Inclusivity: Lepri and Brigliadori take centre stage in Moldova with “Football is Inclusion”

In recent days an important meeting on disability was held in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. Among the key speakers at the event – titled “Adapted football as a tool for rehabilitation and social inclusion of children with special needs” – were Fabio Lepri and Christian Brigliadori, FSGC Coach Educators invited to Moldova to present their project “Football Is Inclusion”.

The meeting focused on training for integrated and inclusive football coaches, with 50 coaches, teachers and physiotherapists taking part in the six-hour course, which combined theory-based sessions with practical work on the pitch. Lepri and Brigliadori shared their “Football Is Inclusion” methodology with their colleagues, a project through which the San Marino Football Federation aims to promote a brand of football that is both inclusive and performance-oriented.

A key objective is to develop over time coaches who acquire the skills needed to lead teams in which boys and girls, with and without cognitive-relational disabilities, can play together.

Lepri and Brigliadori were also deeply impressed by the warm hospitality they received in Moldova, the strong commitment shown to the subject of inclusion and the excellent organisation by the Moldovan Football Federation. It was a meaningful opportunity for sharing and cultural exchange, with all the ingredients to foster new and future collaborations.