The Integration League is a project promoted by Lega Pro with the support of UNHCR and Project School, co-funded by the European Union.
The Integration League is a tournament which brings together local citizens and refugees, asylum seekers or beneficiaries of temporary/subsidiary protection:
- Eight football teams
- 16 players per team (eight local people and eight refugees/asylum seekers)
- Five months of training
- One league with 15 games
The teams that are formed for the Integration League will benefit from access to the clubs that have joined the initiative, training at their facilities and receiving support from staff.
The Lega Pro teams are:
- Ancona
- Cesena
- Virtus Francavilla
- Monopoli A
- Monopoli B
- Potenza
- Reggiana A
The teams will train every week to get themselves ready to compete in the Integration League, which will officially start in April 2023, with two groups of four teams playing home and away matches. The top two teams from each group will play in the semi-finals and finals, which will take place in the same city in June and have national exposure.
A new model of inclusion
Playing, together.
Football is a universal language: even when we use different languages to express our thoughts, on the pitch, everyone manages to communicate with each other.
Football acts as a bridge that is able to break down cultural and linguistic barriers and differences in personality, putting people right at the centre.
Starting from an awareness of these qualities, Lega Pro decided to create a new integrative competition which could turn the football pitch into a place where people can connect, meet and experience life.
The Integration League encourages local regions to act on the need for integration and inclusion. As only sport can, it fosters dialogue with local institutions and communities in order to build bridges between people.
FOOTBALL BREAKS DOWN BARRIERS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER, CREATING A MORE WELCOMING COMMUNITY.
At the same time as the teams are formed and undergo training, various additional activities focusing on the theme of inclusion will be organised for the purpose of education and raising awareness.
Who can take part in the Integration League:
- Men who are Italian citizens resident or domiciled in the cities of participating Lega Pro clubs
- Men who are refugees, asylum seekers, or beneficiaries of temporary/subsidiary protection, and are resident or domiciled in the cities of participating Lega Pro clubs
- Adults
- In possession of a certificate of good health
What participants get:
- A certificate of participation
- Sports kit
- An opportunity to take part in a sports project with a local football team
- A chance to play an active role in the social life of your local community
All travel expenses will also be covered
