[:en]In a national and global climate increasingly characterized by divisions, intolerance, and the advancement of policies that put people's fundamental rights at risk, Cosenza once again reveals itself as a city where the entities that animate its social fabric work hard to make a difference in everyday life. And it is precisely from the idea of Juan Rosello Fernández, in collaboration with Rugby Cosenza And Arcigay Cosenza that the movement is born Rugby Cosenza Open Club, the first inclusive rugby team in Calabria.
“The project – explains Juan, future coach – n"I'm giving this as a gesture of gratitude to the city of Cosenza for welcoming me. My choice of rugby is motivated by its intrinsic values, such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Although it's often perceived as a tough and traditionally male sport, many clubs are embarking on a journey of renewal, transforming it into a tool for creating inclusive gathering spaces. These spaces offer players of all ages the opportunity to grow both personally and as athletes, promoting tolerance and respect for each individual's individuality.". Open Club therefore represents a turning point for regional sport, as its goal is to create a sporting environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, or background, can feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Why you chose to start with rugby, he explains it to us Andrea Paolini, president of Rugby Cosenza: “"As rugby players, we identify strongly with its core values: inclusion, respect, and community. We believe that sport should be a place where everyone can feel welcome. My team and I felt the need to go beyond the playing field, creating a movement that breaks down barriers and fosters unity between different social realities."” The club is committed to providing a safe and respectful space where each individual feels valued, while also ensuring quality sports training through professionally led workouts. Each participant, regardless of experience level, will receive appropriate training, tailored to their individual needs, contributing to personal and team growth.
The project, however, isn't limited to rugby. Open Club's ambition is to involve other local sports, building a network of associations and facilities committed to promoting and developing best practices for welcoming everyone. For this reason, Arcigay Cosenza will offer free training to gyms, associations, athletic trainers, and physical education teachers who request it. The program includes awareness-raising lessons on the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and practical tips for creating more welcoming spaces and attitudes. “We chose to involve Arcigay Cosenza – continues Paolini – because it represents an important point of reference for the city: we want to build an authentic and collaborative dialogue. Together we can convey a strong message: rugby, like society, is for everyone.”
On the importance of education also in the sporting context, the president of Arcigay Cosenza, Alessandra Lucanto declares: “Everyone has the right to feel welcome and safe in the spaces they move through and inhabit. Being part of a team develops important social and emotional skills and helps strengthen a sense of belonging. However, too many people still feel insecure or uncomfortable during physical education classes at school, in gyms, or on teams, and avoid activities or areas where they feel most unwelcome. We therefore believe it is essential to be on the front lines of educating about diversity.”
The invitation is extended not only to the LGBTQIA+ community but to all those open to dialogue and sharing. The primary goal is to engage the local community, promote social inclusion, and spread interest in rugby, creating a network of support and solidarity capable of strengthening the city's social fabric. Cosenza has always proven to be a vibrant community open to change, and we hope this will be an opportunity to unite people even more and a chance to demonstrate that, together, we can make a difference.
The official open day date, where team registration will open and all the details will be announced, will be announced on social media in the coming days.
For further information, please visit the website Arcigay Cosenza or contact [email protected].[:]
