The ‘Coverciano of Archery’: Compagnia Ugo di Toscana Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence

In the quiet landscapes of Ugnano, Tuscany, the rhythmic thrum of arrows hitting straw targets serves as a heartbeat for one of Italy’s most prestigious sporting institutions. The Compagnia Arcieri ‘Ugo di Toscana’ recently marked a dual milestone that speaks to both longevity and vision: the 60th anniversary of the club’s founding and the 25th anniversary of its state-of-the-art headquarters.

For those within the European archery circuit, the facility is more than just a training ground. It has earned the nickname the “Coverciano of archery”—a nod to the legendary training center of the Italian national football team—signaling its status as a gold standard for technical preparation and athletic development.

A Legacy Built on Vision: The Ugo Ercoli Era

At the center of this success story is Ugo Ercoli, the club’s President Emeritus. Now 83, Ercoli remains a towering figure in the sport, having served as president from 1975 to 2012. His influence, however, extends far beyond administrative duties; he was the primary architect of the club’s physical and competitive evolution.

Ercoli’s own athletic background is a testament to a lifelong passion for competition. Before dedicating himself to the bow, he was a versatile athlete, competing in football, tennis, volleyball, and swimming. This multi-sport perspective helped him instill a professionalized approach to training at the club, eventually leading him into the ranks of the Federazione Italiana Tiro con l’Arco (Fitarco), the governing body for archery in Italy.

The transformation of the Ugnano site is perhaps Ercoli’s most enduring achievement. What is now a premier sporting destination began as a challenging piece of marshland previously managed by the Faculty of Agriculture. Through a decade of persistence and planning, Ercoli oversaw the reclamation of the land, turning a swamp into a sanctuary for precision sports.

“It was a dream that seemed impossible in 1990,” Ercoli recalled, reflecting on the era when the club had only just completed the initial land reclamation and established a basic clubhouse and a few shooting platforms for official Fitarco competitions.

Engineering a World-Class Facility

The current headquarters, which celebrated its 25th year of operation, spans 8,000 square meters. To the uninitiated, archery might seem like a simple matter of bow and target, but the infrastructure at Ugo di Toscana is designed for every facet of the discipline. The site is divided into three critical zones: a specialized indoor range for winter training and precision work, a sprawling outdoor field for long-distance mastery, and a dedicated 3D archery area.

For global readers, 3D archery is the “hunting” style of the sport, where archers shoot at life-sized foam replicas of animals placed in natural terrain. This requires not only technical skill but also the ability to judge distance and account for wind and elevation—skills that the Ugnano facility provides in abundance.

This comprehensive setup is why the club is viewed as a benchmark across Europe. By providing a seamless transition between indoor precision and outdoor adaptability, the Compagnia ensures its athletes are prepared for any competitive environment.

From Carraia to Ugnano: The Roots of the Club

The journey to becoming a European powerhouse began in 1965. The club was founded by brothers Guido Adriano and Giorgio Cavini, who established the society with a focus on the discipline and mental fortitude required for the sport. For the first decade, the club operated out of a shooting field in Carraia.

The move to Ugnano marked a pivotal shift in the club’s trajectory. It was no longer just a local gathering of enthusiasts but a strategic investment in the sport’s future. Under the current leadership of President Stefano Mecatti, the club continues to honor the foundations laid by the Cavini brothers and the expansion led by Ercoli.

The recent celebrations brought together generations of archers, from the veterans who remember the early days in Carraia to the young athletes now utilizing the 3D ranges. This continuity is rare in modern sports, where facilities often prioritize short-term growth over long-term heritage.

The Broader Impact on Italian Archery

The success of the Compagnia Ugo di Toscana reflects a broader trend in Italian sports: the power of the “società” or sports club. These organizations act as the primary pipeline for national talent. By maintaining a facility that rivals professional academies, the club provides a pathway for local athletes to reach the national stage.

The integration of high-level coaching and elite facilities allows the club to serve as both a community hub and a high-performance center. This dual identity—part social club, part athletic factory—is what allows the sport to thrive in the Tuscan region.

Key Milestones of Compagnia Arcieri ‘Ugo di Toscana’

What Lies Ahead

As the club looks toward the next decade, the focus remains on maintaining its status as the “Coverciano” of the sport. With a foundation built on the vision of Ugo Ercoli and the current stewardship of Stefano Mecatti, the Compagnia is well-positioned to integrate new technologies in training and attract a new generation of archers.

The legacy of the club is not just found in the trophies or the size of the range, but in the philosophy of patience and precision that defines the sport. In an era of instant gratification, the 60-year history of the Compagnia Ugo di Toscana serves as a reminder that excellence is built one arrow—and one decade—at a time.

The club continues to host regional events and open its doors to those looking to master the bow. For official updates on competitions and membership, interested parties can follow the latest announcements from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and Fitarco.

What do you think is the most important factor in maintaining a sports club for over 60 years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.