Life Champions 3.0: Every child has a right to be a life champion!

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Serbia, Belgrade and other cities in the region
Start date 12/01/2024
End date 11/30/2025
Cost of the project €268,500
Foundation funding €120,000
Project identifier 2024000105
Partners Development Center for Youth
Categories Access to Sport - Environmental protection - Healthy lifestyle - Personal development - Strengthening partnerships

Context

Knowing that every child is a champion, we have directly communicated the Life Champions concept and values to more than 5,000 children and young adults throughout the Belgrade region, with priority given to sensitive target groups such as children from deprived areas and girls in sport. However, we are aware that many children are not addressed directly and therefore do not get the message, in particular children in the social welfare system (children without parental care). There are 32 institutions for such children in Serbia alone, housing 145,000 children, all of whom deserve the opportunity to become life champions.

Project goals

Overall goal: to better integrate children in the social welfare system in the Life Champions sporting and educational activities.

Specific targets

  • Adjust the training already developed to the needs and realities of this particular target group to equip 30 coaches from the Life Champions network to work with children in social welfare institutions
  • Pilot the adjusted training through four months of Life Champions activities with at least 300 children from six different institutions (48 sessions)
  • Organise sporting and educational camps for at least 720 children from social welfare institutions to support their social and personal development
  • Reach 3,000,000 people with a media campaign
  • Formulate recommendations on the further use of sport in work with children living in institutions, and empower institutions themselves to use sport and a collaborative approach to multiply the opportunities available to the children in their care

Project content

Life Champions 3.0 is envisaged as a 12-month partnership between the Development Center for Youth (project coordinator), the DEKI 5 football camp and AP Brera Strumica, a Macedonian football club based in Strumica. The initiative aims to break down barriers and foster an inclusive environment where all children can enjoy and learn from sport.

The basic Life Champions concept remains the same: using sport to support children’s upbringing and education. Tailored training will give Life Champions coaches the information, knowledge and skills they need to properly support and engage children in the social welfare system in sporting and educational activities.

The project will include different types of activity – open football days, training and mentoring, and sporting and educational camps – all with the aim of better including children living in institutional settings in the Life Champions concept, giving them additional knowledge and skills and supporting their social and personal development.

To achieve sustainable results will require partnerships with football clubs and other non-governmental organisations involved in education through sport, and resources to ensure that both the children themselves and the coaches working with them can thrive and achieve mutual growth and development.

Partners

A Ball for All AFRICA

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Greece, Thessaloniki
Start date 02/01/2025
End date 03/31/2026
Cost of the project €100,000
Foundation funding €95,000
Project identifier 2024000311
Partners Orama Neon Youthorama
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Personal development

Context

Youthorama was founded in Greece in 2003 as a meeting place for young people aged 13 to 30. Elias Mastoras, founder of Youthorama and International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) blind football chairman, created the world’s first mini football for blind children. It is available for donation only, not for sale. Youthorama believes that every blind or visually impaired child should have access to quality education and the right to play. With A Ball for All, the organisation set out to distribute these special balls to schools in all corners of the world, accompanied by an education programme approved by the Hellenic ministry of education.

Project goals

Overall goal

A Ball for All AFRICA aims to establish a network of schools in Africa and Greece that promote inclusive football values in support of SDG 10: Reduced inequalities.

Specific targets

  • A Ball for All education programme implemented in 50 inclusive schools and sports clubs in Africa and Greece
  • 1,000 pupils with and without visual impairments involved (mixed classes) in Africa and Greece
  • Feedback questionnaires completed by all 1,000 participants for quality control and research purposes
  • 50 sports teachers and volunteers using the online tools
  • 10,000 participants in featuring a mixed delegation at the open fan festival at the Club World Cup
  • 500 mini footballs donated in Greece and in areas of Africa where the UEFA foundation is not yet active

 

Project content

  • 50 football workshops in mainstream primary schools and inclusive sports clubs, focusing on personal development, empathy and inclusion
  • Donation of educational package featuring special mini footballs in Africa and to all African clubs involved in the Club World Cup
  • Educational experiential event at the Club World Cup
  • First-ever quality research measuring the change in inclusion achieved by the programme

Partners

Football for inclusion and equity for every child

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Armenia, Dilijan, Ijevan, Berd and Noyemberyan, Tavush province
Start date 01/01/2025
End date 12/31/2025
Cost of the project €133,900
Foundation funding €100,000
Project identifier 2024000377
Partners Bridge of Hope
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Conflict victims - Gender Equality - Infrastructure and equipment

Context

In Armenia’s Tavush province, in the northeast of the country, disabled children are excluded from sport, particularly from physical education at school and team sports like football, denying them opportunities for physical development, social interaction and confidence building. Football is often perceived as unsuitable for disabled children and many schools lack the infrastructure and trained educators needed to organise inclusive sports activities.

