Dear chess friends,
2025 was an extraordinary and exciting year for our Association!
First of all, the Irpinia team won promotion to Serie B of the CIS, thanks to the commitment and passion of Sergio, Piero, Paolo, Niccolò, Carmelo and our Technical Director Massimiliano.
In addition to competitive results, 2025 was a year of continuous training for young people and staff. The students who began their journey at our FSI Federal School continued at the Regional School and, for the most deserving, participated in the National Federal School’s excellence programmes, completing a unique and comprehensive technical and personal growth journey. At the same time, our staff deepened their skills and methodologies thanks to courses at the Regional School of Sport and Health and CONI, strengthening the quality of training, events and educational activities.
Thanks in part to ARUS regional vouchers, our activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of economic barriers: every boy and girl can experience the magic of chess and grow with us.
Another moment of great pride was the regional stage of the CIG 2025, hosted in Montella: a true “chess festival amid nature and passion”, with the best young talents from Campania competing in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and friendship. Being chosen to organise this event is clear recognition at regional level of the quality of our work. This event confirmed how our club knows how to combine competitiveness, inclusion and socialising, offering a complete and valuable experience for children and families.
Once again this year, we brought chess to schools in Montella and Calitri, thanks to the collaboration of school administrators, teachers (Anna, Antonio and Silvana) and instructors Maria Luisa and Giovanni, offering stimulating and engaging educational experiences for all students.
Our commitment also extended to community and inclusion initiatives, such as the conference “Chess: Sport and/is Community” in Bagnoli Irpino, held at the ACCA Software premises, with the participation of the President of the FSI, Maggi, who emphasised the cultural and social value of chess.
At an international level, the Erasmus+ projects, supported by the Italian Youth Agency, have allowed our staff to grow professionally and collaborate with Peona i Peó (Barcelona), Swieqi Chess Club (Malta) and Brussels Chess Club (Belgium), creating a lively and stimulating network.
Special thanks go to the municipal administrations of Montella, Ariano Irpino, Grottaminarda and Calitri, to instructors Antonio and Michele, to ASD Avellino Scacchi and Alfiere Bianco, to presidents Salvatore and Donato of ASD Casoria and Caserta, and to international referee Giuseppe, who have supported our initiatives as sympathising members. And, of course, to all the volunteers, managers, members and families, the true heart of our association.
To celebrate these achievements together, we invite you to our Pizza-Scacchi on 29 December, a moment of sharing, fun… and a few winning moves off the chessboard!
I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a brilliant New Year, full of joy, satisfaction and new emotions. May 2026 be an extraordinary year… because together we can achieve anything!
With enthusiasm and gratitude, Marco Picariello, President – Montella Chess Club
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)