas da Rainha Volunteer Firefighters.

In addition to highlighting the strengthening of ties to the community, the president of Caldas SC took the opportunity to provide a positive assessment of last season, the first full season under the current board. "We had a difficult first year in office, with a natural period of adaptation and experimentation. Some things went very well, others not so much, but the overall result was positive. We believe we are better prepared for the 2025/2026 season."

Despite the budgetary difficulties faced last season, the club managed to achieve its sporting objectives and was once again recognized by the Portuguese Football Federation with the Gold Award for the Training Entity Certification Plan. "This is the fourth season of Liga 3, and Caldas has always been on the podium: three times with gold and one with bronze. That says a lot about our work on and off the field," emphasized Rodrigo Amaro.

The president expressed confidence in the squad assembled for the new season. "We had some natural departures, but we believe we managed to form a cohesive, homogeneous, and balanced group. In the eyes of the board, we are satisfied with what we managed to put together. We have the conditions to have another smooth season, with well-defined objectives."

In addition to introducing members and fans to the squad's new stars, the meeting will also showcase the new season's kits, which also pay homage to Caldas and the founder.

José Vala, Caldas' coach, viewed the match against União de Leiria as another moment of preparation, albeit with added importance. "It will be our seventh preseason game. More than wanting to win—and we do, of course—the main objective is to give our players playing time. We want everyone to be showcased on the field as well. We have 25 players available, and we'll try to get them all playing," he noted.

The coach confirmed that the opponent, despite being a known contender, could field a team with a mix of players from the first team and the academy. Still, he anticipates a good test to close out the preseason and prepare for the start of Liga 3. "What interests me most, honestly, is getting everything ready for the start of the competition. But we want to win, of course."

The trophy presentation was also attended by Bruno Sousa, director of the Auto Júlio Group, which renewed its primary sponsorship of the senior team. The partnership with Caldas SC is seen as a natural fit for the business group, whose headquarters are in Caldas da Rainha.

Caldas da Rainha City Council Mayor Vítor Marques also highlighted the trophy's symbolism and Caldas's central role in the municipality's identity. "The club is one of our city's strongest brands. It represents Caldas da Rainha with dignity and dedication, even though it has fewer resources than others. It's only fair to recognize the work that has been done."

The mayor also praised José Vala's work, highlighting that "he has spent more years connected to Caldas than he has not" and that his dedication "is a source of pride for all Caldas residents."

The mayor believes that associating the thermal baths with the trophy reinforces the importance of thermal spas in local identity and serves as a reminder of the planned investments to enhance the Termas da Rainha. "We want to restore Caldas to the prominence it once held in thermal spas. The trophy is also a way to keep this connection and legacy alive," he concluded.