Heroes

School context

In middle schools, 21.6% of foreign students (compared to 9.3% of Italian students) do not meet their classmates outside of school hours.

Bullying in schools

About 50% of foreign children, with peaks of almost 60% in those of Asian origin, declare having suffered at least one episode of bullying in the last month. For Italian children the same figure is 42.4%.

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Disparity in sports

Foreign children on average practice less sports than Italian children: 53% compared to 76% in lower secondary schools. Gender differences are also very pronounced.

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Sports activity

The project involves the creation of two multi-ethnic teams, one female and one male, for boys and girls aged 10 to 14 from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, mainly from the Ghisolfa-Villapizzone district. Each team, composed of approximately 15 players, of which 2/3 foreigners and 1/3 Italians, will train once a week for an hour and a half on a quality pitch at A.S.D. ORO in via Antonio Aldini 33, Milan. Followed by a professional coach and supported by a YouSport volunteer for practical and administrative needs, the young athletes will participate in friendly matches and a final tournament, promoting team spirit and healthy competition. The goal is to participate in 2 tournaments and 6 friendly matches, strengthening self-esteem and a sense of belonging to the community.

La Scuola dei Valori - AllenaMenti

In collaboration with the Diapason social cooperative, the project integrates the sports experience with an educational path aimed at promoting self-awareness, emotion management, active citizenship and mutual respect. The program includes: seven 2-hour meetings every 3 weeks on topics such as self-knowledge, emotion management, non-violence, reflection on stereotypes and prejudices, and social participation. Creative and playful activities, such as role-playing games, to encourage collaboration and personal innovation. A final event co-designed by the participants, allowing them to apply the skills acquired. Objectives: 14 hours of laboratory meetings. At least 30 participants in the meetings. 1 final event with at least 100 participants. This experiential teaching approach aims to develop the physical, emotional and social skills of young people, preparing them to be active and aware citizens in their community.

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Informal meetings

Every 8 weeks, informal outings are organized, such as snacks, pizzas, photo exhibitions, cinema or theater, for the boys and girls of the two teams and their families, promoting the valorization of diversity and the growth of interpersonal relationships even outside the sports context. For participants in more disadvantaged conditions, the participation costs will be covered. Objective: 5 events organized with at least 10 family members involved per event.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The project involves the observation of dynamics and contexts through the presence of the psychologist during training sessions, matches and group meetings. The tools used include: semi-structured interviews to delve into the personal experiences of the beneficiaries and collect communicable information on the activity of YouSport, with a number of interviews defined in agreement with the project manager. Focus group: to stimulate reflection and debate within the group. Focus group/staff meeting: involving project managers and YouSport to reflect and discuss critical areas and strengths. The feedback of the observations and analyses will highlight strengths, critical points and possible developments of the project.

Nutrition education

We plan opportunities to explore and enhance food diversity among young people, integrating knowledge of various food cultures into a nutritional program appropriate to age and sports activity. Nutrition education, integrated with sports activities, promotes sports excellence and the overall well-being of participants. Objective: 2 seminar meetings of 2 hours each held by food technologists, at least 30 participants in the meetings.