Casa Viola: Edoardo Bove’s dream between sports, prevention and the future
In the heart of the Monte Mario nature reserve in Rome, Casa Viola was born, a sports and training center wanted by Edoardo Bove, Fiorentina midfielder, in collaboration with Boreale ASD and with the support of the Castelli Foundation. A project that combines sports, education and health, with the aim of offering young people a safe and stimulating environment in which to grow.
During the presentation press conference, which was well coordinated by Sky Sport journalist Mario Giunta, numerous institutional and sports figures were present. Next to Bove sat the president of Boreale, Leandro Leonardi, while in the audience stood out the mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, Sports Councillor Alessandro Onorato, the president of the Lazio Regional Council Antonello Aurigemma, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and, with a video message of greeting, CONI president Giovanni Malagò.
An investment for the future
The renovations included an investment of 850,000 euros, earmarked for upgrading facilities and expanding equipment. The center now houses:
1 state-of-the-art synthetic turf 11-a-side soccer field, approved for FIGC competitions
2 8-a-side soccer fields
4 5-a-side soccer fields
4 padel courts
2 pickleball courts, a fast-growing sport
Modernized, functional and accessible locker rooms
A fully equipped gym
A restaurant-pizzeria operating 7 days a week
Redeveloped parking lot and reclaimed outdoor spaces for better usability and safety
The mission of the Castelli Foundation
The Castelli Foundation, a key partner in the project, announced that the first project-goal will be dedicated to training in basic cardio-respiratory resuscitation and the use of the semi-automatic defibrillator (BLS-D). The program will be aimed at all workers who assist young people in sports practice: coaches, masseurs, accompanying managers. A concrete initiative to promote safety and a culture of prevention in grassroots sports.
Bove’s message: sports, prevention and freedom
Bove, visibly excited, said, “Casa Viola is my way of giving back what I received. In this space I began to dream, to grow, to believe in my own means. Today I want so many other kids to have the same chance.”
After the illness that struck him on the field in December, he decided to become a spokesman for prevention: “Before what happened, I was also uninformed. On the topic of prevention, such as using a defibrillator, kids listen more to a soccer player than to a trained doctor. I would like to use my public image to reach as many people as possible sooner and better.”
A message also shared by Alessio, son of the association’s president: “It is important to know how to react in front of an adverse event, but it is equally important to prevent it. The issue also concerns offices, not just sports facilities.”
With great simplicity, Bove recalled his origins:
“I, too, used to go and play ball after Mass, and with the same spirit of those first steps I later played in Serie A and the national team. No pressure should be put on the boys, but let them be free to play and have fun.”
Bove’s future
On a personal level, Bove spoke candidly about his future: “I don’t see myself as a coach, it’s too stressful. I still want to be a footballer. This season has matured me so much, even as a figure in the locker room.”
And on his connection with Roma: “The tribute at the Olimpico left a deep mark on me. I don’t know if I will return, but the bond remains very strong.”
