It was 1976 when Gigi Riva had the idea of creating a soccer school in his name. Today, the Gigi Riva Soccer School celebrates its 50th birthday, a momentous milestone that both the young athletes and President Daniele Cortis look upon with pride.
Among the day's highlights were the young athletes, who shared a day of excitement and dreams within the Unipol Domus. "I'm very excited because I've never played, and I'm also a little nervous," said Emanuele, a 12-year-old goalkeeper. "My dream would be to play in the Champions League. Even reaching Serie A is difficult, but it can be done. The club is great, and the soccer school helps the kids develop properly."
For Alessandro, however, it's a different but equally intense feeling. "I've played here before, but it's always wonderful. Even the first time I was very excited and wanted to give it my all. I always come to the stadium and see great players play, I'm very lucky. I'd like to maybe have a future in Serie A; it's possible, but it takes a lot of sacrifice."
"Today we tried our best to honor the dedication of those who preceded us, celebrating this 50th year of activity," says school president Daniele Cortis. "We would have been much happier to celebrate it with them, but they have designed a clear path based on educational values that, with great responsibility, we must carry forward, hopefully for at least another 50 years."
