Renzo Ulivieri, the esteemed president of the Italian Coaches Association, has announced his campaign for re-election amid significant personal health challenges. Recently, Ulivieri faced life-threatening health issues, spending four months hospitalized for serious intestinal problems, during which he lost 14 kilograms. His struggles, he insists, only bolster his resolve to continue leading the association he has steered since 2004.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Ulivieri described the grim encounter with mortality, stating, "I had to confront death, which marked me closely, like a tough defender. I lost 14 kg and feared I wouldn't make it. My luck was feeling unwell at the Olympic Stadium in Rome during a national match, where I was admitted to Santo Spirito hospital, where they were brilliant." These candid reflections reveal not just the severity of his condition but also his will to push forward.
Ulivieri's re-election candidacy is motivated by his desire to finish the work started during his current term. He stated, "I've thought about it deeply, especially when I wasn't well. Some may argue I'm old, but inside I have the spirit of a young boy," highlighting both his determination and eagerness to continue serving the football community. His fellow vice presidents, including Camolese, Perondi, and Vossi, along with federal councilor Beretta, have all encouraged him to pursue this path.
Throughout the interview, Ulivieri emphasized the importance of accredited coaches for all teams under the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), signaling his commitment to high standards within the sport. He stated, "We haven't finished our work yet; there are still things to do. The most important: every team affiliated with FIGC must be led by a trained coach." This commitment to quality coaching is reflective of his broader vision for the future of Italian football.
Ulivieri's re-election campaign arrives at a pivotal moment not just for him personally, but for Italian football as it seeks stability and improvement. His experiences have only strengthened his resolve, and he aims to bring this steadfastness to the association's future direction.
His deep-rooted passion for the sport is apparent, as he reminisced about his previous roles coaching various teams, saying, "I've trained men, women, the carabinieri team, and the religious team. I'm working on an innovative project I enjoy, known as walking football. It’s played six against six on a small pitch, without tackling or running, making it ideal for us seniors and parents who attend their children's games but might end up quarreling on the sidelines." This approach shows his holistic view of football, promoting health and camaraderie across all age groups.
Ulivieri looks forward to the challenges and responsibilities of his potential new term. With his recent health battles behind him, he is ready to tackle the issues facing the Coaches Association head-on, promoting the essence of football not just as competition, but as community building and personal development.
His commitment to the sport and to ensuring professionally trained coaches leads to improved standards and results at various levels, showcasing the essence of his leadership. Ulivieri's story serves as both inspiration and motivation, not only for those involved with football but for anyone facing struggles.
With the upcoming election, stakeholders within Italian football are eager to see if Ulivieri's vision will resonate with the voting body. His determination and passion could well lead to his re-election as he continues to champion the values necessary for the sport's progress.
