Champions Pulcini: Record Turnout as Youth Football Takes Center Stage in the Dolomites

The serene landscapes of the Belluno province are vibrating with the energy of 650 young athletes this week as the 38th edition of the Champions Pulcini tournament reaches its crescendo. Organized by Dolomiti Bellunesi Calcio, the event has evolved from a local gathering into a prestigious international showcase, blending high-level youth competition with a steadfast commitment to social inclusion.

This year’s tournament marks a historic milestone for the organization, featuring a record 41 teams. The event is not merely a test of technical skill for the pulcini—typically children aged 8 to 10—but a structured educational experience designed to foster growth, sportsmanship, and community integration in the heart of the Veneto region.

The Road to the Final: Friday’s Intensive Schedule

Following an opening day on Thursday, April 30, that saw the official curtain-raiser at 17:00 and inaugural matches at 17:45, the tournament shifts into high gear today, Friday, May 1. The action is distributed across two primary venues: the sports facilities at Rasai in Seren del Grappa and the Stadio Zugni Tauro in Feltre.

For fans and families following the action, the schedule for the tournament’s peak day is tightly packed:

• 08:30: Team gatherings at Rasai and Stadio Zugni Tauro.
• 09:15: Kick-off for the initial tournament phase.
• 12:00: Midday activities continue at the Rasai facilities.
• 14:00: Second phase begins, with matches split between Rasai and Feltre.
• 16:00: The final phase commences, with all remaining action moving to the Stadio Zugni Tauro.
• 18:10: The Grand Final.
• 18:30: Closing awards ceremony.

The logistical shift toward the Stadio Zugni Tauro in the late afternoon is designed to concentrate the atmosphere, ensuring the final matches are played in front of the largest possible crowd of supporters and local officials.

A Global Stage: Professional Academies and International Flair

The 38th edition of the Champions Pulcini has attracted significant attention due to the caliber of participating squads. The tournament’s international profile is bolstered by a strong Croatian presence, with NK Istra 1961, NK Pomorac Kostrena, and HNK Rijeka all traveling to the Dolomites to compete.

Domestically, the event serves as a scouting and developmental hub, featuring youth selections from several of Italy’s most prominent professional clubs. Among the teams competing are academies from Bologna, Hellas Verona, Parma, and Udinese, alongside regional powerhouses such as Padova, Vicenza, and Cittadella.

This mix of professional academy discipline and the raw enthusiasm of local amateur sides creates a unique competitive environment. For the young players, the opportunity to face off against teams from Serie A and international leagues provides a benchmark for their development and a glimpse into the professional pathway of European football.

Beyond the Scoreboard: The Heart of Inclusion

Even as the competitive bracket drives the narrative for many, the organizers have placed a heavy emphasis on the tournament’s role as a social engine. A pivotal moment in today’s program occurs at 17:40, just before the grand final, with a dedicated inclusive football match featuring the squadra Premium.

This initiative is a cornerstone of the event’s philosophy, emphasizing that sport is a universal language regardless of physical or cognitive ability. The focus on inclusion was highlighted during the tournament’s official presentation at the Sala degli Stemmi in Feltre, where Paralympic athlete Davide Giozet shared his testimony of resilience and inclusion to inspire the young participants.

The presence of figures like Giozet, alongside technical references such as Giada Bertelle and coach Andrea Bonatti, underscores the event’s goal: to employ football as a tool for civic education. By integrating inclusive play into the main event schedule, Dolomiti Bellunesi Calcio ensures that the values of solidarity and respect are as visible as the goals scored on the pitch.

Institutional Support and Community Impact

The scale of the Champions Pulcini is made possible through a deep collaboration between the sports club and local governance. The event has received significant backing from the Municipality of Feltre, including Mayor Viviana Fusaro and Sports Councilor Maurizio Zatta, as well as provincial support from Councilor Alberto Vettoretto.

The technical oversight is provided by the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) via Provincial Delegate Orazio Zanin and the CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) through Provincial Delegate Simone Soccal. This institutional alignment transforms the tournament from a simple youth competition into a regional celebration of sport.

For the local community, the event brings a surge of tourism and visibility to the Rasai and Feltre areas, showcasing the Dolomites not only as a destination for winter sports but as a hub for youth athletic excellence during the spring.

Key Tournament Facts at a Glance

Looking Ahead: The Final Whistle

As the clock ticks toward the 18:10 final, the tension will mount at the Stadio Zugni Tauro. However, for the 650 children involved, the true victory lies in the experience of the due giorni—the two days of camaraderie and competition. The awards ceremony at 18:30 will serve as the final act, celebrating not just the champions, but the spirit of participation that defines the Champions Pulcini.

For the latest updates on match results and the final standings, fans can follow the official communications from Dolomiti Bellunesi Calcio.

Who do you think will take home the trophy this year? Share your thoughts and support for the young athletes in the comments below.