PELOTA DE TRAPO CONTINUES THANKS TO NB FOUNDATION

In the heart of Naples, where opportunities can be scarce and barriers often stand in the way of girls pursuing sport, Pelota de Trapo: Football Belongs to Everyone is rewriting the narrative. Powered by the support of the New Balance Foundation, this Play for Change programme continues to thrive across four local sports associations, engaging over 150 girls aged 9 to 14 from some of the city’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

This initiative delivers a holistic educational football programme for girls combining sport with values-based learning and personal development. With a focus on raising awareness of women’s football and championing gender equality, the project aims to transfer the positive values of football — teamwork, respect, resilience — into the wider community.

A Game-Changer for Naples' Girls

Operating in neighborhoods facing high levels of social exclusion, limited youth services, and economic hardship, Pelota de Trapo is more than a sports programme — it’s a path toward empowerment and inclusion. These areas often experience elevated school dropout rates, child exploitation, early pregnancies, and youth obesity due to a lack of healthy outlets and role models. For girls, the gender gap in sports access further limits their physical and psychological development.

Pelota de Trapo addresses this with a multi-faceted approach:

• Weekly training sessions to improve physical wellness and confidence.

• Workshops led by psychologists, nutritionists, and family counselors focused on health, mindset, and emotional growth.

• “Experience Days” with local professional football clubs that expose girls to new opportunities and role models.

• Football for Values methodology that emphasizes reflection on gender equality and personal development.

• Summer camps and sport vouchers to remove financial barriers and ensure every girl can participate.

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

The programme is rooted in four core objectives:

1. Breaking Financial and Cultural Barriers

   
   

   By offering free participation and actively working with local organizations, the programme ensures that no girl is excluded due to cost or prejudice.

2. Fostering Inclusivity and Gender Equality

   
   

   Girls are encouraged to embrace leadership roles, become active community members, and challenge harmful stereotypes around women in sports.

3. Building Confidence and Promoting Health

   
   

   Through consistent play and educational workshops, girls improve their physical condition and begin to see themselves as capable, confident individuals.

4. Creating Social Impact and Community Engagement

   
   

   Families are invited to participate, local institutions are involved, and football becomes a tool for urban regeneration and long-term social impact.

   
   

Towards Sustainable Change

The programme also aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promoting physical activity and wellness through sport.

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Using sport and creative workshops to foster new educational models.

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Empowering girls and promoting equal access to opportunities.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Focusing on underserved communities and marginalized populations.

• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Creating strong collaborations between schools, NGOs, institutions, and sports clubs.

What We’re Achieving

The impact of Pelota de Trapo is already visible through tangible outcomes:

• Increased access to football for girls in underserved areas.

• Improved self-esteem, confidence, and physical fitness.

• Greater participation in both school and community life.

• Strengthened social skills and the ability to envision future life projects.

• A growing community of young girls who are becoming ambassadors for equality and inclusion.

Football That Transforms Lives

Pelota de Trapo is more than just a football programme — it’s a movement for change. By giving girls the opportunity to play, grow, and be seen, we’re helping them realize their potential and inspiring communities to believe that football truly belongs to everyone.