MILAN – Recreational, sports, and educational activities have begun for youngsters aged between 6 and 14 in the courtyards of social housing throughout the city. This is the “Centro estivo diffuso” project, part of the #EstatePopolare program, which for the first time moves and activates directly where people live, bringing a summer offering to neighborhoods and public housing in all Zones except for Zone 1—including both municipal properties managed by MM and Aler properties—filling common spaces with new opportunities for social gathering. Coordinating the initiatives of this project designed by the Administration, in this first phase, is the FOM (Fondazione Oratori Milanesi), together with the CSI (Centro Sportivo Italiano).

This morning from 10:00 to 12:00, the first session took place at via Adolfo Consolini 4 in the Gallaratese district, where approximately forty children and teenagers were involved in football activities, with games designed to avoid close contact and a final practice match that saw everyone running and enjoying themselves despite the August heat.

It was a positive experience, one which puts the children’s needs at the center and views the game of football as an instrument for fun, but also for education and growth. It is the beginning of a new adventure, with the hope and awareness that this is just the first appointment of an initiative that will last for a long time.