Esordiente d'Oro

Esordiente d'Oro: youth football in Storo

Esordiente d'Oro is the most deeply rooted youth football tournament in the Val del Chiese. Every year, on the last weekend of May, the Grilli Sports Field in Storo, located in the heart of the Giudicarie area in the Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), welcomes hundreds of young footballers in the Esordienti category. The event is organized by A.S.D. Settaurense 1934, led by president Ferruccio Moneghini, with the help of about fifty volunteers who transform the Casa dello Sport into a lively local festival for every edition.

A history spanning over forty years

The tournament's origins date back to 1981, when the idea was conceived within the old SS Darzo Calcio. Over the decades, the organization has changed hands several times—Eridio, Calciochiese—until the merger that led to the current Settaurense 1934. This long journey has made Esordiente d'Oro a permanent fixture, capable of attracting top-tier Northern Italian football clubs to Storo and instilling the values of sport, respect, and healthy competition in new generations.

Format and categories

The tournament takes place over two days and involves the Esordienti category (born in 2013-2014 for amateur clubs, 2014 for professional ones). The first day is dedicated to the group stages among local amateur teams; the best advance to the final day, where they face off against professional youth academy squads. Matches are played on two pitches, with nine players per side, and are officiated by federal referees.

• Where: Grilli Sports Field, Storo (TN)
• When: Last weekend of May
• Category: Esordienti (born 2013-2014)
• Participants: Approx. 250 athletes, 14 clubs from Northern Italy
• Awards: Best goalkeeper, best player, top scorer, and winning team

More than just football

Beyond the sporting aspect, Esordiente d'Oro serves as an important vehicle for promoting the Val del Chiese region and its gastronomic excellence. The home-style cooking available at the facility, the warm welcome from local families, and the cheering in the stands make the tournament a social occasion that goes far beyond the final score, drawing enthusiasts, parents, and supporters to Storo from all over Northern Italy.