Italian community initiatives expand youth sports access

Various community initiatives in Italy are focusing on expanding sports access for youth. In Barga, the Giesse Barga Academy has been launched as a completely free and inclusive football school. Supported by the local administration, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca, and Euroansa Spa, the academy aims to remove economic barriers to youth sports, which are among the highest in Europe.

The academy provides free sports kits to all enrollees and focuses on three pillars: inclusion, growth, and education. The program includes technical staff and psychological support to assist both young athletes and their parents.

In Gossolengo, the 16th edition of the “Lo sport è per tutti” (Sport is for everyone) initiative recently concluded. The program involved 461 students from local primary and secondary schools, introducing them to twelve different disciplines, including basketball, rowing, rugby, and martial arts. The event aims to connect young people with local sports clubs and promote the educational values of physical activity.