Girls face particular challenges. Societal norms and stereotypes discourage their participation in traditionally male-dominated sports such as football, and mixed-gender teams are rarely encouraged as a result of deeply rooted cultural prejudices.

These systemic barriers are compounded by a lack of awareness and advocacy about the transformative potential of inclusive sport, at individual, community and policy levels.

Project goals

Main goal

Foster a culture of equality and inclusion in Tavush province using football to ensure that every child – regardless of ability, gender or circumstance – can participate and thrive

Specific objectives

  • Upskill physical education teachers and equip them to effectively support and coach children of diverse abilities and backgrounds
  • Consolidate and expand inclusive football opportunities in 32 rural communities by strengthening existing teams, establishing new ones and making sports facilities more accessible to ensure equal opportunities for disabled and non-disabled children
  • Bring about systemic change by advocating for inclusive sports policies and legislation, engaging key stakeholders, media outlets and government bodies to promote a supportive legal framework and raise public awareness of inclusive football’s transformative impact

Project content

  • Teacher training: Weekly training sessions from January to May and September to November to equip educators with the skills to facilitate inclusive and safe physical education classes
  • Individual education plans: Collaboration with teachers to integrate inclusive practices into children’s individual education plans, ensuring tailored physical activities for all students
  • Infrastructure improvements: From January to March, 16 school football fields will be equipped to meet accessibility standards and provide a safe environment for inclusive sport
  • Football training sessions: Starting in April, fortnightly training sessions for 480 children will focus on fundamental skills, teamwork and physical fitness
  • Regional and provincial tournaments: Inclusive tournaments in April/May and October/November promoting teamwork and social inclusion
  • Advocacy: Workshops and meetings with policymakers from March to November to support legislative reforms for inclusive sport
  • Social media campaigns: Monthly campaigns bringing positive impact stories and project achievements to a wider audience and promoting inclusive values

Partners

Youth Sports Games 2025

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia
Start date 01/13/2025
End date 09/30/2025
Cost of the project €7,823,513
Foundation funding €200,000
Project identifier 2024000728
Partners Association for Sport, Recreation and Education
Categories Access to Sport - Environmental protection - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle

Context

The Youth Sports Games are the largest amateur sports event for children and young people in Europe, and more than 3 million children have competed in them since they were launched 28 years ago in Croatia. The 2025 Youth Games will be held in four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia.

Project goals

  • Bring children and young people together and give them the chance to participate in sport and recreational activities completely free of charge
  • Provide a positive atmosphere and support the education and development of children and young people, encouraging sport, friendship, understanding, solidarity and fair play as alternatives to addiction and deviant behaviour
  • Deliver a modern and up-to-date educational message, from young people to young people, with the goal of preventing all types of addiction and supporting health and social projects and programmes

In 2025, more than 340,000 participants are expected to take part. One of this year’s goals is to expand to more than 400 towns and cities and engage 25,000 female football players. National finals in all four countries should attract 8,000 participants, while 2,000 young people will participate in the international finals.

Project content

Children aged 6 to 18 participate in tournaments held in over 400 towns and cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. They compete in ten events (football, street basketball, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis, table tennis, chess, dodgeball and athletics), and the most successful individuals and teams then go on to take part in national and international finals. The association covers all expenses (accommodation, travel and entry fees) for the international finals. A special focus is placed on organising football tournaments for girls. In addition to the games, the association organises regular sports and recreational activities for children to promote health, tolerance and ethical values, and educates participants about sustainability.

Partners

Life Goals – Future Skills through Football

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Austria
Start date 01/01/2025
End date 12/31/2026
Cost of the project €1,104,000
Foundation funding €108,000
Project identifier 2024000299
Partners Breaking Grounds - Social Change through Sport
Categories Employability - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Personal development

Context

Every fifth child in Austria is at risk of poverty and exclusion. They are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to developing the psychosocial skills needed to face a dynamic future full of uncertainties. The consequences are negative effects on mental and physical well-being, lack of social participation and belonging, and a lack of preparation for the challenges of a changing world.

