A national study on the effect of Covid-19 on youth sport activity is being supported by the FIGC, which was set up by the Federal Medical Scientific Commission and the Anti-Doping and Health Protection Commission in collaboration with the IEO, the European Institute of Oncology in Milan.

The study aims to estimate the prevalence of infection among young athletes and to assess whether there have been differences between those who were able to play sport and those who were unable to do so. The evaluation will also look at the impact of stopping sport on the lifestyle, and mental and physical health, of children and young people, since it is proven that healthy development in childhood and adolescence is improved by regular physical activity, including time spent outdoors.

The study is based on data analysis from an online questionnaire that will be submitted to young athletes between the ages of 6 and 25 (the club may decide itself to involve individual age groups), who will be asked about their physical activity, whether they tested positive for Covid-19, their psychological well-being, as well as their diet and their use of digital devices between September 2020 and May 2021.

The questionnaire is aimed at children and young people who regularly practised sport before the start of the Covid-19 epidemic, both at competitive and amateur level. It’s a study to see the changes that Covid-19 isolation measures brought about in their daily life. The questionnaire includes questions on: training and competitions in the period between September 2020 and May 2021; whether the athlete or any family members living with them tested positive for Covid-19; personal information; reporting on physical activity and psychological well-being; eating habits, and use of digital devices. The data will be collected, processed and finally published.