World Autism Day: Home training a hit as academy responds to lockdown

Roma Cares partner Calcio Integrato Academy has turned to online coaching during the Covid-19 crisis to ensure children with an intellectual disability are not left without football.

It is not just Serie A that has been forced to stop because of the current lockdown, but games and training at all levels and abilities of the sport - but that has not stopped coaches at the Calcio Integrato Academy ('Integrated Football') in Rome from finding ways to keep working with their students with intellectual disabilities.

Founded in 2015, the academy - which organises football for children with a range of cognitive disabilities - usually runs weekly training sessions for its students, but during this difficult period of self-isolation that has become impossible.

Instead, academy coaches are now posting video tutorials online to help both members and their parents continue to be active, continue to train, and continue to keep their spirits high.

April 2 is World Autism Day and the academy, which is part of the Roma Cares 'Calcio Insieme' ('Football Together') project, has a number of members who have autism.

Change can be difficult for any of us, but routine is especially important for those with autism. Thanks to the efforts of coaches and parents, football has still been able to continue from home.

The academy has always played a key role in helping building not just the physical skills of its students, but their confidence and social integration too - and the hard work of the coaches has ensured that has continued, even during the current lockdown.

The reaction to the online tutorials has been incredible, with many parents getting creative in order to set up drills as well as videoing their children smiling, scoring and enjoying themselves.

“Thank you for all you are doing," said Caterina Boccacci, mother of young student Michele.

"The situation is dramatic - as kids without their routine can go back in their shells a bit and things can go downhill rapidly.

"Michele likes and follows the exercises and immediately he gets a smile back on his face…Forza Italia, Forza Roma!”

The Calcio Integrato Academy also got a surprise video message from former Roma winger Stephan El Shaarawy, who spent a week with the academy last summer - and has gone on to become a passionate advocate for the society.

El Shaarawy challenged the young members to do kick-ups - three without letting the ball bounce, or three with a bounce for those who need it - while reminding them to keep practising.

"I send you all a big hug - hopefully we will all be able to see each other again soon, when I am allowed to travel again and can return to Rome," El Shaarawy said.

For more information on the Calcio Integrato Academy click here.

To watch El Shaarawy's visit to the academy last summer, click here.