Sport, Growth, and Inclusion: The Numbers and Network of the “Belong” Project

June 18, 2026

The Belong project continues to pave the way for inclusion and connection within our local community, confirming that sport and educational activities are powerful tools for youth integration. Between March and May, the participating youths embarked on an intense and inspiring journey filled with workshops, teamwork, and personal growth.

 

Project Figures

The initiatives were divided into two main modules, drawing a wonderful level of participation:

  • 8 educational workshops, held between March and April.
  • 4 sports sessions, led on the pitch by official FIGC (Italian Football Federation) coaches between April and May.

In total, around 60 young people took part in the project. Although many did not attend the entire program but instead rotated across the different activities, the overall turnout reflects the initiative’s high appeal and success.

 

A Mosaic of Cultures and Generations

The pitch and classrooms were transformed into a true hub of multiculturalism. The participants, aged between 17 and 21 (with a large majority aged 17 to 18), brought with them unique stories and backgrounds from all over the world.

A wide array of nationalities was represented: Albania, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea, Senegal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Tunisia. The largest groups of young people came from Albania, Egypt, and Tunisia.

The Value of the Local Network

The success of this edition of Belong lies above all in the synergy built among various organizations in the Florence area dedicated to welcoming and supporting unaccompanied migrant minors (MSNA) and young adults.

As for Fondazione Solidarietà Caritas, several guests from the SAI Florence project under administrative extension participated with great enthusiasm. However, the majority of the participants joined thanks to an effective networking effort that involved:

  • Cooperativa Convoi – Calenzano Group Home;
  • Casa MIC SAI Minori (Girasole Cooperative);
  • SAI Minori Scirocco (Girasole Cooperative);
  • The Voluntary Guardians for UAMs (Unaccompanied Alien Minors) of the Tuscany Region, who directly enrolled some of the youth under their care.

This collaborative network not only fostered participation in the activities but also proved that community synergy is the key to building a widespread, inclusive reception system—one capable of providing concrete answers and future opportunities for the young people in our community.