ROME, April 6, 2026 – The Under 16 team of Uyba Volley, a women’s volleyball club from Busto Arsizio (Varese) and recent provincial champions, experienced a distressing incident in Rome just before the Easter holidays. Their minivan, parked near the gym where an awards ceremony had just concluded, was ransacked by unknown individuals. The thieves stole the girls’ sports bags, along with iPads used by both players and coaches.
Stolen Jerseys Jeopardize Crucial Match
The stolen iPads were initially tracked to a nearby Roma camp for a few minutes before being deactivated, disappearing from the radar of the Carabinieri, to whom the club reported the theft. Crucially, the thieves also took the team’s official jerseys. Without these uniforms, the team risks being unable to participate in their regional championship match scheduled for tomorrow.
In response to this critical situation, the club has issued a heartfelt appeal: “Please return at least the stolen jerseys so that the girls can play as they deserve.” The incident has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations for a vital game.
Details of the Theft and Investigation
The theft occurred during the prestigious “XV Randazzo International Tournament 2026,” where the Uyba Volley U16 team was competing. The minivan was targeted shortly after the team had attended an awards ceremony, indicating a possible opportunistic crime. The loss of personal belongings, including the iPads, is significant, but the primary concern remains the missing official team attire.
The Carabinieri are investigating the incident, but with the tracking devices on the iPads now inactive, the recovery of the stolen items, particularly the jerseys, relies heavily on the public’s cooperation or the conscience of the perpetrators.
Impact on the Team and Upcoming Schedule
The Uyba Volley U16 team is not only dealing with the emotional distress of the theft but also the practical challenge of securing uniforms for their upcoming match. The rules of the regional championship typically require teams to wear official, matching uniforms, making the stolen jerseys indispensable.
The club’s management is working tirelessly to find a solution, but time is of the essence. The appeal for the return of the jerseys underscores the urgency and the potential impact on the young athletes’ aspirations. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by sports teams during travel and participation in tournaments.
The community and sports enthusiasts are urged to come forward with any information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen jerseys, ensuring that the Uyba Volley U16 team can compete fairly and proudly in their regional championship game.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/sport/26_aprile_06/maglie-rubate-a-roma-le-ragazze-della-uyba-volley-u16-rischiano-la-partita-l-appello-della-societa-restituitele-altrimenti-7accfa8d-61eb-49a2-bbf7-ccc218b3axlk.shtml
