MEMORIES FROM OSLO (3)

The second day of the course began with the intervention of Patrick Gaser (UEFA Social Activities), who spoke of "Respect" (for example, the t-shirts exchange campaign) and the related activities (anti-racism, disabled, countries with wars, etc..). He noted the large number of activities that had been made in Poland and Ukraine during the EURO2012.

Then Mary Wilson (Northern Ireland), spoke of football as a tool for integration with the "Football for all" program, to integrate different ethnic minorities, the elimination of racism, the different cultural considerations, homeless, etc..

Sabina Huseynov and Yusif Valiyev (Azerbaijan), spoke of disability football. They began creating deaf futsal teams and, the next step is to introduce in men with brain disabilities and for women. They explained that they meet the classic problems: lack of infrastructure, sponsors, etc.

Finally, Luca Balduzzi (Switzerland), explained the social programs that are made in his country.

After a short break, they talked about the integration between Grassroots and Professional Football. The former player Bodo Menze, now Director of Grassroots at Schalke 04, spoke of the German system. He explained that, after the defeat in the EURO2000, was introduced the system of "Academies" in his country. He explained the structure (training, schools for players, etc). He recalled that players like Neuer (Bayern) or Ozil (R. Madrid), have come out of this Academy. Later, he spoke of the social type projects carried by the Club, as it is in an area with high immigration.

Tarje Jacobsen and Terje Myrseth (Molde FK), explained its structure and operation, taking into account their differences. Molde is a city of about 25,000 people and have managed to involve the entire population with the Club. Again, the role of volunteers is critical. The Board is organized so that each member is assigned a club team, to ensure the smooth exchange of information.

Finally, Hallvar Thoresen (Norway FA), introduced us to the practical session.This was developed in the Heming IL club, a multisport club; the question of the volunteers turned to see again: while the kids were trainng, some parents made coffee, tea and cakes for people who will see training (this is very typical in these countries, I've already lived in Germany when I organized a campus with a colleague).As we said earlier, possession games and the like are present in all training sessions from 7-8 years.

On return, Ottavio and Massimo Steffano Tell (Italy), explained the structure of the youth sector of the FIGC. Right now they have 3 major programs underway:- Football in schools (for children aged 8-10 years)- "Io calcium to 5" (Futsal), for people of 11-14 years (especially girls, because that is where need more quantity)- "Super class cup" of 15-19 years, with school activity league football. The classification depends on sports scores and school activity (50/50).Finally, it was said that there are activities throughout Italy, especially, as has been said, to recruit girls, as only 2% of the football players are girls/women.

The last activity of the day was the Discussion Groups, which I will talk about in the next post. Then, dinner at the Hotel and giant screen to watch Barca v PSG.