Project goals

Overall goals

  • Participants learn to believe in themselves, no matter what others think. They recognise and use their feelings and persevere when things get difficult. They courageously pursue their goals and know that they can make a difference.
  • Participants develop stronger personalities and better life prospects. Their socio-economic situation improves, promoting long-term and equal participation in society.

Specific targets

  • 2,000 pupils accompanied throughout Austria in 2024: 90% see improvements in their self-confidence, 85% achieve greater self-efficacy and 85% see improvements in skills such as perseverance, frustration tolerance and willingness to learn
  • 50 schools accompanied using the Life Goals method in 2024
  • 500 teachers/multiplicators trained to use the Life Goals method, which 120 teachers then use on a regular basis

Project content

Life Goals is an extensively tried and tested approach to teach future skills through football. In specially developed sports units, situations are simulated that require and train specific competences. After each unit, a guide is used to reflect on what was experienced on the pitch and to transfer what was learned to the children's everyday lives.

Since 2021, more than 2,700 children have demonstrably increased their self-efficacy with the Life Goals method.

Partners

Promoting Inclusive Education through Accessible Sports

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Kosovo, Prizren, Pejë and Mitrovicë
Start date 02/17/2025
End date 02/16/2026
Cost of the project €158,761
Foundation funding €100,000
Project identifier 2024000431
Partners Save the Children
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Environmental protection - Gender Equality - Personal development

Context

Kosovo is the poorest country in the western Balkans, according to the World Bank. Around 100,000 people are disabled, including 38,000 children who are not in school.

Educational disparities are particularly severe among Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, 45% of whose children do not attend school.

There is a significant lack of investment in inclusive school infrastructure, especially sports halls. Most schools lack accessible facilities and adaptive equipment, further marginalising disabled children and limiting their opportunities.

Project goals

Main goal

Create inclusive physical education environments in three schools.

Specific objectives

  • Give access to inclusive education and accessible sport facilities to the children most impacted by inequality and discrimination
  • Support teaching staff with inclusive tools and a guide to inclusive sports activities, to provide personalised instruction that is tailored to each child’s abilities and needs
  • Organise awareness-raising campaigns and peer-to-peer engagement as a result of which children and communities experience increased inclusion and reduced stigma

Project content

  • Adaptive devices and equipment for three schools to create accessible education and sports activities
  • A guide and training on inclusive sports practices, education and participation for up to 100 teachers
  • Child-friendly awareness raising campaigns, including a promotional video and social media content, and recreational initiatives to promote inclusion and reduce stigma for the children most impacted by inequalities and discrimination

Partners

Play for equality

Location and general information

Closed
Location Ukraine
Start date 01/15/2023
End date 12/31/2024
Cost of the project €114,000
Foundation funding €80,000
Project identifier 20231123
Partners Klitschko Foundation
Categories Access to Sport - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Personal development

Context

In many places around the world, adolescent girls show less interest in sport and physical activity than boys. Surveys in 142 countries have found that girls are generally less active than boys.

In Ukraine, the gender balance in sport and physical activities mirrors this global trend. A 2019 study found that, on average, women and girls represented only 25% of those who took part in sport. This inequality is largely attributed to the numerous stereotypes faced by girls who wish to play sport.

The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing war, which has significantly impacted children's psychological well-being, leading to a decline in motivation for both school and sport. Since the start of the war, data indicates that 75% of Ukrainian parents have observed symptoms of psychological trauma in their children. These symptoms include abrupt, unprovoked mood swings, ranging from extremely positive to extremely negative, and vice versa.

To get more women to lead active lifestyles, it is essential to communicate the value of sport to young girls and dismantle stereotypes surrounding women in sport.

Project goals

  • To challenge stereotypes about girls who play sports not typically associated with women
  • To encourage girls to play sport and lead an active lifestyle
  • To train physical education teachers to adopt gender-sensitive approaches in schools
  • To promote positive change in society through sport
  • To provide schools with sports equipment to foster a safe and nurturing environment for children

Project content

  • A 21-day online training programme for physical education teachers at 150 schools around Ukraine
  • Sports equipment for those 150 schools
  • 150 tournaments in the schools of the participating teachers
  • A five-day sports camp for 100 girls aged 13 to 16

Partner

Football for all children

Location and general information

Closed
Location Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bihać
Start date 01/01/2024
End date 12/31/2024
Cost of the project €146,343
Foundation funding €39,100
Project identifier 20230933
Partners Bihać youth football club (OFK Bihać)
Categories Access to Sport - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Infrastructure and equipment - Personal development - Strengthening partnerships

Context

Local development strategies set out the need to provide access to sport for children and teenagers, train professional staff and improve sports facilities, especially for vulnerable and marginalised social groups.

