At Future Champions Academy, we believe in fostering the perfect balance between academic and athletic excellence. As a newly established international fencing academy in Milan, we welcome athletes from around the world who study at some of Milan’s top universities, including Bocconi, Cattolica, IULM, and Milan University. Our coaching staff, composed of Olympic and World-level athletes, instills the core values of fencing, promoting mutual support, inclusivity, and personal growth.
As part of our commitment to developing university-level fencing in Europe, we are thrilled to introduce the University Champions Cup 2025—a friendly competition designed to strengthen varsity fencing and create an international community of student-athletes.
What is the University Champions Cup?
The University Champions Cup is a mixed-weapon, multi-athlete team event that offers university squads a chance to compete internationally without the need for an FIE license. This friendly tournament celebrates sportsmanship, university pride, and collegiality among students, providing an inclusive environment for fencers of all levels.
General Information:
- Date: April 11-13, 2025
- Location: Piccolo Teatro Future Champions Academy, Milan, Italy
- Weapons: Foil, Épée, Sabre
- Eligible Participants: University teams from Europe, North America, and beyond
Competition Format: ‘Davis Cup Relay’
Each university team must consist of a minimum of one athlete per weapon and a maximum of two per weapon, forming a team of 3-6 athletes. Teams must represent a university or be a combined team from two universities. All participants must be full-time students.
Match Structure:
- Each match consists of nine bouts (three per weapon) and one team relay in a random weapon order.
- A victory in an individual bout earns 5 points, and the team relay win earns 15 points.
- The team with the highest total score out of 45 points wins the match.
- All bouts:
- Individual bouts are first to 8 points.
- Team relay segments are first to 8 (foil & épée) and 10 (sabre).
- Bouts are 3-minute stop time rounds.
- Teams may substitute athletes before each segment and must forfeit a segment in case of injury.
- Professional referees and medical staff will be available on-site.
How to Register?
- Registration Fee:
- 350 Euros per gender team or 650 Euros for both genders.
- To register, contact: events@futurechampionsacademy.com or +39 327 769 0004.
Awards & Recognition
- The winning team will be awarded the University Champions Cup.
- Top 3 teams will receive individual plaques recognizing their achievements.
Travel, Accommodation & Social Events
To ensure a seamless experience, Future Champions Academy offers assistance with housing, travel, and local activities:
- Accommodation assistance available through our partners.
- Banquet dinner (additional fee applies).
- Tourism & Travel Support: Our partner Zani Viaggi (debora.smaldone@zaniviaggi.it) can assist with exploring Milan and planning sightseeing activities.
Tournament Schedule
Friday, April 11:
- 2:00 PM: Palestra opens for training & equipment check (retailer available)
- 8:00 PM: Optional dinner for participants
Saturday, April 12:
- 8:00 AM: Palestra opens
- 9:00 AM: Poule rounds begin
- 1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 2:00 PM: Completion of poule rounds (if needed)
- 3:00 PM: Elimination rounds up to the final four
Sunday, April 13:
- 9:00 AM: Palestra opens
- 10:00 AM: Finals & bronze medal matches
- 2:00 PM: Awards & closing ceremony
Join Us in Milan!
The University Champions Cup is a unique opportunity to represent your university, compete at an international level, and experience the vibrant culture of Milan. Whether you aim to challenge yourself, meet like-minded athletes, or simply enjoy the spirit of friendly competition, this event is for you.
Register today and be part of an exciting new chapter in European university fencing!