Exactly a year ago this weekend, CONIFA saw the first ever No Limits continental tournament take place in the Principality of Monaco. This was the first ever tournament for disabled football teams held by CONIFA, and four teams – County of Nice, Monaco Special Olympics, Padania, Sardinia took to the pitch at the Stade des Moneghetti on 11-13 January 2019 to play for the honour of becoming No Limits European Champions.

After the matches concluded, Monaco were crowned champions, with every team believing in the tournament motto ‘so everyone can play’ over the weekend.

Roger Lundbäck, CONIFA Global Referee Director, who officiated at the tournament, remembered the weekend fondly. “This was really a great tournament, with lots of passion and friendship between the teams and us referees. It was a memory for life – we really enjoyed being there.”

Jason Heaton, former CONIFA Commercial Director, also commented. “Working on No Limits was a pinnacle for me personally; it really showed what we we’re capable of within CONIFA. Alberto and his team showed great vision in setting up this tournament, one everyone can be proud of.”

Elisa Trecastagne, CONIFA referee, agreed. “I remember with great pleasure my participation as a referee at the No Limits tournament. I hope it’s just the beginning… I hope one day we can expand the number of participants to create a CONIFA No Limits world championship.”

And Alberto Rischio, CONIFA European President and the founder of No Limits, said: “It was exciting to be able to see 60 football players with different disabilities playing football. A year on, we would like to thank all the CONIFA staff and participating federations for taking part and supporting the teams so well. We thank sponsors Powergrass and EST Car Care Products for their support, too. No Limits has changed CONIFA, and we hope to see No Limits tournaments in Asia, Africa, Oceania and America as well!”

CONIFA is now working to set up the next edition of No Limits and is looking for new hosts and sponsors. If you are interested in getting involved in the No Limits tournament, please email European General Secretary Piotr Podlewski on gensec.europe@conifa.org – and watch this space for more news!