Project goals

The project aims to provide inclusive access to sport for all children in local communities, including those in marginalised population groups, facilitate social interaction and remove stigma through football, promoting team spirit and equality among peers. By improving infrastructure, the project will enhance the capacities of OFK Bihać and long-term sustainability prospects for the benefit of the entire community.

Project content

The Prekounje sports centre that the project seeks to develop is located on the right bank of the Una river that runs through Bihać, in and adjacent to communities with about 17,000 citizens, incl. about 5,400 children of all ages, including the largest Roma community.

The sports centre will significantly improve access and opportunities for all children, in their neighbourhood, at walking distance from their homes. Additionally, the upgraded infrastructure will provide opportunities to increase the diversity and number of activities by over 60%, finally allowing evening/night activities and tournaments in a modern, safe environment for all children.

  • Inclusive football school: One year of free football practice, at least twice a week, with UEFA-licensed coaches, for boys and girls in marginalised population groups, together with peers from other communities, in mixed (ethnicity, gender, etc.) teams.
  • Enhancing facilities at the Prekounje sports centre: Modernising and upgrading the existing football pitch (100mx64m) and building a new artificial pitch (40mx20m).

Partner

Miracoli FC a new vision of a football school. Together we create a community

Location and general information

Closed
Location Italy, Roma
Start date 01/01/2024
End date 03/30/2025
Cost of the project €120,700
Foundation funding €100,700
Project identifier 20230223
Partners Calciosociale
Categories Access to Sport - Gender Equality - Personal development

Context

In Corviale (a suburb of Rome), young people are exposed to negative influences, requiring us to continuously find new ways to convince them to pursue a socio-educational path. As football is one of the world’s most beloved sports, it is the perfect catalyst, enabling us to turn the Campo dei Miracoli (our field office) into a meeting place for youngsters and their families.

Project goals

  • Facilitating access to sport
  • Fostering inclusion and fighting discrimination through football
  • Developing emotional and interpersonal skills among at-risk youngsters who face social exclusion, and encouraging prosocial attitudes
  • Promoting a new vision of football school and community through sport
  • Involving parents in the activities in order to work in synergy to increase the impact on the children and territory

Project content

The Miracoli FC project aims to set up the first male and female soccer school in the suburbs of Corviale based on the principles and values of CalcioSociale®. The football pitches become training grounds for life, places where inclusion is truly possible and participants not only learn about a healthy lifestyle through sport but also have the opportunity to spend time together, share their emotions and set out on an educational path that enables them to build a better future, different from what they currently experience.

Football practice: twice a week, coordinated by expert coaches, educators, psychologists and nutritionists. This year, we have decided to improve the competitive sector from 13 to 20 years old and involve more teenagers who are more likely to become involved in petty crime or become drug addicts.

Social football tournament: once a week, a tournament is held with Calciosociale rules. Every year, the tournament has a specific theme that inspires the team names. This year, the topic was environmental protection, so the youngsters chose the names of women and men who fought for this cause. Some off-the-pitch activities will be developed based on the topic.

Networking with the parents: To have a greater impact on the project beneficiaries, it is essential to create a ‘bond’ with their families. For this reason, the project decided this year to appoint a parent network manager who will be responsible for the network created during the first year.

Workshops for parents: In the first year, we saw that an informal approach with parents yielded a better result in terms of building trust. So, it was decided to enable parents to take part in team-building activities, parenting education and a healthy approach to sports competition: cheering on the sidelines, training to respect the children’s opponents, coaches and team mates.

Partner

Sport for Development

Location and general information

Closed
Location Türkiye
Start date 01/01/2024
End date 12/31/2024
Cost of the project €250,000
Foundation funding €200,000
Project identifier 20230844
Partners Bonyan Organization for Youth and Development
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Conflict victims - Employability - Environmental protection - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Personal development - Strengthening partnerships

Context

Syrian refugees and their host communities both face hurdles when it comes to playing sport in Türkiye. Limited resources, cultural differences and language barriers hinder access to activities, which has knock-on effects on people’s physical and mental well-being.

