Creating a Legacy for the Future with the Italian women’s national team
Friday, April 24, 2026
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A group of young footballers from the non-profit organisation ASD Balon Mundial Onlus enjoyed an unforgettable day with the Italy women’s national team this month, as part of Legacy for the Future – a UEFA Foundation for Children initiative launched at last summer’s Women’s EURO 2025.
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The Azzurre welcomed the group to the Italian Football Federation’s headquarters in Coverciano, where the youngsters watched the national team train from the sidelines before meeting players and staff for conversations, photos and inspiration.
Empowering girls and women
Legacy for the Future was launched in 2025 to ensure that UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 leaves a long‑term social impact. The programme supports initiatives that empower girls and women, not only in football, but in education, employment, leadership and community life.
As part of the programme, each national association participating in Women’s EURO 2025 selected one organisation in its country working to advance gender equality. These organisations receive financial support from the UEFA Foundation for Children and the adidas Foundation, along with visibility, networking and capacity‑building opportunities.
Italy selected Balon Mundial, a Turin‑based non-profit founded in 2012 that uses football to promote inclusion and challenge discrimination. Their visit to Coverciano was one of several activities funded through the Legacy for the Future programme.
"We were able to host a group of extraordinary young women who share truly unique values with us," said experienced Italian centre-back Elena Linari.
"We were genuinely very happy to welcome them here in Coverciano. It’s always special when you have people around you who bring such strong and meaningful values."
ASD Balon Mundial Onlus
- Founded in Turin in 2012, Balon Mundial promotes an inclusive society through sport‑based empowerment programmes.
- Uses football and non‑formal education methods to activate people and communities, developed through national and international networks.
- Designs activities that value sport as a tool for social inclusion, fair play, respect for rules, and conflict resolution.
- Engages over 7,000 participants each year, of all ages and backgrounds.
An inspiring experience
The event in the suburbs of Florence was part of a year of development activities at Balon Mundial, funded by the Legacy for the Future project.
"For our girls, for our women’s team, this is a truly meaningful experience: a chance to connect, to meet, and to experience first-hand a reality that is often only seen on screens," said project manager Beatrice Serasso.
"Moments like this help bring football back to a human scale. It’s not always easy to find role models in our culture who feel truly accessible. That’s why this experience is so inspiring: our players can see, right in front of them, what is possible with hard work, determination, and perhaps a bit of luck."
For Elena Fatta, also a project manager at Balon Mundial, the day symbolised how far the organisation has come. Founded with the aim of breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces, Balon Mundial sees this invitation as recognition of its mission in action.
"Being here today is a sign that we are succeeding," she said, emphasising the motivation it gives them to continue expanding their work.
The Legacy for the Future project
- Legacy for the Future is a collaborative initiative launched in 2025 around UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, funded by the UEFA Foundation for Children and the adidas Foundation.
- Its goal is to create a long-lasting legacy that empowers girls and women in football and beyond.
- The project harnesses the momentum of Women’s EURO 2025 to drive social change, inclusion and equality across Europe.
- A shortlist of organisations was created by the UEFA and adidas foundations, and each national team selected the project that would represent them.
Learn more about the Legacy for the Future initiative here: https://uefafoundation.org/news/legacy-for-the-future-uefa-foundation-for-children-and-adidas-foundation-to-change-the-game-for-girls-and-women/