Milan for women. With "Palla al centro" the first multi-ethnic women's team in the city
Milan, June 17 2021 – Today, at the Scarioni sports facility in via Tucidide, YouSport Women FC, the first multi-ethnic women's football team in Milan, took to the field for its first training session.
The initiative, sponsored by the Municipality and created thanks to the support of the Centro Milano Donna of Municipio 3, is part of the "Ball in the centre" project of the YouSport sports association which aims to replicate this team model across multiple Municipalities through the Centers Milano Donna and establish the first multi-ethnic women's football championship in the city as a vehicle for social inclusion from a cultural, gender equality and economic point of view.
"This project – declares Daria Colombo, Delegate of the Mayor for Gender Equal Opportunities – carried out by extraordinary people represents another very important step for women, especially for those coming from fragile social contexts, both due to migratory paths and socio-economic and personal difficulties. demonstration of our city's welcome and desire for inclusion also through sport, a vehicle of dignity, belonging and fun".
"I congratulate all those who worked on this project - declares Lorenzo Lipparini, councilor for Participation and active citizenship -. Team sports practice and the values specific to sport, primarily respect for the opponent, in fact favor in an extraordinary way integration, intercultural dialogue and the construction of that common sense of belonging and participation fundamental for the growth and well-being of our community".
The team is made up of approximately 2/3 of foreign players and 1/3 of Italian players, will train on professional fields and with quality clothing and materials, and will be led by a professional coach, Jo Borella. Furthermore, an integral part of the project will be group meetings with sports psychologists and nutritionists and assistance services that support the players in their participation.
The "Ball in the center" project is even more valuable considering the fact that in Milan non-EU women reach a decidedly more significant incidence compared to the national picture (23,6% compared to 14,4%), while in the system In Italian sports, female athletes represent 28,2% (male 71%), sports club managers are 15,4% (men 84,6%) and female coaches are 20% (80% male).
Updated: 17/06/2021