San Basilio
© Stephanie GengottiSan Basilio is a popular neighbourhood on the outskirts of Rome. It is populated by forty thousand inhabitants, Calabrian and Sicilian families who emigrated in the 50’s, and Romans of course. The area is divided between public housing, regularly assigned and houses occupied illegally. It’s a neighbourhood that the Romans fear to cross, due to the high crime rate and the drug dealing which amounts to two million euro a year. The only institution that is seen is the police, for the rest it’s a neighbourhood completely abandoned to itself. There is no cinema, not a gym and not even a theatre, but there is a football field built in the 60’s.
About a month ago thanks to some residents, the football field has been reconstructed. The intention is to remove youth from the street and create interest around the sport of football. The renovation of the football field and the San Basilio football club, which comes from the historical " Pioneers " of San Basilio, represent the hope for the rebirth of the neighbourhood. The aim is to attract young people aged between 15 and 18, who are at risk for delinquency and create hope for a better future.
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