Project goals

Sport for Development seeks to create inclusive sports programmes that cater to refugee and host communities in Sanlıurfa and Adıyaman. By creating opportunities for refugee and local children to play sport together in a safe and supporting environment, we aim to foster mutual understanding and social integration, and promote inclusivity and gender equality. We will combine sport with specialised mental health and psychosocial support activities to empower these vulnerable children physically and mentally, equipping them with essential life skills, building resilience, and creating a sense of well-being and belonging in their communities. By doing so, we hope to be a catalyst for positive change, promoting the fundamental rights and holistic development of vulnerable children, irrespective of their background or nationality.

Project content

  • To increase girls' participation in sport
    • Girl-only programmes
    • Targeted campaigns
    • Gender-neutral sports activities
    • School partnerships
    • Involvement of parents and families
    • Accessible sports facilities
    • Collaboration with women's organisations
    • Scholarships and incentives
  • To incorporate environmental awareness in sport
    • Green sports equipment
    • Recycling bins and waste management
    • Upcycling initiatives
    • Awareness campaigns
    • Environmentally friendly sports events
    • Community clean-ups
  • To use football as a tool for mental health and psychosocial support
    • Football for stress reduction
    • Team-building activities
    • Mental health awareness sessions
    • Peer support networks
    • Therapeutic football sessions
    • Sport as a coping mechanism
    • Celebrating successes
    • Referrals for professional support
  • E-football league
    • Organisation of league matches
    • Monitoring and registration of results
    • Play-offs and finals
    • Prizes and awards
    • Feedback and evaluation

Partner

Amigos for Children – Visiting sick children in hospital

Location and general information

Closed
Location Budapest, Szombathely, Szeged, Pécs, Debrecen, Miskolc (Hungary)
Start date 01/12/2022
End date 11/01/2025
Cost of the project €19,949
Foundation funding €19,949
Project identifier 20230356
Partners Amigos for Children Foundation
Categories Children with disabilities - Gender Equality - Personal development

Context

Children undergoing long hospital treatments are everyday heroes. We believe that visiting them, being their trustworthy partners, friends, role models and teachers is an honour and a great service that benefits all parties involved. Amigos gain the power of social responsibility, doing something worthwhile and being a part of a precious community. Children make new friends and role models, have fun and gain knowledge, while parents and healthcare professionals receive support.

Project goals

Last year, as part of our UEFA Foundation project, our volunteers developed a football-themed English learning workbook, so this year we would like to implement it to our hospital sessions.

For 2024, we set the following goals:

  • Just through hospital visits, we can reach about 1,000 children who will be motivated by sport and making new Amigos friends.
  • Reaching a child in a hospital hopefully means reaching their parents with the message (another approx. 1,500 people reached) and their families (on average, children in Hungary have 1.6 siblings, so another 1,600 children reached).
  • Our volunteer base has about 60 new volunteers.
  • We promote a healthy lifestyle and the mental well-being of our volunteers, i.e. more than 200 university students.

Project content

With our nine years of experience, our aim is to go back to fully offline activities, as that is the greatest joy for children and Amigos too. In the spring of 2024, we launched our operation in Miskolc, Hungary: a great milestone as we will reach our sixth and final children’s oncology centre in Hungary. In 2023, we reached over 1,000 children through hospital visits, and we are planning to match that target this year. We are strengthening our social base and volunteer community.

Partner

A ball for all Europe

Location and general information

Closed
Location Greece, Thessaloniki
Start date 12/01/2023
End date 01/31/2025
Cost of the project €80,000
Foundation funding €75,000
Project identifier 20230363
Partners Orama Neon Youthorama
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Personal development

Context

It is always a challenge to include ,children in mainstream physical education in schools and clubs. In schools, there is typically just one teacher per class and partially sighted pupils cannot participate at the same level as their classmates.

Approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Education, A Ball for all Europe is our answer to that problem: an inclusive football education programme that meets many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10).

Project goals

  • To create new inclusive educational tools, in particular innovative mini footballs for blind and partially sighted players, for use in schools and clubs
  • To produce a documentary about Paralympic blind football in Greece and Europe

Project content

Free mini footballs for blind and partially sighted players will be provided to all types of school, mainstream and specialised, catering to all ages. Crucially, our unique footballs are not for sale, they are donations designed to support the creation of a more inclusive education system and society. We will establish a network of schools that promote inclusive football values to reduce inequalities and increase inclusion.

