On 23^rd September 2026, the Villa Granata Training Centre of AC Reggiana 1919 provided the setting for “Football Without Borders”, a BELONG multiplier event organised by Professor Veronica Margherita Cocco and Professor Loris Vezzali. The event was included in the programme of UNIMORE Equality Week 2026, a week dedicated to equality and social inclusion.

The initiative was organised within the framework of BELONG – “footBall Employed to faciLitate the integratiOn of adolesceNt refuGees”, a European project that explores football as a means of promoting participation, relationships and a sense of belonging among adolescent refugees.

“Football Without Borders” was developed through a collaboration between UNIMORE and AC Reggiana 1919, with the support of Nicola Simonelli, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Secretary. The project brought together UNIMORE students with representatives from the club’s youth and women’s sectors, the Integration League, and Regia for Special.

The programme included a Social Inclusion Lab focusing on inclusion and discrimination, involving players and students in discussion and exchange. This was followed by the symbolic activity “A Kick to Break Down the Barriers to Inclusion”, designed to reflect on the barriers that can limit participation and belonging in sport. The event continued with a shared warm-up and mixed football matches, creating opportunities for participants to interact and engage beyond their different backgrounds and roles.

Through discussion and shared sporting activities, “Football Without Borders” highlighted the potential of football to bring people together, challenge barriers and contribute to more inclusive sporting environments.