Italy promotes football for children in China

Beijing - The Scuola Italiana d'Ambasciata and Inter Academy are promoting football and relevant educational values for children in Beijing. The initiative, launched with the support of the Italian Embassy in Beijing, will offer extra-curricular football courses, sponsored directly by Beijing's Inter Academy coaches. It aims to make the game of football widespread in China and offer school-age children an educational opportunity alongside personal and relational development.

The project's presentation took place on the school playground, and was attended by the Italian Ambassador to China, Ettore Sequi. He emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, which football inspires in children and is also a value that can be useful in future careers. Mariassunta Peci, coordinator of the Italian School [ Scuola Italiana Paritaria d'Ambasciata] in Beijing, highlighted Inter Academy's commitment to children. The academy supports the children not only in their growth and training according to Inter Football Club's standards, but also at home, providing a natural environment where they can develop their personalities.

Aldo Montinaro, senior manager of the Technical Operations Global Youth Business sector of Inter Academy, underlined the participation of the club in several countries, with operations in China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Brazil. The overall programme involves 15,000 children, 120 local coaches and 10 Italian experts. In Beijing, there are 600 children included in the programme. Mr Montinaro explained that it is not a scouting procedure, but aims for youngsters' overall development.