The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion. Back in 2023, Fabio Barzellotti, president of the Zucchero Filato Association, and Alessio Santoro, now the coach of the team, noticed two boys playing alone in a sports center, excluded by others because of their differences. This momentary observation was so powerful that it inspired them to create a football team to demonstrate that five-a-side football can be played by everyone, regardless of the level of abilities.
At the beginning, it was not easy to recruit players but over time and with perseverance the group grew consistently. Zucchero Filato now counts 25 athletes in their ranks, including three female players. Training sessions are held twice a week, and each session is an opportunity to see the improvements of the players and the developing chemistry within the group, both on and off the field.
Alessio Santoro emphasizes, "Sport is an important tool for inclusion and social cohesion. Besides teaching the basics of teamwork, it gives the opportunity to be together while respecting daily rules. Sports practice also helps [players] to gain greater self-awareness and a keener understanding of others." He continues, “Football is a sport that unites and allows the development of skills such as discipline, empathy, the spirit of sacrifice, communication skills, teamwork, but above all, it helps our athletes overcome obstacles, making them realize they can be the main characters of their own lives.”
One of the athletes on the team is midfielder Kristian Trifolelli. Kristian joined the team through the friendship between his father and Zucchero Filato President, Fabio Barzellotti. He has played various sports in his life, but football is his real passion. Its nature as a team game allows him to meet people he can share his time with off the field.
"Being part of this team has improved my life. When I play, I don't feel judged, and I believe in myself more. I look forward to our training days because I like to challenge myself and show all of my abilities,” comments Kristian. “I’m also looking forward to play a match for European Football Week (EFW) this May!"
A similar passion shines in his teammate, Antonio Barbato, whose position is striker. Antonio joined the team thanks to coach Alessio Santoro, who is also his pedagogue. Alessio immediately recognized his passion for football and invited him onto the team.
Joining Zucchero Filato has been life-changing for Antonio: it made him more disciplined, responsible, and skyrocketed his ability to work in a team. Football taught him to manage his emotions and not to give up in the face of difficulties, as well as offering him the chance of forming true friendships.
His message to his fellow athletes for EFW really says it all: "To all the football players who are preparing for European Football Week, I would like to say this: Every step you take on the field is a testament to your courage, your abilities, and your will to improve and to always look to the future positively. We must be convinced that it is not only the results that count, but the determination with which we seek them. It is not the victories that matter, but the way we face every challenge, how we persevere every day.
“We must know that, together with our teammates, in the game and in life, we can overcome any limit. Be proud of yourselves because we are unique, continue to support each other, and always believe in your dreams.”
