World · Europe · 13 hrs ago
Lugano Football Project Brings People of Different Backgrounds Together
Sotto lo stesso sole brings people of different backgrounds together through football in Lugano, Switzerland.
Ali and Mahdi join a weekly training session at Cornaredo Stadium, where they play and meet friends.
The project began more than 20 years ago after organizers saw prejudice and language barriers ease during a friendly match between migrant and local teams.
Coaches also teach punctuality, respect for teammates and opponents, and care for equipment.
The sessions aim to build connections between local residents and people with migration backgrounds, not just football skills.
SOS Ticino also runs games and creative workshops, and the project receives support through the canton’s integration programme.
The “Sotto lo stesso sole” project brings people from different backgrounds together through football in Lugano.
Participants say the weekly training helps them meet others, make friends and feel at ease.
The project aims to promote respect and reduce prejudice and language barriers.
It is supported by SOS Ticino and, since 2014, by the cantonal integration programme and the Department of Social Affairs and Family.
- Who
- People from different backgrounds, including migrants and local residents, take part in the project.
- What
- Sotto lo stesso sole” uses weekly football training and other activities to bring people together.
- When
- The project idea began more than 20 years ago. Training takes place once a week.
- Where
- Cornaredo Stadium in Lugano, Switzerland.
- Why
- To encourage contact and mutual understanding between people from Ticino and people with a migration background.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The idea for “Sotto lo stesso sole” emerged after a friendly match between a team of migrants and a team from Ticino.
Players were exchanged between the teams, and at times they played in a mixed team.
The project has received support through the cantonal integration programme and the Department of Social Affairs and Family.
Participants meet for football training at Cornaredo Stadium in Lugano.
- Project
- Sotto lo stesso sole” (“Under the same sun”)
- Location
- Cornaredo Stadium, Lugano
- Frequency
- Weekly football training
- Coordinator
- Paata Pataraia
- Support since
- 2014
- Organiser
- SOS Ticino
1 source
What people are saying
a place where I feel comfortable
wonderful experience