Collecchio, 16 January 2024 - A Hub for the development of women's football in Noceto. The new sports centre for Parma Calcio's Women's Sector was presented this afternoon at the Noce (Via Alberto Sordi, 1).

In the presence of the Mayor of Noceto, Fabio Fecci (accompanied by Sports and Budget Councillor Marco Barantani), Parma Managing Director Sport, Roel Vaeyens, presented the structure that will boost Gialloblù women’s football from the First Team through to grassroots level. The following were all in attendance: ATI Noceto-Fraore directors Barella and Alberici; sponsors; Managing Director Corporate, Luca Martines; Director of Operations, Stefano Perrone (with deputy Roberto Praticò); Sporting Director of the Men's First Team, Mauro Pederzoli; Head Coach of the Men’s First Team, Fabio Pecchia; Captain of the Men’s First Team, Enrico Delprato; Team Manager, Alessio Cracolici; a delegation from the Women’s First Team accompanied by Club Manager, Martina Capelli (who introduced the guests to the facility); Team Manager, Elisabetta Ferrari. 

Prior to the presentation, a tour was organised to show the completed works, which began last June and included the resurfacing of the synthetic pitch, the renovation of the changing rooms and the construction of a building covering an area of nearly 500 square metres. Here, the following can now be found: a gymnasium, a medical/physiotherapy room, a press room, and offices housing the directors and employees of the Women’s Sector. The construction process was completed in January 2024 with branding work and after all areas had been highly equipped.

Roel Vaeyens, Parma Calcio’s Managing Director Sport: “We’re happy to be here today for the official opening of the Hub for our women’s teams. On behalf of the President and management, I want to thank Noceto and the company that manages this sports centre. They’ve given us the opportunity to use their space and have shown real willingness from conception to implementation. Today marks the start of a project that will be carried out daily and is a good example of the exchange of values. Importantly, this is a collaboration that brings value to both clubs. For Parma Calcio, it has allowed us to dedicate an exclusive hub to the Women’s sector. Through the investments that have been made, Noceto has increased the value and prestige of the sports centre. Women’s football is very important to us; this is among the largest investments that have been made in Italy to benefit the women’s game. It’s important for our teams, from the First Team to those playing in our Youth Sector. Here, they can train and play at a unique centre with modern facilities. It has been designed and equipped with them in mind. Finally, I want to thank all the people who have contributed to this project. I’m truly delighted, and I hope that lots of fans will turn up to support our female sides in the near future.”

Fabio Fecci, Mayor of Noceto: “It’s exciting to be here. My journey as mayor has been a long one, but this is something I’m really excited about. It makes me realise that what we’ve done over time has borne fruit in our area. Lots of young people have been able to enjoy this sports centre through Fraore-Noceto, and Parma Calcio has slowly got involved with its youngsters and girls. As we inaugurate this hub today, I’d like to applaud President Krause, because he wants to invest in the city and the whole province. I’m honoured that there is a president looking to provide important resources for football in the local area. It’s pleasing to see Parma at such a high level. I'd also like to thank the two coaches here today, both Pecchia and Colantuono. This is a great resource, and further important steps will be taken with President Krause. It’s great to see all these girls, and my heart fills with joy when they come to the sports centre. It’s something we really wanted.”

Domenico Aurelio, Sporting Director of the Women’s First Team: “It’s a great honour to present this sports centre for the Women’s Sector. It’s exclusive for the entire Women’s Sector, from the First Team through to grassroots level. This sports centre will contribute to the development of women’s football in Parma. The President was very happy with this initiative and the facility because it allows us to train from morning until night. It’s not a small matter to have exclusive spaces to do this. This can help us to get closer to the top Italian clubs in the women’s game. It’s a big facility with two pitches; we play on one and train on the other. We want to create a sense of belonging to this jersey, uniting the Youth Sector with the First Team in the process. The aim is to make youngsters dream by seeing older players train and play here, just like the Men’s First Team. I’m happy that the Men’s Sector is here today because we’re a family and share difficulties and joyous moments together.”

Salvatore Colantuono, Head Coach of the Women's First Team: “For a coach, it’s a real source of pride to be able to train at such a modern and technologically advanced facility. All the pitches are equipped with fixed cameras, and we also have a drone that the Club provided us with to film training sessions. Furthermore, we have GPS trackers and all the tools at hand to grow the Women’s Sector. 200 players are registered with us, which shows just how much this sport is growing. I’d like to thank Director Aurelio, Youth Sector Head Federico Pangrazi as well as Club Manager Martina Capelli, who has been doing some wonderful work since August. On Sunday, the city of Terni embraced Ternana’s invitation to watch the six-pointer against Lazio, with a thousand fans turning up to see the match. In two weeks, Parma vs. Lazio will take place here in Noceto, and I expect lots of people will come along to support these girls, who are on an extraordinary journey.”

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Parma Calcio would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been close to Gialloblù women’s football and who, every day, lend their support to improving women’s football in Italy.

·       Coccinelle

·       Lavoropiu

·       Colser

·       Gas Sales

·       Fidenza Village

·       Berenato & Garro

·       Kopron 

·       Lacertosus

·       Renato Monica

·       Publyteam

·       Edil P3

·       Emironet

·       Zenna Serramenti

·       Piantando