Partner

Youth Sports Games 2024

Location and general information

Closed
Location Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Slovenia
Start date 01/10/2024
End date 11/30/2024
Cost of the project €7,476,965
Foundation funding €200,000
Project identifier 20230432
Partners Association for Sport, Recreation and Education – Youth Games
Categories Access to Sport - Environmental protection - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Infrastructure and equipment

Context

More than 2,750,000 have competed in the 27 years since they began.

In 2024, the games will be held in four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. Primary and secondary-school-age children compete in ten sports free of charge, and the most successful individuals and teams get to travel to Split to take part in the international finals.

In addition to the games, the association organises regular sports and recreational activities for children, to promote health, tolerance and ethical values. The association promotes a lifestyle based on understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play as an alternative to addiction and deviant behaviour.

Project goals

  • Bring children and teenagers together to actively take part in sport and recreational activities
  • Education and development of a positive atmosphere and affirmation of children and teenagers through sport and friendship as an alternative to various forms of addiction and deviant behaviour
  • Educational content that has been promoted through all activities and has been set up as a modern and up-to-date message from young people to young people is a significant contributor to preventing of all types of addiction and ties in with health and social programmes

In 2024, we expect to involve more than 315,000 participants from all countries. One of the goals this year is to expand our presence to more than 300 cities and 19,000 female football players. The national finals in all four countries will attract 8,000 participants and the international finals will involve 1,500 participants, for whom we cover all expenses – accommodation, travel and competition fees.

Project content

Sport is used as a medium to connect with the participants aged 7–18 through tournaments held in over 300 cities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Slovenia. The Youth Sports Games promote a healthy lifestyle and popularise all ten sports (football, street basketball, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis, table tennis, chess, dodgeball and athletics), as well as educating the participants about sustainability. A special focus is placed on the football tournaments for girls that will attract around 19,000 young female footballers in four countries.

Partner

Sport for Equal Opportunities in Armenia

Location and general information

Closed
Location Armenia, Tavush Province
Start date 01/01/2024
End date 12/31/2024
Cost of the project €166,900
Foundation funding €117,000
Project identifier 20230247
Partners Bridge of Hope NGO
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Gender Equality - Personal development

Context

Perceptions of and attitudes towards disabled children in Armenia significantly hinder their inclusion in communities and their ability to achieve basic goals. Negative attitudes involve stereotypes and the belief that, due to their impairments, disabled children are unable to participate in the community and in education on an equal basis with their peers. Such attitudes often lead to social distancing and exclusion from social networks.

The problem is particularly acute in remote regions such as Tavush, where communities often view disabled children as incapable, sick and a burden to their families. These negative perceptions hinder their opportunities for development and social inclusion.

Approximately 58% of disabled children in Armenia live in extreme poverty and inhospitable environments with limited access to education, sport and social and cultural interactions.

Sport for Equal Opportunities in Armenia strives to break down barriers and create opportunities for all children to enjoy their rights to participate in education and sport and to live independently in their communities, regardless of ability, disability, gender or circumstance.

Project goals

  • Establish inclusive football teams in 16 mainstream schools in Tavush to empower 240 disabled and socially disadvantaged children by fostering self-confidence, self-esteem, friendship and personal growth
  • Enhance the knowledge and skills of 32 physical education teachers and coaches, enabling them to effectively facilitate inclusive sports activities in their schools
  • Organise two large football tournaments for inclusive football teams to showcase the abilities and achievements of children with and without disabilities
  • Strengthen local collaboration and networking to promote wider awareness raising and advocate for policy change in support of inclusive sport, particularly inclusive football

Project content

  • Training for 32 teachers and football coaches in 16 schools, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate inclusive football sessions, focusing on inclusive coaching techniques, adapted strategies and how to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants.
  • Renovating 16 school football fields to create safe and accessible spaces for inclusive football activities, upgrading infrastructure, providing equipment and ensuring the fields are accessible to disabled people.
  • Selection and training of 240 children of a mix of genders, with and without disabilities, based on individual preferences rather than sporting ability. Training sessions will focus on skills development, teamwork and fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Organisation of 48 football matches and two tournaments for inclusive football teams from different schools across Tavush. These events will not only provide opportunities for skills development and friendly competition but also promote social inclusion and challenge stereotypes associated with disabilities.
  • Advocacy and awareness raising campaigns to raise the profile of inclusive sport policies and practices, engaging with local communities, schools and other stakeholders to promote the benefits of inclusive sport, highlight success stories and advocate for policy changes that support inclusive practices in sport and education.
  • Closing national conference in Ijevan, the administrative centre of Tavush Province, bringing together key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (MESCS) and the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) to showcase the achievements and impact of the project, share best practices and lessons learned, and facilitate discussions on the future of inclusive sport and education in Armenia.

