Respect & Play Project Kicks Off

A new edition of Respect & Play, a project by Como 1907, Teste di Serie, and Polisport SSD, has officially launched. The aim of the project is to cultivate a new generation of self-aware fans, starting with young people and schools. The activities offered by the project go beyond theory, with students also taking part in on-field experiences designed to put into practice and reinforce the values they have learned.

Following a pilot project carried out in 2024 at the Olgiate Comasco middle school, Como 1907 has expanded the initiative this year to several schools in the Como area.

“Sport is a powerful educational tool. Through the stories of inspiring athletes, the project encourages children to embrace the values of fair play in their daily lives, from school to home,” explains Paolo Novati, co-founder of the project alongside Paolo Candeloro and Mattia Riva.

“Sport is an invaluable way of conveying concepts such as respect for oneself, for opponents, and for the rules. Through sport, we can also impart educational values such as tenacity, the will to fight, and the importance of teamwork. Como 1907 aims to engage with schools and help create a new generation of young fans, who will serve as an example to those who have been attending the stadium for many years. This new generation of positive supporters will not simply act ‘against’ their opponents, but will cheer in favour of sport and respect.”

“The support of Como 1907 is vital and serves as the main driving force, inspiring the children to engage and grow—not just as athletes, but as positive supporters who champion respect and a love for sport,” Paolo concludes.

On Saturday, 16 November, Teste di Serie and Polisport received a special mention in the Fair Play 2024 Award, presented by Panathlon Como, for the programme Io tifo, tu tifi, noi tifiamo (I cheer, you cheer, we cheer). The award, given to the Istituto Comprensivo di Olgiate Comasco, which hosted the course, highlights the project’s significant contribution to promoting sports education among young people.