Where Elite Youth Soccer Meets Serie A-Level Training and Global Ambition
In the world of modern football, few transformations are unfolding as boldly—or as deliberately—as at Como 1907. With the leadership of Osian “Osh” Roberts and his team, Como 1907 has enjoyed a swift, meteoric rise through the Italian pyramid.
Among the giants of global football—Arsène Wenger, Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho—stands Osian “Osh” Roberts: one of the most influential people in the game in 2025.
Recognized for his coaching education expertise—earning acclaim as “the most influential man in Welsh football”—Roberts has reshaped Como 1907 since joining halfway through the 2023/24 season. The Como board appointed Roberts—internationally respected for his impact on player development—as caretaker manager, working alongside Cesc Fàbregas. Also at this time, Roberts was also appointed Head of Development for Como 1907, tasked with creating a Como Culture. Roberts has helped built the club’s pathway from Serie D to a top-ten Serie A position, and reimagined what a modern European football club can be. 
Como’s ambition is to be a “world‑class club playing world‑class football in a world‑class setting” and to develop great talent.
“The dream of many boys and girls is to become a pro player…and it all starts with falling in love with the ball.”
Osian “Osh” Roberts
A Global Coach Turned Local Hero
Roberts, or Osh as he is commonly referred to. has overseen the development of tens of thousands of players across multiple continents—from his time with the Welsh FA and the Moroccan National Team to joining Como 1907—and, he has played a pivotal role in identifying talent and shaping professionals.
With the goal of Como 1907 being recognized as a “world-class club playing world-class football in a world-class setting,” Osh believes this summer’s Elite Performance Camp for players 15 to 18 years olds is the ultimate pre-sesason prep to top players and offers a real pathway for talent.
“The best players get better from playing with the best players—this camp has players registered from 12 different countries national player pools,” says Osh.
Identifying Elite Talent Early
Osian Roberts believes elite traits often emerge early—if you know how to recognize them.
“Michael Owen stood out at ten years old,” Roberts said. “Michael had a thirst for goals and was ice-cool under pressure. He was physically smaller than others but incredibly smart with how physically he used his body.”
Osh continued, “Gareth Bale was another standout at 13—his left foot was outstanding, and technically he was ahead of the curve. You could see there was something different about him.”
But Roberts is quick to caution that early signs aren’t everything. “Many equally talented players don’t make it. Injuries, mindset, distractions, and missed development opportunities can all derail even the most promising paths.”
He echoed Arsène Wenger’s view that success depends on having “one standout quality that opens the door—and no glaring weakness that keeps you out.”
Interview with Osian “Osh” Roberts: The “Como Way”
Diane Scavuzzo: When you see outstanding talent in a youth player … does the player always turn pro? Or are Michael Owen and Gareth Bale exceptions?
Osian Roberts: No, equally talented players have not made it because of all the pitfalls. A talented player can get pushed too hard—or not enough. And, talent isn’t enough—without the right mindset and opportunity, even gifted players can be derailed by injuries or inconsistency.
Diane Scavuzzo: What defines the “Como Way” on the field? Possession, bravery, and relentless ball recovery?
Osian Roberts: To enjoy playing football, you must have the ball at your feet as much as possible. When we lose the ball, we have to recover it since we enjoy playing with the ball. We press high—there are many intricacies but the Como Way is all about enjoying football and controlling the ball.
The “Como Way” Explained: To enjoy football, you need the ball at your feet… When we lose it, we win it back quickly. We press high, protect the ball.
Diane Scavuzzo: That is a spirited ethos. What will the Como 1907 Elite Summer Camp be like?
Osian Roberts: It’s real world football. A multicultural experience on and off the field. Players train on the same pitches as our first team—where academy players don’t even train.
The camp will focus on what we do in Como, how we want to play the game in our club. We want to challenge players … and, provide the support needed for them to meet those challenges. The coaches will also create an Individual Player Plan for each player.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you hope players take away?
Osian Roberts: That football is global. Locker rooms today are multicultural, and so is this camp. Players learn from peers—from Ecuador, Hong Kong, etc. It opens their minds. We also hope they make lifelong friendships with their teammates.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you identify a super talented youth soccer player at the camp, is there a real opportunity? Will there be scouts at the camp?
Osian Roberts: Absolutely. Yes, there will be scouts at the camp. While development is primary, talent always can open doors—at Como 1907 or other clubs.
Details on Como 1907’s Elite Performance Camp: Where Ambition Meets Opportunity
This two-week Elite Performance Summer Camp is a genuine football immersion: professional facilities, international peers, elite coaching and provides, in brief:
- World-Class Training Environment
Players train on the same pristine pitches the first team uses—an experience that most academy players never access. - Elite Coaching & Small Group Focus
With a max 6:1 coach-to-player ratio and personalized development plans, players receive soccer immersion on a global scale. - Pathway Potential
While development is the focus, standout talent may catch the eye of Serie A scouts—earning real professional opportunity. - Multicultural Growth in Professional Environment
The international player pool mirrors modern pro locker rooms—peer learning from 12 countries opens minds as well as skill sets. - Prestigious Club & Brand
Como’s vision—backed by billionaire owners, celebrity cachet, and documented Serie A revival—signals status, exposure, and influence.
How to Register
The Como 1907 Elite Performance Summer Camp runs from June 22 to July 5, 2025. Spots are limited. Players must be approved to attend.
Apply or learn more: Como 1907 Elite Summer Camp
Who will be the next pro to sit in these cherished seats? Will it be a player who attends the camp? While the chances are slim, the chance does exist.