Partner

Peace Field Project

Location and general information

Closed
Location Belgium, Mesen
Start date 01/04/2024
End date 12/31/2024
Cost of the project €100,000
Foundation funding €100,000
Project identifier 20230280
Partners Children's Football Alliance
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Conflict victims - Employability - Environmental protection - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Personal development - Strengthening partnerships

Context

Young refugees, migrants, physically or developmentally disabled and poverty-stricken teenagers from war-torn communities have few opportunities to take ownership of peacebuilding projects. Low self-esteem, a lack of aspiration, mistrust and antisocial behaviour continue to fuel discord and disparity amongst cross-border communities. The situation remains hostile thanks to intergenerational relationships that often nurture resentment, making these young people easy targets for paramilitary recruitment.

Project goals

  • Help young people to develop their organisational, communication and intervention skills as well as teaching them about multiculturalism, conflict resolution and mindfulness
  • Establish annual events celebrating peace through football on ‘peace pitches’ twinned with the Flanders Peace Field.
  • Demonstrate the power of play
  • Advocate for equality, diversity and social inclusion.
  • Raise awareness of health and well-being, including mental health
  • Foster empathy and compassion among the participants
  • Nurture the peacemakers of tomorrow

Project content

The Peace Field Project (PFP) is a pedagogical programme designed to foster peace through play. The open online educational resources, toolkits and webinars prepare all participants for the week-long Global Peace Games, which feature mixed-gender and mixed-ability sports, excursions, art and music activities as well as workshops on conflict resolution, multiculturalism, deradicalisation and humanities. Peace education through play will harness the power of sport to create the peacemakers of the future.

Partners

Provision of psychosocial support to vulnerable children, adolescents and parents through sport (PORUCH)

Location and general information

Ongoing
Location Poltaa and Sumska oblasts, Ukraine
Start date 01/01/2024
End date 12/31/2024
Cost of the project €1,019,850
Foundation funding €150,000
Project identifier 200230654
Partners United Around Football
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Conflict victims - Gender Equality - Healthy lifestyle - Infrastructure and equipment - Personal development - Strengthening partnerships

Context

Since the start of full-scale war in February 2022, the children of Ukraine have experienced violence, trauma, loss, destruction and displacement, not to mention the stress of constant air raids and shelling. The living conditions, everyday news and general situation take a toll on their mental and physical health. According to official sources, by the morning of 29 November 2023, 511 children had been killed and more than 1,148 physically injured.

Recovery through sport is the ethos of PORUCH, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and UNICEF Ukraine to use sport, in particular football, to provide psychosocial support to children, teenagers and families affected by the war. They have teamed up with the Ukrainian Association of Football, foundation partner United Around Football, and Football Development in Ukraine, another charitable foundation.

Physical education teachers (sports coaches), psychologists and healthy lifestyle coaches (medical volunteers) engage participants in a form of play that will hopefully lead to regular physical activity and help them develop a range of skills and values in a positive, holistic way. This approach is considered effective in supporting psychological recovery after a traumatic experience and overcoming fears.

A similar project was implemented in 15 oblasts between March 2022 and May 2023, reaching 90,417  vulnerable children and 34,663 parents and guardians (indirect beneficiaries).

Project goals

General

  • Provide group psychological support to vulnerable children and teenagers through sport

Specific

  • Develop the methodology and materials for targeted psychological support through sport
  • Deliver group psychological sessions to 25,000 vulnerable children and teenagers in 2 oblasts (Poltava and Sumy) in central and northeastern Ukraine
  • Boost the capacity of professionals to provide targeted psychological support

 

Project content

Sports grounds will be divided into three zones or stations, where children will take turns playing mobile games with a football, working with a psychologist, and learning from medical volunteers about healthy lifestyles and what to do in case of injury.

  • Zone 1 – Sports coach
  • Zone 2 – Psychologist
  • Zone 3 – Medical volunteer

Approximately 30 children affected by war will participate in each session, in three groups of ten. Each group must visit each station twice.

Partner