# Italian youth football development initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-youth-football-development-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-23T17:56:55.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

The FIGC LND Campania Regional Committee launched the ‘Alleniamo il Futuro’ (Coaching the Future) project in Naples, which focuses on the holistic growth of young athletes. This initiative includes an experimental course for Parents Liaison Officers to improve communication between clubs and families.

Following this, the ‘Il futuro in gioco’ (The Future at Stake) conference was held in Ferrara as part of the ‘Quarto Tempo’ initiative. Organized by the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND), the two-day event addressed the connection between amateur and professional football. A technical table involving LND governance, Lega Pro leadership, and representatives from Club Italia FIGC met to discuss talent growth and the role of local territories in training pathways.

Key discussions centered on the ‘Zola Reform’ and the revitalization of youth academies to improve sporting quality and economic sustainability. The program featured contributions from LND President Giancarlo Abete, Lega Pro President Matteo Marani, and Ferrara Sport Assessor Francesco Carità. Additionally, Lega Pro Vice President Gianfranco Zola participated remotely, while Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini and youth national team coordinator Maurizio Viscidi provided insights regarding the Club Italia FIGC model.

## Claims

- The “Il futuro in gioco” conference is a two-day event held in Ferrara. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The conference aims to strengthen the dialogue between amateur and professional football. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Zola Reform is a strategic framework for the development of the football movement. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Zola Reform incentivizes the use of players grown in club academies within Serie C. (single source)
- Matteo Marani stated that Italy needs to relaunch football after missing three World Cups. (single source)
- Valorizing homegrown youth helps clubs control costs and improve economic sustainability. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Ferrara hosts conference on youth football development

The “Il futuro in gioco” conference in Ferrara brings together football leaders to discuss youth talent development and the integration of amateur and professional football in Italy.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ferrara-hosts-conference-on-youth-football-development

### 2026-09-24: FIGC LND Campania launches youth football project in Naples

The FIGC LND Campania has launched the “Alleniamo il Futuro” project, introducing a new Parents Liaison Officer course to improve communication between football clubs and families.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/figc-lnd-campania-launches-youth-football-project-in-naples

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Cite as: Italian youth football development initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-youth-football-development-initiatives