Italian Association Inaugurates Soccer Coaching Course in Cuba

A soccer coaching course, sponsored by the Associazione Italiana Allenatori Calcio—one of the world's most prestigious schools in the field and the leading institution in Italy—was inaugurated today at the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sport Sciences.

According to the sports publication Jit, this marks the third occasion that these renowned professors, led by director Renzo Ulivieri, have collaborated on the professional development of Cuba’s technical soccer personnel. The curriculum includes fundamental topics such as advanced tactics, physical preparation for elite players, grassroots physical training, social soccer, walking soccer, and Paralympic soccer.

During the opening ceremony held in the university's Magistral Hall, Ulivieri stated that, despite the difficulties facing the Caribbean nation due to the intensified U.S. blockade, they made every effort to be present and deliver the course.

"It is about giving back, just as the Cubans did in Italy during the difficult moments of the Coronavirus pandemic. We have a very tight schedule, as we have concentrated all the content into one week, but the most important thing is that it can be beneficial for everyone," he noted.

Visibly moved after hearing the national anthems of Cuba and Italy, he exclaimed: "I dream of an anthem for the world, one that calls for peace and ensures that peace and friendship reign among all."

The president of the Cuban Soccer Association, Oliet Rodríguez Méndez, thanked the Italian soccer school and especially Professor Renzo Ulivieri for many of the recent achievements in Cuban soccer. He emphasized that these results stem largely from joint efforts, noting that "recent qualifications for the U-20 and U-17 World Cups are closely linked to the professional development program for our coaches."

"This exchange responds to the strategic improvement plan for our soccer and, furthermore, highlights the bonds of fraternity and solidarity that make it possible. Therefore, we are very pleased to welcome them for another year," Rodríguez Méndez emphasized.

The course benefits more than 50 technical directors, physical trainers, and goalkeeper coaches. Silvano Merced Len, Rector of the University of Sports, addressed the group and praised the Italian professors' gesture in choosing to visit despite the siege the island suffers and even amid threats of war from the United States, situations that cause others to refrain from visiting.

"We have no better way to thank them than to make the most of that effort and will. I congratulate all of you for having this opportunity; I dare say that few disciplines within our sports system enjoy a preparation model at the highest international level like soccer does," Merced Len assured while welcoming everyone to the university.

Ulivieri is accompanied by expert professors Marcello Mancini, Francesco Perondi, Paolo Barbero, and Mario Beretta, who will contribute to the technical advancement of the sport in Cuba throughout the week.