Scholarships to attend a university in the USA and to practice sports at a competitive level are intended for young athletes residing in Italy, who are motivated to have a significant educational and sporting experience abroad, but do not have the resources to do so. This is the My Kickoff project in the USA, promoted since 2023 by College Life Italia in collaboration with the Agnelli Foundation, and whose second edition 2024-25 was presented today at a press conference at Villa Caproni in Rome, the new headquarters of the Rome Institute.
Scholarship Winners
Today, the winners of the first edition were also announced: three young student-athletes who have been awarded full scholarships to continue their academic and athletic careers in the United States, thanks to their athletic and academic merits. They are Eleonora Diversi, Ervin Sola and David Zamuner, all of whom are involved in football.
Second Edition Announcement
The announcement of the second edition is already open and can be consulted: https://www.collegelifeitalia.com/my-kickoff-in-usa/This year too, the candidates (selected on the basis of high sporting quality, motivation and success in their studies, and limited economic availability that would not allow them to try abroad) will receive a scholarship from the Agnelli Foundation, which will cover the difference between the scholarship paid by the American College of Sport Merit and the total amount needed to enroll, attend and continue for the entire duration of the 4-year university course. In addition to the first scholarship winners, representatives of College Life Italia and the Agnelli Foundation, the press conference saw Giorgio Chiellini and Olympic fencing champion Mara Navarria as testimonials.
Integration between study and sports
“We believe in the quality of university education,” said Andrea Gavosto, Director of the Agnelli Foundation, “and in the possibility of integrating sport and study, which promotes personal growth. We also believe in the importance of educational experiences abroad, but we know that many deserving students and athletes cannot afford them. Hence our Foundation’s commitment.”
“Since 2013, College Life Italia has changed the lives of more than 1,500 student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to study and play sports at top American universities,” added Stefano Elio Radio, President of College Life Italia. “We are honored to have the Agnelli Foundation standing by our side to maximize these opportunities, allowing young people to broaden their horizons and develop their potential.”
“While living in Los Angeles, I realized how important it is to have an experience that combines study and sport at such high levels – explained Giorgio Chiellini – I support this project with conviction, it is an opportunity that can really make a difference”. “As an athlete, I know how important it is to be able to combine sport and study, but it is not always easy to find the right opportunities – concluded Mara Navarria – These three boys who won the My Kickoff project in the USA will have an incredible opportunity: they will be able to live a unique experience that combines sport and education at the highest level. Studying at an American college means not having to choose between your passion and your education, but rather being able to excel in both areas. It is an exceptional possibility that will prepare them not only as athletes, but also as people ready to face the future with determination and a global vision”.
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