Inter Campus travel to the heart of Bulgaria

The Nerazzurri are currently enjoying their second trip of the 2017-18 season to Sofia, visiting the Italian Embassy in the majestic Bulgarian capital. Italian Ambassador Stefano Baldi welcomed the Inter Campus delegation, made up of Head of organisation Christian Valerio, two coaches Paola Balconi and Roberto Redaelli and representatives from local partners. This included the Stefan Noykov Foundation, Director Ventsislav Panchev and project coordinator Yordanka Yaneva. The details of Inter Campus Bulgaria and its evolution were presented during the meeting. A total of 20 years of relations and constant activity conducted together, all focused on a shared mission. Using football to help improve educational development for ethnic minorities and the disadvantaged, pursuing objectives of integration and social inclusion. It’s a mission that is highly-valued by the Ambassador, who’s helped lay the foundations for joint initiatives in the future.

Following the meeting, we soon left the capital and headed west towards Mar Nero. After reaching the central region of Bulgaria, just south of the Balkan Mountains, we arrived in the ‘Valley of Roses’. It is here where the Inter Campus centre is located in the small village of Banya. At this point in time, the collection of flowers is just coming to an end, with parents of the kids taking part in the project being kept extremely busy daily. The rose oil produced in Bulgaria is sought-after all across the world.

At the start of the 18th century, the rose gardens were imported from the plains of Asia and planted in these valleys by the Ottomans. The stadium, which was built during the country’s socialist era, rests on this land and now plays host to a combination of 30 Bulgarian and Romani children, trained by local coach Doncho. It is not always easy but their attitude, behaviour and technique are constantly improving. Despite hesitation from some parents, Doncho has succeeded in his mission to coach a mix of Bulgarian and Romani children.

Without the presence of Inter Campus, the possibility of visiting sporting structures would not be possible. Two other groups from Troyan and Dupnitsa joined the local group to take part during our visit, accompanied by their coaches, Midko, Vladi and Ventsi. Children from different cultures, some with family problems, all training together under the guidance of Italian and Bulgarian coaches.