Collecchio, 28 April 2026 - In an athlete’s development, stepping up to higher levels is a key moment - exciting, but also full of new responsibilities. As experience and visibility grow, so do expectations, along with increased attention from the media and the public. These factors naturally become part of both the sporting and personal growth of the player.

For this reason, Parma Calcio 1913 has launched “Next Step: Managing the Transition with Awareness” for the 2025/26 season. The project, promoted by the Club’s Performance Psychology Area in collaboration with other departments, is aimed at both Primavera players and the wider Gialloblù youth sector. The aim is to give young players practical tools, knowledge and skills to help them deal more consciously with the challenges of professional football, in line with the Club’s wider commitment to the holistic development of its athletes.

The project also looked closely at social media and the importance of carefully managing one’s public image. More broadly, it was a valuable learning opportunity for the Under-20 group. The session was led by Caterina Ambrosi, captain of Parma Calcio Women, who also shared her personal experience. The discussion focused on how social media can be a powerful tool to build a player’s image and connect with fans, but also how it can expose young athletes to complex situations that are not always easy to handle alone.