Once again, we were lucky to have sunny weather for the tournament which had 14 mixed teams competing throughout the day, with people moving between the pitch and the parasols, or from the benches to the refreshment stand – the centrepiece of the venue: cold drinks and ice cream were sold non-stop from morning to evening thanks to a wonderful team of volunteers, who turn up at every event to lend a hand. Families were also present to cheer on their colleagues, while children jumped about in the sand, their faces smeared with ice cream and painted with their favourite animal or superhero. There was something for everyone, whether from the barbecue or from Mamie Coco’s food truck. During the lunch break, the ASCE section ‘Caribbean Danses section’ added some sunshine and energy to the day with a wonderful display of talent.
Part of the break was dedicated to Ukraine, with a booth for ‘Support Action Ukraine’ charity and a ‘yellow and blue’ solidarity match: the kick-off was made by Francis Dangel, accompanied by the Ukrainian Ambassador.
The rock band “The Bandits” played late afternoon made up of Christine, Martin, Conrad, Andy and Ian – with Pavlo on sound - and got the crowd going with perfect covers of great rock classics. Thank you to the Bandits for their fantastic performance! We’re counting on you in 2028!
At the end of the tournament, the All sorts team – who were very brave having played all their games throughout the day in sneakers and Hawaiian shirts against opponents dressed like professional football players – were cheered on by the crowd as they won the “fair play trophy”. This award pays tribute to Sasha, our team-mate from the CoE women’s football team, who tragically passed away in 2013. Although this tournament does involve some competition, it is more based on team spirit and fun, winning is not the main objective of the day. This trophy is by far the most important. Well done, ALL SORTS!
The Inter Inclusion team were recognised for their creativity, which earned them the highly coveted ‘coolest jersey’ prize. Inter Inclusion refreshed the crowd (and some of the committee members standing right next to them) with a shower of crémant, once again reflecting their usual good humour.
Unfortunately, a regrettable incident occurred during the final, marked by acts of violence which the Organising Committee strongly condemns. Such behaviour is completely at odds with the friendly spirit of the tournament and the values of the Council of Europe. Following an investigation carried out after the event, the Committee, supported by the ASCE and the Amicale, decided to retroactively disqualify the 2 teams involved and to reallocate the trophies to the teams originally ranked 3rd, 4th and 5th.
The final ranking is therefore as follows:
- Loicomotive
- Formerly in shape stars
- Pace & LOVE
- Chip and Dale FC
- Les cons primés
- La Pharmadopée
- Les Barjots
- Inter Inclusion (BEST JERSEY !)
- Congress connectors
10-11. Binding force + Rights 'N' Roses (ex aequo)
12. All sorts (FAIR PLAY !)
The Organising Committee deeply regrets the events that took place and hopes that these sanctions will put an end to violence, which has no place anywhere, and least of all in this friendly tournament between colleagues. Further consideration will also be given to possible additional preventive measures for the 2028 tournament.
Thank you to the ASCE, the Amicale and everyone who helped out during this tournament.
The Football Section Committee (ASCE, Amicale)