Samaden: "The Elite Academy and Inter Women are both in constant growth"

MILAN - The Nerazzurri’s Elite Academy director Roberto Samaden recently held an interview with DAZN, discussing Inter vs. Sassuolo and the thousands of kids who were present at the match: “Obviously, we would’ve preferred the stadium to be full as it usually is for Inter’s home matches. However, considering the current situation, I believe that the club responded appropriately through both welcoming kids to the stadium and via its anti-racism campaign. It’s the right moment to start again and create a different culture.”

As for the Nerazzurri’s Elite Academy contributing to the passion on display at San Siro on Saturday, Samaden added: “Many of the children present at the stadium are part of the Inter set-up (Youth Development Centres, Inter Grassroots Programme and Football Schools), while also coming from the FIGC, CSI networks and local schools. Sports organisations, local clubs and schools are the three main places where children grow and where development is very important.

“The Nerazzurri’s Elite Academy aims to develop players for the first team and the professional world of football, both on and off the pitch. Our figures for the youth teams are in constant growth and there has also been a remarkable increase in the Women’s Sector. Youth Development Centres, the Inter Grassroots Programme and Inter’s Football Schools all allow us to operate on a large scale and pay close attention to the development of every child. The aim is also to grow our network and to be on hand for evenings such as Inter vs. Sassuolo. The secret of our Elite Academy is that the club believes and invests in it.”