EC Juventude
EC Juventude (JUV)
Overview
Esporte Clube Juventude is a historic club from southern Brazil, founded in 1913 in Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul state. Nicknamed Papo (the Toad) or Ju, the club regularly competes in Brazilian Serie A and plays home matches at Estadio Alfredo Jaconi, a uniquely charming 19,000-seat venue nestled in the Serra Gaucha hills.
Juventude became nationally known in the 1990s by achieving the feat of winning the 1999 Copa do Brasil, defeating prestigious Botafogo in the final. This title remains the club's greatest success and enabled Ju to participate in Copa Libertadores. The club also finished runners-up in the 1999 Brazilian championship, a remarkable performance for an interior team.
The club distinguishes itself through excellent youth player development and attractive playing style. Juventude maintains a regional rivalry with Gremio and Internacional, Porto Alegre's two giants. Despite limited means compared to Brazil's big clubs, Ju relies on sound management and a passionate supporter base to maintain its place among Brazilian football elite.