In Quarticciolo, one of Rome’s most marginalised neighbourhoods, a humble boxing gym is transforming the lives of its youth. Established in 2015 by a group of activists, this community initiative offers more than just a place to train—it provides a safe space for young people grappling with poverty, social exclusion, and a lack of opportunity for a better quality of life. This activist group Quarticciolo Ribelle, also launched various other neighbourhood initiatives—including the doposcuola (after-school programme) and the ambulatorio (clinic)—which play a crucial role in shaping the gym’s mission. The group’s political dimension is fundamental, as it allows them to build a community-focused approach to creating opportunities for those in need. By fostering discipline, offering mentorship, and creating a supportive environment, the gym equips the neighbourhood’s youth with the tools to overcome challenges and build brighter futures. It’s a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can empower the next generation and combat systemic inequalities.
“This is not just about boxing; it is about showing this community that they’re capable of so much more.”
This was one of the opening statements of Pietro Vicari, one of the activists behind the establishment of the community gym, during our interview in December 2024. Quarticciolo is far from Rome’s tourist hotspots. Here, peeling facades and crowded tenements tell stories of struggle. Data shows that the occupancy rate in Quarticciolo is 44%, which is lower than the average rate of Rome at 62.7%. Also, the percentage of inhabitants with a university degree is 6.7%, whereas the average percentage in Rome is 25.7%. Yet, the community boxing gym, tucked into a modest building nearby, is an epicentre of good energy and enthusiasm. It is a community centre and a launching pad for the dreams of young people that often feel out of reach. Pietro Vicari tells us that in Quarticciolo, the school dropout rate among 14-year-olds is twice as high as in other peripheral areas of Rome.
“This gap is linked to housing challenges, financial hardship, and family struggles, which make it hard for children to focus on education. These issues were intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lack of access to technology and study space became even more apparent.”
Vicari explains that the collective’s goal was to reverse this trend by using boxing to keep young people engaged. “Boxing teaches discipline and focus while giving them a way to develop skills and stay connected to their community,” he says. “It’s about offering a different path and motivating kids to invest in themselves and their neighbourhood.”
The Heart of the Story: Empowerment Through Boxing
For many young people in Quarticciolo, life can feel like a constant uphill battle. High dropout rates, unemployment, and the lack of safe recreational spaces create a cycle of disadvantage that’s hard to break. Economic instability strains households, making it difficult to imagine a future different from the present. But within the walls of the gym, they find something rare: opportunity and a sense of belonging. Since its opening nearly a decade ago, the gym has become a cornerstone of the neighbourhood. It’s not just a training ground for aspiring athletes; it’s a place where people learn life skills like discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
“Boxing is not just about fighting in the ring. It is about teaching how to face life’s challenges with strength and determination. When they step into this gym, they’re learning to fight for their future.”
The gym’s annual boxing matches are the highlight of the calendar. These events, held in the neighbourhood square, draw crowds from across Rome and shine a rare spotlight on Quarticciolo. For the boxers, stepping into the ring is more than a chance to win a match; it’s an opportunity to prove their worth to themselves and their community. Quarticciolo is a public housing neighbourhood in the eastern suburbs of Rome, a community facing many of the chronic issues common to such areas of the city: high unemployment, a disproportionately high rate of residents incarcerated or serving alternative sentences, and challenging housing conditions where overcrowding is often the norm rather than adequate housing.
Stories of Transformation
Inside the gym, each athlete’s journey is one of personal growth and development. Some come in feeling disconnected or struggling with their emotions, but over time, they learn how to channel their feelings into focus and discipline. Others, initially unsure of themselves, gain confidence with each session, gradually overcoming self-doubt. For those facing challenging circumstances, the gym’s structured routines provide a sense of stability, helping them build strength, self-esteem, and a renewed sense of purpose as they continue their path of transformation.
