A ceremony was held to mark the conclusion of months of training and value-based education for young detainees, who received their Grassroots Level E – Social Football certificates in an event that celebrated hope and transformation. The course, which was supervised by the FIGC’s youth and school department, introduced participants to the fundamentals of grassroots football while promoting values such as respect, courage, identity and resilience. Weekly sessions combined technical learning with discussions on inclusion and personal growth, preparing the boys for life beyond the prison walls.

The event was attended by key figures, including Gianluca Guida, director of the institute, Vito Tisci, president of the FIGC’s youth and school department, José María del Corral, president of Scholas Occurrentes, and Håkan Sjöstrand, senior strategic advisor for UEFA and the UEFA Foundation for Children. Their presence underscored the shared commitment to offering second chances through sport.

“Zona Luce is a powerful reminder of how football can open doors to hope and new beginnings,” said Håkan Sjöstrand. “Meeting these young people reaffirmed the game’s ability to transform lives. This project embodies true partnership and a deep belief in second chances – giving these boys the opportunity to rewrite their story.”

The project also aims to create a bridge between the institute and the outside world, offering opportunities for social reintegration through internships, cultural activities and creative workshops. By combining football with education and art, Zona Luce provides young people with tools to rebuild their lives and rediscover hope.

Beyond football, Zona Luce integrates art and culture into its rehabilitation pathway. On the same day, the institute unveiled its own ‘Sistine Chapel of the Young’, a stunning mural created by detainees in collaboration with the Naples Academy of Fine Arts. The artwork symbolises resilience and hope, featuring powerful images such as a couple facing a stormy sea and a floor opening to reveal clocks – reminders that a new day is always possible.

Supported by UEFA Foundation for Children, the project will continue to expand, offering new workshops, internships and creative initiatives. As the foundation celebrates its tenth anniversary, Zona Luce stands as a beacon of hope, showing how football can illuminate paths of redemption and build bridges toward a brighter future.