The 2024-2025 edition of the Swiss U15 Cup is just around the corner. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Stockhorn Arena in Thun will host the final tournament among the six qualified teams, which includes Team Ticino Sottoceneri.
THE APPROACH
The three qualifying rounds discharged between late September 2024 and early March 2025 saw the Ticino boys dueling and overcoming in order the peers of Solothurn (5-4), Schaffhausen (4-2) and Grasshopper (6-3). Particularly prominent in the goleades was the name of Kenan Jakupović, bomber of the group with seven personal seals. He is closely followed by Ian Tiraboschi with five centers (including two penalties), while at one each we find Francesco Cipriani, Leon Andrea Gervasini and Andrea Riva.
PARTICIPANTS.
At the conclusion of the elimination phase, six teams were awarded the pass for the day that will determine who will lift the trophy to the sky. The U15 Team Ticino Sottoceneri, affiliated with FC Lugano, will represent Italian Switzerland, while fierce competition will consist of the likes of Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne, Winterthur and Zurich. The SFA's youth regulations allow participation for boys born on or after Jan. 1, 2010 (until Dec. 31, 2011).
THE DIVISION OF THE TEAMS
The formations qualified for the final stage - consisting of up to 18 players (including goalkeepers) - have been divided into two groups of three each. In Group 1, Zurich, Basel and Lucerne will play for access to the last act. In Group 2 Winterthur, Lausanne and Team Ticino Sottoceneri will battle among themselves.
THE CALENDAR.
1 p.m., FC Zürich-FC Basel and FC Winterthur-FC Lausanne-Sport
2 p.m., FC Luzern-losing FCZ/FCB and. Team Ticino Sottoceneri-losing FCW/LS
3 p.m., FCZ/FCB-FC Luzern winner and FCW/LS- winner.Team Ticino Sottoceneri
4:30 p.m., final between the winners of the two rounds
THE MODALITIES OF THE TOURNAMENT
Each match will last for forty minutes (two halves of twenty), with a break in the middle of five minutes. If, at the end of it, the result is tied, victory will be played directly at the penalty kicks appendix.
A success within regulation time will be worth three points, while two will go to whoever gets the better of their opponent after shots from the penalty spot. As is the case in ice hockey, one point will be awarded to those who come out beaten by penalties. Finally, no points will go to those who lose within the 40 minutes.
In the event of a tie in scoring, we will rely on - in order - direct comparisons, number of three-point wins, best goal-difference, highest number of goals scored, and draw.
The top two finishers in each group will compete in the final, which will take place at the Stockhorn Arena. For the remaining four teams, the tournament will conclude after the group stage.
SUBSTITUTIONS
In the group stage, up to five players may be substituted per game. Substitutions may be made only during the half-time break. During the same, a substitution is allowed with the permission of the referee only in the case of an injury.
Five substitutions may also be made during the final. They will, of necessity, have to be implemented at halftime or with a single break per fraction.
ANY PENALTIES
If a team does not report to the field on time, it will be penalized with a 0-3 forfeit loss.
As for individual players, the first yellow card will mean a five-minute suspension. A second caution during the same match will mean expulsion and disqualification for the next match. A red card for an emergency foul will be punished with a stop for the following challenge. An ejection for assault or unsportsmanlike conduct will mean disqualification for the entire tournament and notification of the responsible authority.
THE PRIZES UP FOR GRABS
The winning team in the final will be awarded the Swiss U15 Cup trophy. In addition to it, the players will be awarded a medal. The players of the defeated formation in the final act will, for their part, receive a medal.
THE PREVIEW BY MATTEO MONTORFANO (coach Team Ticino Sottoceneri U15)
"We will face this experience with a fortifying and positive spirit. The boys earned their qualification to the Swiss Cup finals through hard work and training and after overcoming Solothurn, Schaffhausen and Grasshopper in the rounds. It was a journey that started from the summer preparation. The sweat, sacrifice and commitment put in allowed us to reap such results and what was sown.
