Quiet room: a new stadium experience for young people with autism or neurodevelopmental disorders

In the recent match between San Marino and Cyprus played on Sunday 12 October 2025 at the San Marino Stadium, Gian Maria, Tommaso and Filippo were the first to experience the stadium’s new sky box in its new guise – that of a quiet room. This time, the space has been dedicated to an unprecedented initiative for the San Marino Football Federation. The three boys, who are already involved in the Football is Inclusion programme, had the chance to experience football and the San Marino National Team without compromise. All this while fully respecting the ideal conditions for people with autism or neurodevelopmental disorders – as in this particular case – to attend the event directly at the San Marino Stadium. The glass-fronted, partially soundproofed room – boasting an enviable view of the pitch – has been fitted with pouffes, mats, noise-cancelling headphones and soft balls to make it as welcoming and comfortable as possible for the new users of this dedicated space, while minimising any potential and natural discomfort that a large crowd of supporters in the stands can sometimes cause in such situations.

This initiative is part of the sustainability and inclusion projects submitted by the San Marino Football Federation to UEFA under the HatTrick programme. “For a long time we have been working to make the creation of this dedicated room at the San Marino Stadium possible,” says Andrea Zoppis, SES Officer at the FSGC. “We are happy and proud to have inaugurated the quiet room, which has already enabled three boys to experience first-hand the atmosphere of a San Marino National Team match in this new way. Thanks to the work of the Federazione Sammarinese Giuoco Calcio and the support of UEFA, we have been able to reach this important milestone. We would like to thank the BattiCinque Association for their cooperation and invaluable advice; based on this first experience we can only improve, hoping to offer an increasing number of young people a unique experience in a protected and safe environment.”

“Fans are the lifeblood, the soul of what is the most beautiful sport in the world. Being involved in such a wonderful project as the one launched by the FSGC,” comments Fanny Gasperoni, President of the BattiCinque Association, “makes us feel that we matter. Being welcomed into a space like this means being able to take part and cheer on our fantastic National Team. In the quiet room, the youngsters can take breaks, sitting comfortably in a cosy and quiet space, because for some people staying in the stands can be excessively stressful and unpleasant. The smiles and sincere hugs of the organisers, as well as the care and hospitality shown by the Federation’s staff, demonstrate a genuine commitment to believing in and supporting inclusive sports projects, both on and off the pitch – beyond any rhetoric.”