Youth Sector presented at Unipol Domus
The Cagliari Youth Sector for the 2026/27 season was officially presented at Unipol Domus. An entire section of the Main Stand was filled by more than 250 young players, together with all the coaching staffs and Club officials. Ten teams, from the Grassroots section, featuring the youngest group, the Under-10s, through to the Under-20s. The event featured speeches from the Club’s CEO and General Manager, Stefano Melis; Youth Sector Director, Max Canzi; and Head of the Grassroots Section and Cagliari Football Academy, Mattia Belfiori. Also in attendance was Technical Coordinator of the Youth Sector, Oscar Erriu. Nicola Grandu also addressed the players: having come through the Cagliari Youth Sector, he has gone on to fulfil his dream of reaching the first team.
“It’s really great and particularly impactful to have you all here together, from the Under-20s right through to the Grassroots Section, along with your respective staffs. This is an event we always care deeply about. I bring you the best wishes of the entire Club management, and I wish all of you the very best for the season,” said CEO Managing Director Stefano Melis. “In general, this is a great moment in our journey of growth as a Club. We’re enjoying the first team’s position in the table; we didn’t expect it, but everything is the result of hard work. Work that started a long time ago and has deep roots in our Youth Sector, from which many players have emerged to go on and play ‘with the senior team’, something that is very important to us. Just think that today there are eight players in the first-team squad who have come through the Youth Sector. It’s an achievement we’re proud of and certainly one that few Serie A clubs can boast. Another demonstration of the importance of the work being done in our Youth Sector was our decision to appoint Max Canzi as director: we strongly wanted him, he is Sardinian by adoption, knows the environment well and represents an added value for us.”
“I echo the words of CEO Stefano Melis. It’s really great to see you all here together today. This was a specific choice we made together with Youth Sector Technical Coordinator Oscar Erriu. You’re all here: from the Grassroots Section, those of you who are wearing this shirt for the first time, through to the Under-20s, the tip of the iceberg of this wonderful Youth Sector. It’s a fantastic sight,” said Youth Sector Director Massimiliano Canzi. “The youngest players see the older ones as an example, as players who are coming to the end of a journey and are just one small step away from turning their passion into their profession. To the older players, I say: remember when you were those children and dreamed, just like they do, of becoming footballers. Never forget where you came from, because if you have the chance to make that dream come true, you will only do so through passion and hard work. To our coaches: coaching in the youth sector is not the same as coaching senior players. And we must always remember that, beyond results, we have values to uphold. Our Youth Sector has always been characterised by a strong sense of belonging, among both players and coaches: many of them have played for Cagliari and have come through the Youth Sector themselves. That is a value to pass on. All our teams must be characterised by one spirit: we represent a People. That means always giving our best, never getting our attitude wrong, and proudly carrying the image of our Club wherever we go. I am proud and honoured to have been entrusted with this role. I have been given a great opportunity; I dreamed of returning here one day, and I feel like one of you.”
Head of the Grassroots Section and Cagliari Football Academy Mattia Belfiorithen addressed the players: “I’m also very pleased to see you all gathered here; it’s a source of great satisfaction. Over the years, I’ve seen many children come through our youth setup, who then became young men, adults and footballers. The advice I feel I can give all of you is this: first of all, always keep enjoying yourselves. Never stop dreaming, always give your best and put everything you have into it, because sometimes dreams do come true. And Nicola, who is here with us today, is an example of that. To the coaches, staff and Club officials: let’s remember that we have a great responsibility, to help our players grow in the best possible way. They put their trust in us; we are their point of reference. I wish you all a great season.”
In closing, Nicola Grandu, who came through the Cagliari Youth Sector before making his first-team breakthrough and has recently signed a contract extension, addressed the players: “To become a footballer, you have to make many sacrifices and give up many things. My advice? First of all, always give everything you have. And never allow anyone to tell you that you won’t make it. Your behaviour is fundamental: respecting the rules, your teammates, the coach and the staff. Being part of Cagliari is an honour, but also a responsibility: wherever you go, remember that you represent this Club and its values. It’s a source of pride to wear this shirt. Our fans remind us of that too: they travel many kilometres to come and watch us play and support us. There is no stadium in Italy, or abroad, where you won’t see Rossoblù flags and scarves when you look up towards the stands. And that is not only a great source of pride, but it also gives you tremendous energy and motivation.”
