The Centro Sportivo Italiano (CSI) Cesena’s management of the San Piero in Bagno municipal school gymnasium has reached a significant milestone: 200 active members. This achievement marks a turning point for the facility, which had been largely unused for approximately 15 years before being revitalized as a growing sports hub. More than 50% of those registered are between the ages of 6 and 18, signaling a strong focus on youth sports development in the Alto Savio community.
The surge in membership is largely attributed to the popularity of volleyball, with 130 participants, and basketball, encompassing 33 minibasket players and 27 adults. A group of 10 individuals regularly participate in postural gymnastics and yoga sessions. This success is a testament to the commitment of CSI Cesena and its president, Renato Quadrelli, who believed in the potential of the area and provided opportunities for local sports associations like Asd Polisportiva San Pietro (led by Daniela Balzoni), Asd Pallacanestro San Piero (under Vieri Maria Giunti), and Asd P4P – Wolfie (with Andrea Mescolini) to flourish.
The progress was formally recognized during a recent visit from local assessor Mattia Lusini, who attended to acknowledge the positive impact of the partnership. The event concluded with a toast and a handshake, symbolizing the collaborative effort between the CSI and local authorities. Lusini, along with Mayor Enrico Spighi, expressed their gratitude to Quadrelli and the representatives of the three sports associations for transforming the gymnasium into a space that fosters social interaction and promotes the core values of sports education. They emphasized that the facility has become what they envisioned: a vibrant sports center attracting a significant number of young people. “Reaching 200 members is a great achievement, but we are only at the beginning,” they stated.
The revitalization of the San Piero in Bagno gym highlights a broader trend in Cesena, where the Comune (municipality) actively supports local sports initiatives. According to a 2026 report from the Comune di Cesena, there are currently 21 school gyms (17 municipal and 4 provincial) utilized by sports associations outside of school hours, offering a diverse range of activities from volleyball and basketball to gymnastics, futsal, fencing, baseball, soccer, judo, and dance. These facilities collectively host approximately 1,500 young athletes and account for around 10,000 annual hours of sports activity.
The CSI, a prominent organization in Italian amateur sports, plays a crucial role in facilitating these activities. The Centro Sportivo Italiano – Comitato di Cesena, founded in 1948 under the patronage of the Catholic Action movement, currently organizes and promotes championships in various disciplines, including 11-a-side soccer, 7-a-side soccer, 5-a-side soccer (including a women’s league), youth soccer, refereeing for soccer, volleyball, cycling, skating, swimming, beach volleyball, beach tennis, chess, martial arts, billiards, and gymnastics. The organization’s website, csicesena.it, provides information on these activities and distributes official newsletters.
The success in San Piero in Bagno as well reflects the broader impact of the CSI across the Cesena province. The Comune di Cesena’s list of sports organizations includes both the CSI and UISP (Unione Italiana Sport Per Tutti), demonstrating a commitment to providing diverse sporting opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. UISP Cesena boasts over 8,000 members and 100 affiliated sports clubs, offering activities in over 20 disciplines, from soccer and cycling to athletics, equestrian sports, and various martial arts.
For the San Piero in Bagno facility, the future looks bright. The 200-member milestone is not just a number; it represents a renewed sense of community and a commitment to providing young people with access to quality sports programs. The collaborative efforts of the CSI, local authorities, and sports associations have created a sustainable model for revitalizing community sports facilities and fostering a healthy, active lifestyle for residents of the Alto Savio region.
Looking ahead, the CSI Cesena will continue to support and expand its programs at the San Piero in Bagno gym, with plans to explore new sports offerings and further enhance the facility’s capabilities. The next scheduled event is a youth volleyball tournament on April 12th, offering a chance for local teams to compete and showcase their skills. Updates and schedules can be found on the CSI Cesena website.
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