AS Monaco continued fostering its relationship with the community through youth participation in sports by hosting the 4th edition of the Munegu Cup on Tuesday 19th May at Stade Louis-II. The project, initiated by President Dmitri Rybolovlev, aims to strengthen the bond between AS Monaco and the youth community while helping introduce younger generations to the matchday experience at Stade Louis-II.
Over 420 children took part in the event, representing Year 4 classes from eight schools across the Principality. With mixed teams playing 10-minute matches throughout the day and middle school students acting as referees, the energy remained high throughout the competition. Official Stade Louis-II speaker Laurent Nieloux hosted the event, helping maintain the lively atmosphere from the sidelines.
The final matchup was between Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB) and the International School of Monaco (ISM). The honorary kickoff was given by AS Monaco player Takumi Minamino. After a highly competitive matchup, the two had to settle things through penalties to decide the winner. With a 5-4 finish, FANB proved victorious over ISM, as students ran across the pitch erupting in cheers and smiles.
Following the match, the winning team was awarded its trophy by AS Monaco General Manager Thiago Scuro, alongside Minamino who watched the final match play out. Scuro congratulated participants and thanked teachers, organisers, and referees in his post-event speech. “Sports practice, team spirit, and self-improvement — these are the values we defend at AS Monaco FC and that we aim to pass on.”
Minamino said that “it was a very beautiful match. I was impressed by the children’s commitment and attitude on the pitch.” Reflecting on his own experience growing up playing football in Japan, he said he was impressed by the enthusiasm shown throughout the day. “I hope this experience will make them even more eager to improve and continue enjoying football. And who knows, perhaps one day some of them will wear the colours of AS Monaco FC as professional players.”
Alongside the Munegu Cup, UNSEME Cup, the Kids Tour, and the ‘Tous au Stade’ form part of AS Monaco’s wider youth-focused initiatives, reflecting Rybolovlev’s aspirations for AS Monaco to continue developing its relationship with the youth. The club recognises the value and importance of these initiatives, especially seeing their impact firsthand through events like this, and looks to continue implementing them in the coming seasons.
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Photo credit: Cedou / AS Monaco FC