A great celebration of football, passion and values lit up San Giovanni in Marignano, transforming the home of partner club Accademia Marignanese into the beating heart of a memorable edition of the Pulcino d’Oro in Emilia–Romagna. Under beautiful sunshine on Sunday 18 May, the sixteenth stage of the Pulcino d’Oro tour, an Under-11 youth tournament, celebrated not only the talent of the young footballers, but also the most authentic spirit of the sport. A spirit made up of friendship, respect, enthusiasm and shared dreams.
Forlì deservedly won the second Emilia–Romagna Pulcino d’Oro, at the end of hard-fought and spectacular matches, which also saw Cesena, Vis Pesaro and Dea Rimini take centre stage in a crescendo of excitement. The Pulcino d’Argento went to Gabicce Gradara, who managed to prevail with determination and quality against an excellent Delfini Rimini. Applause also went to Accademia Rimini, winner of the Pulcino di Bronzo after a thrilling final against Ravenna (decided only in a shootout). Completing the awards ceremony, the Pulcino Gialloblù went to Misano.
But trophies are only part of the story. What remains in everyone’s hearts, both in Romagna and in the previous Italian and European stages, is the spirit of the event, experienced as a true celebration of sport and community. Parents, coaches, volunteers and fans filled the stands with contagious enthusiasm, creating a pleasant atmosphere, always with great fairness. Because the Pulcino d’Oro is not just a tournament. It is an educational and formative experience, where football returns to being a tool for growth, inclusion and hope.
A project that combines sport and solidarity. As per tradition, part of the registration fees will be donated to charity to support local and international initiatives for children. A concrete gesture that gives even more value to every pass, every goal and every smile seen on the pitch.
And now we are already looking to the future. The Romagna stage was a real springboard towards the most eagerly awaited event of the year: the tenth edition of the Pulcino d’Oro International Tournament, scheduled from 12 to 15 June in Levico Terme, Trentino. An unmissable event with 64 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams ready to compete at the highest levels of European youth football.
First, however, there is one last national stage. We arrive back in Trentino, in Lavis, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May, with 32 teams ready to put on a show. Then it’s time for the big names: from two-time champions River Plate to Barcelona‘s historic debut, via PSV Eindhoven, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. And, of course, the Italian elite, with Juventus, Milan, Inter, Roma, Atalanta, Parma, Genoa and Bologna. Making this tenth anniversary edition even more exciting are international newcomers such as Dinamo Batumi (Georgia), Academia Amizada (Guinea Bissau) and Al Wahda (United Arab Emirates).
The countdown has begun. The Pulcino d’Oro is ready to take flight towards a highly anticipated tenth edition that is set to break records. Emotions, talent and stories to tell: the spectacle of football for the youngest players is only just beginning.