Male health, especially among adolescents and young adults, is often neglected. More than 60% of 14 - to 25-year-olds lack adequate information about major urological problems, while modesty and poor communication amplify the risk of underestimating symptoms and warning signs.
For young sportspeople, and footballers in particular, the risk is even higher: microtraumas and intense physical activity can increase the incidence of pathologies such as varicocele and testicular torsion. In this context, it becomes essential to introduce effective prevention tools and educational strategies capable of involving children in an active and conscious manner.
What the project involves
The initiative consists of an interactive conference aimed at young FIGC Amateur League Delegation of Padua footballers, with interventions by specialists and direct testimonies from former patients. The meetings will delve into the main urological and sexually transmitted pathologies, providing practical knowledge and encouraging children to undergo preventive checks.
The project is based on four key principles:
- autonomy, to empower young people in managing their health;
- sustainability, as an investment to reduce future chronic pathologies;
- innovation, thanks to digital tools and multidisciplinary approaches;
- education, to promote healthy lifestyles that can also be replicated in other sporting contexts.
The beneficiaries
The project directly involves around 200 young footballers between 14 and 18 years old, who will participate in the matches by acquiring tools to recognize and prevent urological problems. The indirect beneficiaries are approximately 1,000 people, including family members, friends, coaches, managers and staff of the sports clubs involved, creating a widespread information network in the school, family and sports context.
The expected impact is significant: increased awareness about prevention, development of autonomy in the management of well-being, reduction of the incidence of long-term pathologies, improvement of the quality of life, sustainability of the health system and dissemination of good prevention practices in the world of sport.
Project name: Gioca d'anticipo: Vinci con la prevenzione urologica
Proposing organisation: Noi e il Cancro - Volontà di Vivere ODV
Area of intervention: Health & Welfare
Country: Italy