In my opinion, there are pros and cons regarding the aspect of playing two games in a row in the round. Starting first allows you to take the field with freshness looking for the win to give an important signal. Then, if you win, you can rest and arrive at the third challenge a little fresher. The downside consists in the fact that, starting second, you have the opportunity to duel with the loser. Mentally, this can be an advantage. However, physically, playing two matches consecutively is definitely more taxing.
In the championship we faced Winterthur, beating them 3-2. As the U15 Elite is an important tournament in terms of training, it features boys who also play in higher categories. The Zurichers can count on two talents already belonging to their U16. Should they make it to the competition at full strength as I believe, it will become even more interesting.
With Lucerne, on the other hand, we drew 2-2, and in my opinion, it has expressed the best soccer to date in terms of quality, play and technique. Definitely, the two rounds of the final stage are beautiful. Personally, I was lucky enough to experience this last year. For me, it will therefore be the second in a row. On this occasion, as a vintage, all six teams are of a high level. Therefore, it will be a beautiful experience.
As for the individuals, referring specifically to the two very young players who scored the most goals in the elimination phase, it should be noted that Kenan Jakupović is a 2011 class and plays under age. He is undoubtedly an excellent prospect for FC Lugano. Ian Tiraboschi, for his part, has been playing for the team since the beginning of this season. They are two very interesting prospects who have a very bright future ahead of them.
From this event that they will be able to experience firsthand, the boys will surely gain experience. It will be a reason for growth on various levels: mental, personality and, above all, to enhance team spirit, friendship, self-sacrifice and the development of healthy competition. They are difficult aspects to coach during the season. Thanks to this tournament, they are values that will turn out to be very important. Also confronting other realities always coincides with personal growth. Therefore, the goal is to give our best, experiencing the strong emotions that make the difference in the end. Day by day and step by step, it is intended to fortify everyone's awareness and tension of the meaningful and formative appointment".
THE PREVIEW BY ENRICO DI MANNO (Footeco manager, coordinator Team Ticino Sottoceneri U15)
"Winning the final tournament is an extraordinary aspect. The boys care so much about it, and to this confirmation there is the landing at this stage of the competition for the second consecutive year. It is definitely a point of pride for the FC Lugano club. The preparation is a bit special, because the group always has in its eyes the three spun final acts played in recent seasons by the first team (with in particular the success over St. Gallen on May 15, 2022). It is a goal to achieve, with a healthy ambition.
All the teams that made it to the finals are very good. To best face Winterthur and Lausanne requires study. And the staff is preparing for the date through specific videos of previous duels. In any case, these matches are always an unknown, since our opponents will probably be able to count on several elements already playing in higher categories such as U16. Each match is on its own, we have to face it with the right spirit, giving our best and bringing a very good performance on the field.
This experience is a source of pride for everyone, especially the boys. They will find it again later in their journey, as they can look back tomorrow and rethink participation in the Swiss Cup finals. In Thun we will compete against the strongest teams in our country. It is simply outstanding.
The training the boys are going through is a very important experience. They are going up against opponents with an enviable history. So many young players aspire to become professionals, and this appointment specifically gives you the cue to grow and train, as well as move forward with a competitive mindset. The main goal is, one day, to be able to make the dream of being a professional soccer player at the highest level a reality, be it in the Challenge League or Super League.
Our team made up of boys born in 2010 is very interesting. The technical staff of Team Sottoceneri has done and is doing a great job. There are elements in the roster that stand out, but there are others who in perspective have a chance to make an important path. Even in the national arena, they are making their mark. Andrea Riva, Ian Tiraboschi, Kenan Jakupović and Leon Andrea Gervasini are just a few "intriguing" names. Then, as always, so much will depend on the mentality, attitude and desire with which the boys will approach their path.
The opportunity to make the leap is there, but sometimes it is not at all obvious. Each step must be taken conscientiously and consistently. In the end, hard work pays off. However, one must work every day to improve. And we, with the staff-integrated methodology, give them the opportunity to do so, as the boys are individually supervised by "individual development coaches" ("individual development coaches"), so that we can offer them something more. However, in order to achieve certain goals, it is necessary to constantly maintain a certain balance".
