On the afternoon of Saturday 19 September, the official opening of the Maglio Sports Centre took place in Canobbio. This new facility represents a key component of the sports and events complex and, at the same time, a focal point for FC Lugano’s day-to-day activities.
The ceremony, organised by the City of Lugano and the Municipality of Canobbio, was attended by city, municipal and cantonal authorities. Speeches were given by Sisto Gianinazzi, Mayor of Canobbio; Michele Foletti, Mayor of Lugano; and Marina Carobbio Guscetti, President of the State Council.
The opening day marked the official launch of a facility which, in reality, has already been part of the bianconeri’s sporting routine for several weeks. With construction completed in the spring of 2026, the Maglio has, in fact, been hosting training sessions for various teams from FC Lugano’s Youth Academy and women’s section since the start of the new season.
Among the teams regularly training at the new hub are, first and foremost, the Women’s First Team and the U-21s, alongside Footeco Lugano, the U-15 Sottoceneri, the U-16s, the U-17s and the U-19s. This group of teams can now rely on a modern and functional centre, designed to support the day-to-day activities and growth of the bianconeri movement. The men’s First Team also makes use of the natural grass pitch on the site when required.
A NEW HUB FOR BIANCONERO FOOTBALL
The Maglio Sports Centre is set within a large green space and comprises four football pitches – three with artificial turf and one with natural grass. In addition, there is a three-storey multi-purpose building housing all the facilities required for day-to-day operations: changing rooms, a gym and fitness area, a medical room, a laundry, offices, meeting rooms and further facilities to support the sports clubs.
This infrastructure enables FC Lugano to centralise a significant part of its youth development activities in a modern, well-equipped setting close to the AIL Arena, creating working conditions that are increasingly tailored to the needs of the various teams.
The opening was also marked by a football match: at 4.30 pm, the main pitch hosted the Swiss Cup U17 fixture between FC Lugano and Grasshopper Club Zürich, which was already part of the day’s official programme.