Beyond the Field: AS Monaco’s Legacy of Youth Empowerment: ÜNSEME Cup

On the vibrant Monday of April 29th, nearly a hundred spirited youngsters, aged 14 to 15, enthusiastically engaged in the inaugural ÜNSEME Cup. 

This exhilarating event, spearheaded by President Dmitry Rybolovlev, culminated in an unforgettable victory for the Cap-d’Ail squad.

Conceived under President Dmitry Rybolovlev’s vision, this tournament provided a platform for approximately a hundred youngsters to represent their respective municipalities. All participants hailed from communities enrolled in the ÜNSEME program, aimed at fortifying the bond between AS Monaco and its collaborating municipalities and clubs.

Eight Teams from Surrounding Communities

Eight teams converged, representing the municipalities of La Turbie, Cap-d’Ail, Beausoleil, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Menton, Ventimiglia, Dolceacqua, and Ospedaletti, in an afternoon brimming with camaraderie and joviality.

In a picturesque backdrop, nestled between the sea and mountains, the young athletes graced the fields of La Turbie stadium. Divided into two arenas for the occasion, their matches unfolded amid the encouragement of Laurent Nieloux, AS Monaco’s voice at Stade Louis-II, and the presence of Bouba, the Red & White mascot. Following the group stage, where each team contested three matches, Cap-d’Ail, Beausoleil, Dolceacqua, and La Turbie advanced to the semifinals, while the remaining teams vied for positions from 5th to 8th place.

Cap d’Ail versus Beausoleil

Amidst the presence of Aleksandr Golovin and Eliesse Ben Seghir, the grand finale ensued, pitting Cap-d’Ail against Beausoleil. Under the eye of Thiago Scuro, AS Monaco’s General Manager, both teams delivered a spirited performance, culminating in a captivating match where the youthful Cap-d’Aillois triumphed 3-1. During the prize-giving ceremony, Thiago Scuro extended gratitude to the participating municipalities’ mayors, team leaders, and referees, essential collaborators in orchestrating the tournament. He lauded the young players for their commendable efforts, underscoring AS Monaco’s commitment to fostering values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-improvement.

Mayor Jean-Jacques Raffaele of La Turbie echoed these sentiments, celebrating the significance of sports as a vital social conduit for youth. As Cap-d’Ail etched its name as the inaugural champion, Thiago Scuro, Aleksandr Golovin, and Eliesse Ben Seghir presided over the award ceremony.

Furthermore, all participants departed with cherished memories and a complete AS Monaco ensemble, alongside invitations to the forthcoming match against Clermont.

In essence, the ÜNSEME Cup stands as a testament to AS Monaco’s enduring pledge to the youth of its territory, encapsulating the spirit of unity and camaraderie that defines the club’s ethos. Through programs like the ÜNSEME Cup, AS Monaco continues to bridge the gap between sport and community, enriching the lives of countless young enthusiasts and fostering a legacy of sporting excellence.