Nearly 100 young footballers gathered in La Turbie for the third edition of the ÜNSEME Cup on Monday 20th April, as AS Monaco continues to strengthen its connection with youth across the region through sport.
The competition welcomed teenagers from eight partner municipalities, all part of the ÜNSEME program. The initiative aims to strengthen relationships between AS Monaco and surrounding communities while encouraging youth participation in sport.
This year’s edition featured teams from both France and Italy, including La Turbie, Menton, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cap d’Ail, Beausoleil, Camporosso, Ospedaletti, and Ventimiglia. Throughout the afternoon, the tournament was defined by energy and enthusiasm across all matches.
More than just a football tournament, the ÜNSEME Cup is designed to promote personal development through sport, with a focus on teamwork, solidarity, and pushing one’s limits. The atmosphere throughout the day reflected these values, with strong participation, visible camaraderie, and clear enjoyment from the players. The success of this third edition builds on momentum from previous years, further establishing the tournament as a key initiative in the club’s community engagement efforts.
Cap-d’Ail claims victory in closely contested final
The tournament resulted in a victory for Cap d’Ail over Beausoleil in a tight battle, decided on penalties. The trophy was presented by AS Monaco President Dmitry Rybolovlev alongside World Cup winner Paul Pogba. Pogba remained after the competition to pose for photos with each team, creating a memorable experience for the young players. The afternoon also featured AS Monaco’s mascot, Bouba, and the stadium announcer, Laurent Nieloux, who helped maintain a lively atmosphere.
President Rybolovlev emphasised the importance of maintaining strong ties between the club and its local community.
“The bond between AS Monaco and its fans is very important to the Club. Through the ÜNSEME Cup, we aim to promote the healthy values of sport, surpassing oneself, and solidarity,” he said.
“We hope that events like this inspire young people to continue practicing sport and to share moments like the ones they experienced today.”
The ÜNSEME Cup forms part of a broader strategy led by the club to engage younger generations. Alongside initiatives such as the Kids Tour and Tous au Stade, the program aims to build lasting connections between AS Monaco and local communities.
AS Monaco continues to expand youth-focused initiatives, with the Munegu Cup-President’s Trophy, dedicated to schoolchildren, set to return for its fourth edition on 19th May. The club has made clear its intention to continue investing in long-term community engagement, using sport as a unifying force across the region.
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Photo credit: AS Monaco