Quarticciolo was built during the fascist era, and some families have been living here since the 1940s and 50s—up to 25-30% of the residents have been here for generations. This has its pros and cons: while it’s difficult to get into the community, once you’re part of it, news and information spread easily. When the gym opened in 2015, it was, and still is, the only space for sports activities in the neighbourhood. People started coming on their own, not just for boxing, but because there weren’t many other options. If you don’t have a parent who can drive you out of the neighbourhood for sports, this gym was one of the only places you could go. For many, it is more than a training space; it is a second home. It is a place where they feel seen, supported, and empowered to dream beyond their circumstances.
Challenges Beneath the Surface
While the gym has achieved remarkable success, it still faces its share of challenges. Financial resources remain a constant struggle. Keeping the gym running is an ongoing financial challenge, as it relies entirely on private funding from local supporters and community groups. From replacing worn-out gloves to covering utility bills, every expense depends on the generosity of these donors. Despite its impact, broader systemic issues—underfunded schools, limited job opportunities, and persistent social inequalities—continue to cast a shadow over Quarticciolo.
Gender disparity is another obstacle. While girls participate in sports like boxing at similar rates to boys in childhood, cultural norms and stereotypes often discourage them from continuing into their teenage years. Vicari is determined to change this:
“I’d love to see more girls in the gym, but it’s going to take time and effort to break down those barriers.”
The gym’s capacity is limited, with only 40 people being able to train at a time, even though hundreds are enrolled and eager to participate. Without external support, expanding the programme to reach more residents remains a distant dream. Despite these challenges, the collective passion behind the gym remains strong. It is seen not just as a place for physical training but as a vehicle for systemic change—a way to create opportunities and reshape narratives for those often overlooked
The Bigger Picture: Why it Matters
Quarticciolo’s community boxing gym is more than a local success story. It is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing systemic challenges. By focusing on empowering youth, the gym provides a pathway for young people to break free from cycles of poverty and social exclusion.
Through sports, the gym teaches essential life skills like discipline, resilience, and teamwork. The ring becomes a powerful equaliser where difficult backgrounds and struggles fade away, leaving only the hard work and determination of the individual. This focus on personal growth inspires confidence and ambition among the younger generation.
Beyond the physical and emotional benefits, the gym fosters social capital by strengthening community bonds. It creates a safe, supportive space where young people can thrive. The gym’s programmes also encourage collaboration, with parents volunteering, local businesses sponsoring events, and former participants returning to mentor the next generation.
The gym’s influence extends beyond Quarticciolo, inspiring similar youth-focused initiatives in other neighbourhoods. Its success demonstrates that even the smallest efforts can ignite meaningful change, proving that empowering young people can transform not only individuals but entire communities.
The Road Ahead
For Quarticciolo to truly thrive, initiatives like the gym must be part of a larger, coordinated strategy. Public investment in education, housing, and job creation is critical to addressing the systemic issues that hold the community back
Expanding the gym’s reach could open doors for even more residents. Programmes tailored to younger children, girls, and families could make the initiative even more inclusive. Through established partnerships with NGOs and local governments, the gym has already made significant strides in expanding its impact. Looking ahead, Vicari and the community are focused on further strengthening these connections, with the goal of turning the gym into a leading example of community-led development that can inspire similar initiatives across Italy.
“It’s not just about this neighbourhood—it’s about proving that change is possible anywhere people are willing to fight for it.”
Despite the challenges, Vicari remains optimistic. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every punch they throw, every match they fight—it’s a step in the right direction.
Conclusion: Fighting for a Better Future
Quarticciolo’s story is a reminder of the power of grassroots action. In a world often overwhelmed by challenges, small, dedicated efforts like Quarticciolo community gym can spark meaningful change. By empowering young people with the tools to succeed, the gym is not only changing lives but also fostering a stronger, more hopeful community. In the same way, for the boxers who step into the ring, boxing is more than just a sport—it is a source of resilience, a supportive community, and a pathway to a brighter future. Other active projects in the neighbourhood, such as the Quarticciolo Energy Community, can help young people become more engaged in local activities and developments. Ideally, this involvement will encourage them to take part in shaping their own future. As the neighbourhood continues its fight for a better tomorrow, the gym stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that even the hardest battles can be won—one punch at a time.
Article by Salma Al Badi
