The fifth edition of the Fondo sociale per il sport has secured sports access for 122 young athletes under 18 across Piacenza and Vigevano by covering their club membership fees, according to announcements made during an official press presentation at the Banca di Piacenza. Promoted jointly by the Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano, the Banca di Piacenza, the Municipality of Piacenza, and Conad Centro Nord, the initiative directly tackles financial barriers for low-income households and large families.
Forty-Two Sports Associations Receive Funding from the 45,000 Euro Pool
Local sports administrators submitted 48 applications requesting over 116mila euros in total support, representing a notable rise compared to the previous year when 38 clubs applied for roughly 100mila euros. The examining commission evaluated the proposals and accepted 42 distinct interventions, fully allocating the available 45,000 euro plafond. Thirty-nine of the approved projects serve clubs throughout Piacenza and its surrounding province, while three originate from the Vigevano area. Participating organizations belong to the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP).
Fifteen Disciplines Expand Access for Under-18 Athletes
The funding encompasses 15 different sports disciplines, ranging from traditional team sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and rugby to individual and technical pursuits such as skating, handball, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo, swimming, track and field, baseball, and sports dance. The 122 beneficiaries this year build upon nearly 300 minors who received assistance through the fund in previous iterations.
Pontolliese 1907 Asd, U.SD. S.Lazzaro A.Farnesiana, U.S.D. Turris, Usd Gossolengo Pittolo, Usd Lugagnanese, Virtus Piacenza A.Pol.D., and You Energy Volley Ssdrl. The organizations funded in Vigevano comprise ASD Vigevano Calcio 1921, ASD Vigevano Borgo Academy, and Asd Pallamano Vigevano.
Promoters Highlight Community Inclusion and Institutional Growth
Project organizers emphasized the broader social impact of the initiative during the October public briefing. Robert Gionelli, a board member of the Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano, noted that the rising participation numbers confirm the project’s effectiveness as a tool for social inclusion, adding that organizers are actively discussing potential network expansions for future editions. Pietro Boselli, deputy general manager of the Banca di Piacenza, stated that the fund successfully bridges athletic needs with economic relief for both families and sports societies. Mario Dadati, sports councilor for the Municipality of Piacenza, stressed that accessibility requires shared responsibility across local institutions, businesses, and associations. Elena Soressi, board member of Conad Centro Nord, pointed out that her organization’s second year of participation reflects an ongoing commitment to community support and equal opportunities alongside Fondazione Conad ETS.
Next Steps for the Social Sport Fund
With the 2026 funding allocations finalized and distributed across the 42 approved organizations, the promoting entities have turned their attention toward maintaining communication channels with sports clubs and exploring new corporate partnerships ahead of the sixth edition cycle.
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