The famous All Stars Cup tournament for players under 16 years of age, after eleven successful years, was dampened by covid and made it impossible to hold it for three years. After three years of waiting and maintaining contacts, it will take place again on the 16th-18th. June 2023. “And in all its glory!” promises its director Jaroslav Novák.
The tournament rang the bell mainly with loud participants from all corners of the world. Youngsters from the Czech teams could write down the experience of a lifetime when they played against their peers from the most famous not only European clubs. And he will have a rich representation again.
Foreign gems
“French jewels Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille have already promised to participate,” the head of the project, Jaroslav Novák, uncovers a colorful board. “We are building on the experience and good ties from the previous period, when foreign clubs got to know the tournament and are happy to return to the Czech Republic,” emphasizes.
Contacts with the Spanish giants Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona, the winners of 2018, were thus renewed. Otherwise, the trophy is defended by Slavia Prague, who triumphed at the last edition a year later.
The best possible foreign competition is intended for the Czech teams, which usually make up half of the starters, so that the young people can compare how well they are prepared in terms of performance.
On the German side, negotiations are furthest away with Schalke 04, where Czech international Alex Král is currently working. “Of course, we would also like the English selection, we again approached Arsenal, who have already started here in the past,” Novák sets himself only the highest goals.
There will be representatives from other continents as well. “The negotiation with the Brazilian Fluminense is very promising, I have no doubt that the traditional participant, Guadalajara of Mexico, will come,” discovers Novák.
And he reminds that the tournament also has a high social prestige, the Ambassador of the United States of Mexico Mrs. Rueda Gutierrez was never absent. “She promised to come again,” the organizer draws a diplomatic triumph.
The ambassador of the Japanese Empire, Kaoru Shimazaki, has an equally warm attitude. The proven club Fukuoka already has enough entries in the chronicle, as well as Yokohama, but for next year they have a strong competition. “Five more Premier League clubs reporting,” Novák discovers juices from the Far East.
Support from FAČR and politicians
In order for such a large undertaking to take place, it is necessary to find appropriate support. At the football association in the first place. “The previous management did not like youth tournaments very much, they had their own priorities,” very coolly, Novák points out the interests that were favored by the system of chief Roman Berber, to whom even chairman Martin Malík willingly submitted.
After last year’s changes after the election general meeting, everything is much more hopeful. “The All Stars Cup is perceived by the chairman Petr Fousek, we are planning a meeting with the new technical director Zdenek Psotka, it is favorable for the tournament that Miroslav Beránek, his great supporter, works for the association in the youth section,” Novák praises himself as an expert in his role.
The former patrons of the tournament, the 1996 European vice-champion Vladimír ´Štístko´ Šmicer and player agent Karol Kisel, should also have the patronage of the tournament. “We are building on the previous successful cooperation,” warns the director of the company.
And it also finds supporters in politics. The final was usually played at the main Bohemians Prague stadium, in addition to the Vršovice club, the Prague 10 Municipal District also supported the activity. “But the current council wants him moc showed no interest,” Novak does not deny.
However, it is before the elections, the Prague without Chaos association is trying to return to the town hall with former mayor Bohumil Zoufalík, a big supporter of sports. “The magistrate of the capital has always favored us,” Novák adds another important component.
Sports insurance and money
Of course, the clubs are very helpful, after all, everything is organized for their boys. A helping hand from the Bohemians side is offered by the head of youth, Petr Svoboda, who has seen the tournament since its inception. “He has a personal connection to it when it’s going on, it’s his birthday,” Novák reveals the bond.
The basic rounds in the groups were hosted by Slavia Praha, either in Eden or at its premises in Horní Počernice. And again there is someone to approach, manager Petr Hurych has always been able to appreciate how famous teams come to Prague. “He’s in favor of the tournament,” Novák agrees.
The ambitious project would not be possible without financial support. The budget runs into millions of crowns. “Flight tickets for foreign participants, accommodation, food, transport, medical insurance, organizing service, the costs are there,” Novák calculates. And he doesn’t even have to emphasize how the energy inputs – therefore everything – became more expensive.
The initial deposit for the start-up was provided by František Vondráček, a traditional patron entrepreneur who has also been with the tournament since its inception and has always provided considerable funds necessary for the activity. “He deserves a lot of credit and thanks,” the director of the tournament does not hide his gratitude and is looking for other partners.
The All Stars Cup returns to the scene. In full glory.
