Kids get UEFA-backed award

The UEFA-backed Brussels International Supporters Award has been awarded for 2007 to the Genoa Club for Children, a school for young supporters created by Marco Barnieri in the Italian city of Genoa.

Educational aspect
After having given the award to groups campaigning against racism and intolerance in stadiums (Spain's Peña Multicolor in 2005, and Northern Ireland's Amalgation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs in 2006), and following the tributes paid to the German public for exemplary conduct at last year's FIFA World Cup, the jury wished this year to highlight the educational aspect of the Brussels International Supporters Award.

Sporting ethics
The Genoa Club for Children brings together children aged between seven and 13 around Genoa CFC. The children attend all of their favourite team's home matches, accompanied by educators who tell them about the major principles involved in sporting ethics, in particular respect for opponents and the referee. This special "school" has proved to be a great success, and currently comprises around 800 children of all origins.

Behaving with dignity
The Genoa Club for Children has aroused considerable interest in its first year of existence - in Italy and throughout Europe. Given the importance of fans in today's football, such initiatives can only be encouraged, as they attempt to prepare the supporters of tomorrow to behave with dignity and create a convivial atmosphere. The Italian government, through sports minister Giovanna Melandri, has given its support to the Genoa Club for Children.

Genoa presentation
The award was presented to Marco Barnieri in front of 25,000 spectators before the recent Serie A match between Genoa and US Città di Palermo, in the presence of Italian Football Association (FIGC) representative Leo Grosso.

Recognised award
The award has been recognised by a number of political and sporting bodies, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, the International Olympic Committee, Panathlon International, and the International Committee for Fair Play.

Fun and friendship
The philosophy behind the prize is simple: to help bring a sense of fun and friendship back to stadiums. It recognises the central role that fans play in football and the vital contribution they can make to the governance of the sport. UEFA fully backs the nomination of this year's winner, and will continue its support of the Brussels International Supporters Award.