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ONE PLANET. ONE CLUB: THE ROOTS OF A GLOBAL IDENTITY AT PARMA CALCIO

Parma, 15 December 2025 - “One Planet. One Club”. Five continents, one single reality. That of Parma Calcio, which brings together male and female footballers from every continent and over 40 countries around the world. This way of being is already a reality in the Men’s First Team, which can boast representation from each of the five continents: in fact, the squad includes players from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The Women’s First Team is no exception: alongside Italian players, there are players from 13 different countries (Romania, France, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Malta, the Netherlands, Morocco, Spain, and Ecuador).


A model built on inclusion and multiculturalism, an achievement that is unique in Europe for our club - which shows just how central these themes are to the growth of the entire Parma Calcio world. Different cultures, traditions, and values come together, sharing a clear identity aimed at creating an international vision while at the same time strongly enhancing local roots, telling the story of Parma Calcio to the world.

An example that proves this philosophy is the Men’s Youth Sector while maintaining a strong bond with the local area from which most of its players come, welcomes 272 young athletes from 33 different nationalities. It is a slice of the ‘Parma World,’ which for young people represents much more than a sports academy: it is a laboratory of integration, inclusion, and personal growth, where every young footballer finds space to express themselves and improve, both on and off the pitch. At the heart of the project—both men’s and women’s—is the belief that sport should be a school for life, capable of uniting, educating, and enhancing differences. Each pathway is designed to offer every boy and every girl a comprehensive formative experience, grounded in the principles of mutual respect, solidarity, and a sense of belonging to the local community.


MULTICULTURALISM AS A VALUE

Within the youth teams, boys and girls from all over the world train and grow together, forming a mosaic of cultures and stories that enrich every team experience. 80% of the players come from the local area—particularly the provinces of Parma, Piacenza, and Reggio Emilia—while the remaining 20 percent includes young Italians from other regions and foreign players. The Women’s Youth Sector is no exception: alongside Italian players, there are young footballers from Morocco, Moldova, Spain, and Nigeria. This diversity of backgrounds is not merely a numerical fact, but a concrete symbol of an open and welcoming identity, where the exchange between different cultures, languages, and life stories becomes a true educational resource. In the youth sectors, the bond with the local community intertwines with an international vision, creating an environment in which boys and girls feel part of a broader community, built on inclusion, respect, and the strength that comes from being together.”

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EDUCATIONAL MODEL

Parma Calcio’s commitment to its players goes beyond the technical side of the game. The Club promotes a development model in which sporting education and personal care go hand-in-hand. The Psycho-Pedagogical Area constantly monitors the psychological and relational well-being of young players, stepping in whenever difficulties arise. This work is supported by the role of the tutor, who guides boys and girls through their educational journey, particularly those living away from home, maintaining close dialogue with schools and families.


INTEGRATION

For young players who live permanently in Parma, the Club provides dedicated facilities and tailored support pathways. Italian under-18s are accommodated in a boarding school in the city centre, while adult players live in apartments. Foreign male and female players attend private schools and take part in targeted language-learning programmes. The aim is to foster a gradual, supported and conscious integration, allowing each individual to experience their personal and sporting development with confidence and peace of mind.


INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES 

The Club’s international spirit is further reflected in its participation in tournaments around the world. During the 2024/25 season, teams of the youngest players, aged between 10 and 14, took part in 46 international competitions which were valuable opportunities both on and off the pitch. Notably, Parma U14 won at the Portimão International Cup 2025, an elite-level tournament held in the Algarve (Portugal), where they also won two individual awards. Endi Ajdini was named Best Goalkeeper, while Sinaly Doukoure was voted Best Player of the tournament.


EDUCATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Club’s youth sectors work to develop footballers, but more importantly, individuals who represent Parma’s values both on and off the pitch. The integrated approach combining sporting, educational and relational dimensions is a cornerstone of the project, designed to promote inclusion, well-being and mutual respect. In every training session and every match, these values are put into practice, becoming part of the daily journey of young players. This blends strong local roots with an international outlook, with the goal of supporting every boy and girl to build futures, in football and beyond.

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