Podbrezová Youth Shines – Triumph at the Berger Cup Opens the Road to the World

This summer, we shared the outstanding success of our under-15 football players representing Železiarne Podbrezová. The young team from Podbrezová became the winners of the first edition of the prestigious Berger Cup, where teams from all over Slovakia competed – including well-known clubs such as Slovan Bratislava, Košice, Ružomberok, Prešov, and Inter Bratislava.

In addition to the championship trophy and a financial reward of €10,000, the boys also earned an extraordinary prize – a trip to Milan, Italy, to the legendary San Siro stadium. There, they watched a Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina and explored the beauty of this historic city.

San Siro Live – A Dream Come True for Young Footballers

For the ZP Podbrezová U15 players, the trip was a well-deserved reward for their year-round hard work. To see a world-famous stadium in person, step behind the scenes, take photos in the locker room of one of the most legendary clubs in the world, and watch a match full of stars – that’s an experience they will never forget.

Coach Samuel Jabcon evaluated the entire trip very positively:

“We had an amazing time in Italy. We used the opportunity to strengthen the team spirit even more. As coaches, we also got to know the boys outside the pitch, which was very beneficial. The trip fulfilled its purpose, and we’re truly happy we could experience something like this.”

An Experience that Inspires Future Victories

The coach believes that such moments can serve as a strong motivation for the players:

“We enjoyed a match from one of the best European leagues, a stadium tour, and a visit to the AC Milan locker room. The atmosphere was incredible – over 70,000 spectators and AC’s 2:1 victory over Fiorentina. I believe experiences like this show the boys how far hard work can take them,” Jabcon added.

Milan’s Charm Beyond the Pitch

The players themselves couldn’t hide their excitement. Besides football, they enjoyed Italian cuisine, visited Milan’s historic city center, and shared unforgettable moments that brought them even closer together.

Young defender Teodor Gbúr said:

“We strengthened our bond and experienced truly special moments. Maybe it showed us where we’d like to be one day – to become professional footballers. When we heard the victory anthem after a goal, we got goosebumps. One day, we’d love to experience that as players.”

His teammate Martin Bačko added:

“I was fascinated by the metro – it was my first time using it. I’ve seen a Premier League match before, but Milan was something unique. The whole trip was just awesome.”

Goalkeeper Samuel Sedlák concluded:

“San Siro is an iconic structure and it was an amazing experience. The trip to Milan was a beautiful reward for winning the tournament. But now we’re fully focused on our league matches.”

More Than a Trip – A Shared Chapter Full of Inspiration

The journey to Milan wasn’t just about football – it was about friendship, team spirit, and dreams that can come true. The young footballers from ZP Podbrezová have shown that talent, discipline, and determination can open the doors to the greatest football stadiums in the world.

Article written by: Podbrezovan and FK Železiarne Podbrezová