Calcetto & Rispetto (EN)

Calcetto & Rispetto

Project Type: Solidarity Project

Project Code: 2023-1-IT03-ESC30-SOL-000128363

Providing Bodies: European Commission, Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù

The "Calcetto & rispetto" project was born from an idea of six young people from Messina, involved in the activities of the association The Cave, who identified the difficulty of reaching some social groups through traditional inclusion and empowerment initiatives. Faced with the tendency of these young people to isolate themselves, the promoters recognized in five-a-side football a potentially effective tool to motivate and involve young categories that are often marginalized.

"Calcetto & rispetto" aimed to use football as a vehicle to promote social inclusion, respect for diversity and personal growth. The project specifically targeted 40 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who face challenges such as drug addiction, crime, cultural marginalization and difficulties related to immigration. These young people, often excluded and discriminated against by society, found in five-a-side football a way to get closer to the community, overcome their limitations and discover their potential.

The project activities took place mainly at Rosario Central in Messina, where participants took part in mixed five-a-side football matches, integrating young people from the project and other local minorities. These sports meetings were followed by "third half" sessions, moments of discussion and sharing on important social issues, which enriched the sporting experience with deep personal and collective reflection.

A distinctive aspect of "Calcetto & rispetto" was the non-formal approach adopted in educational activities, which allowed young people to freely explore and discuss topics such as social inclusion, conflict resolution, and the role of sport as a tool for social cohesion.

The highlight of the project was a quadrangular 11-a-side football tournament, organized in collaboration with ASD Castanea Calcio, Società Operaia Castanea and Circolo La Contea. This tournament involved all the project participants together with other young people from Messina, demonstrating how sport can effectively unite people from different backgrounds in a context of respect and shared fun. The event provided a visible platform to showcase the progress made by young people in the project, and highlighted the importance of sport as a tool for social inclusion.

"Calcetto & rispetto" had a significant impact on the lives of participants and on the community's perception of social inclusion. Through football, young people were able to not only improve their physical condition, but also strengthen their self-confidence, develop interpersonal skills and feel part of a larger community. The project helped raise awareness of how sport can act as a catalyst for social change, promoting values such as tolerance and solidarity.

"Calcetto & rispetto" provided a powerful example of how sport activities can be transformed into educational and growth opportunities, stimulating not only physical improvement but also social and personal integration, leaving a lasting legacy of respect and mutual understanding in the Messina community.