How Lazio sparked conversations about access, equity, and community
What happens when a historic sports club invites youth workers, coaches, mentors, and institutional leaders to discuss inclusion in sport? At Circolo Canottieri Lazio in Rome, on 25 May 2025, it meant one thing: action. Organised by Fondazione S.S. Lazio 1900 ETS, the STAY! conference gathered 80 participants around a shared mission — keeping young people in sport, especially those who face barriers others don’t even see.
And the setting? Classic Roman charm, paired with modern conversations about equity, access, and the kind of engagement that lasts long after the final whistle.
A day built around inclusion
From the start, the event made its values clear. Presenters shared how free training and open access to clubs can remove financial barriers and give more young people a chance to participate, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
But access alone isn’t enough. That’s why a strong focus was placed on alternative pathways, such as volunteering and mentorship. Giving young people opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute — even outside of competition — was framed as a core part of what sustainable youth sport should look like.
After presentations and open discussion, the event wrapped up with informal networking and a shared sense that everyone in the room had something to contribute to the bigger picture.
What stood out?
A few messages resonated throughout the day:
- Free access works. Removing costs lowers the biggest barrier for many families. It’s a simple step with a big impact, especially in vulnerable communities.
- We need to redefine success. Sport isn’t just about medals and performance. It can be a space for growth, social connection, and belonging.
- Clubs carry a responsibility. They’re more than places to train. They are communities. Their structures, leaders, and values shape the experience young people have in sport.
Participants agreed that when clubs become inclusive, flexible, and proactive, they help create the kind of environment young people want to stay in.
What’s next?
Lazio and its partners aren’t stopping there. Several forward-looking steps were outlined during the final part of the conference:
- Expand free access programmes across communities to make sport more inclusive
- Create structured roles for youth in mentorship, peer support, and volunteering
- Use upcoming events, such as the June 6 follow-up, to raise awareness and share best practices
- Connect local results to the bigger picture by feeding them into the EMCA network and the broader STAY! community
Why this mattered
This wasn’t just a conversation. It was a reminder that the future of sport depends on how we build our foundations today. When clubs open their doors — literally and figuratively — they invite young people not just to participate, but to belong.
Download here:
Local Conference Lazio presentation
