UEFA Foundation expands its support for the humanitarian efforts for children in conflict zones

Latest funding partnerships established with Medecins du Monde, Medecins sans Frontières and Handicap International to relieve the suffering of children in Gaza.

Action follows work with children in and around Ukraine, as well as in Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan.

The UEFA Foundation for Children has announced its latest initiative to help children affected by war in different parts of the world. The new commitments follow action, announced in March 2022, with charities and FAs in and around Ukraine to finance initiatives from UEFA member associations and charities focusing on children’s rights and their well-being. Other previous projects include initiatives in numerous conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and Yemen supporting projects in favour of children affected by the war.

The latest fundings and partnerships have been set up with three charities providing vital humanitarian help for the children of Gaza, who are enduring what UN Secretary General António Guterres has described as, “a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions.”

The organisations are Medecins du Monde, Medecins sans Frontières and Handicap International, each working in different ways to help children caught up in the current conflict.

Médecins du Monde has been present in the region since 1995, where the organisation works to improve access to healthcare for civilians. They provide humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza, particularly by preparing healthcare facilities for emergency situations and improving their coordination. In the West Bank, Médecins du Monde also provides psychosocial support to victims of violence with their mobile clinics. They also distribute food kits for children..

Medecins sans frontières / Doctors without Borders: MSF teams work to treat wounded people and supply overwhelmed hospitals. The organisation provides surgical support, injury treatment, physiotherapy, primary care, trauma care, maternal and pediatric care, among other services. They have 10 health centres. They also ensure water and food distribution.

Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion has a total of 133 national staff members and more than 500 community workers operating in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Egypt. The organisation specifically helps in:

  • Distribution of first aid kits
  • Emergency aid and rehabilitation: care and medical equipment for the seriously injured and disabled
  • Psychosocial support
  • Education on the risk of explosive remnants

Announcing the initiative, the chairman of the UEFA Foundation, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:

Whatever the adults waging wars think they are doing, the children are innocent. But, in all conflicts, they are dying every single day and we must do what we can to help those who are trying to make life more tolerable and normal for them.

Through the UEFA Foundation for Children, we strive to support those who are working to ease the burdens the children carry - helping them find moments of peace and hope, even in the hardest of circumstances.

It's our duty - as adults, as parents, as neighbours, as human beings - to stand beside children when they need us. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture can remind them they are not alone, that they are not forgotten and that they are valued. We can't change the world on our own - but children can and will, if we provide them with safety, love and hope they need to grow

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President

UEFA Super Cup 2025: Dreams bigger than the pitch

UEFA Super Cup 2025: Dreams bigger than the pitch 

Football’s greatest power lies in its ability to bring people together and change lives of local children of Udine 

On the occasion of the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Foundation for Children is placing inclusion and solidarity at the heart of the celebration. Nearly 100 vulnerable children and teenagers will experience an unforgettable evening filled with emotion, connection and hope – right alongside some of football’s biggest stars. This event is more than just a match; it’s a symbol of hope, unity and social commitment. 

The Stadio Friuli in Udine will host this year’s UEFA Super Cup, a thrilling encounter between Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the UEFA Champions League, and Tottenham Hotspur, winners of the UEFA Europa League. 

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the event offers a unique opportunity for the UEFA Foundation for Children to highlight the power of sport to inspire, unite and uplift. Staying true to its mission, the foundation is inviting 90 vulnerable children and teenagers to take part in this extraordinary experience. 

A celebration of inclusion  

This 11th edition of the Super Cup is part of the foundation’s tenth anniversary celebrations and carries a powerful message of hope and inclusion. The young participants come from two local associations: 

  • La Nostra Famiglia, a non-profit organisation specialising in the care and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with serious illnesses or disabilities. La Nostra Famiglia operates 28 facilities across Italy, including one in Udine. 
  • Associazione San Luigi Scrosoppi ETS, which provides a safe, family-like environment for mothers and their children, as well as minors in difficult situations 

These young people, who are often marginalised due to health or social challenges, will be placed in the spotlight throughout the event. 

Moments of magic 

Teenagers from the Associazione San Luigi Scrosoppi and the Udinese youth football academy will also take part in the opening ceremony as performers. Those not on stage will have the chance to meet the players during training the day before the match. 

In addition, the 22 Mastercard player mascots, most of whom are patients at the diabetology and oncology departments of Udine hospital, will walk onto the pitch hand in hand with football stars, and one of them will accompany the UEFA president for the medal ceremony. 

Finally, in partnership with the PSG Foundation, a dream evening will be organised for one young PSG fan who will be invited to attend the final. 

A legacy beyond the game 

“These initiatives reflect UEFA’s broader commitment to using football as a tool for positive change, especially during major events like the Super Cup,” said Carine Nkoué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “The UEFA Super Cup is not just a celebration of elite football – it’s also a platform to inspire and empower the next generation. Through our presence in Udine, we hope to leave a lasting legacy that goes far beyond the pitch.” 

To commemorate a decade of impact supporting over 577 projects in 138 countries and reaching nearly 4.9 million children, the foundation’s anniversary logo will be prominently featured, including on the official adidas match balls. 

 

UEFA Foundation for Children becomes member of United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative

UEFA Foundation for Children becomes member of United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative

On July 3 2025, the UEFA Foundation for Children joined the United Nations’ initiative Football for the Goals, strengthening its commitment to driving positive change across the world.

Football for the Goals, launched by the United Nations in 2022, provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative taps into the power of football not only to raise awareness of the SDGs, but also to bring about positive behavioural change and sustainable practices in the football industry.

By joining this initiative, the UEFA Foundation for Children becomes part of a growing network that uses the power of football to advocate for meaningful change. The foundation is looking forward to working with the initiative’s joint members and contributing to global efforts by promoting values enshrined in the SDGs, such as gender equality, environmental protection and peacebuilding through sport.

About Football for the Goals

Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that encourages stakeholders across the global football ecosystem to promote and implement the SDGs. It provides a platform for collaboration and accountability, while helping to highlight sustainability efforts in football.

 

About United Nations

Legacy for the Future: UEFA Foundation for Children and adidas Foundation to change the game for girls and women

Legacy for the Future: UEFA Foundation for Children and adidas Foundation to change the game for girls and women  

Building on UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 to create a lasting movement of equity, empowerment and opportunity in sport 

Legacy for the Future is a collaborative project initiated and funded by the UEFA Foundation for Children and the adidas Foundation, involving national football associations and local organisations. Each team competing in UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 has selected a gender equity project to champion in their home country, ensuring financial support but also visibility, inspiration, networking and capacity building. 

The aim is to create a legacy that empowers girls and women, not only in football but across all areas of life – a groundbreaking initiative aligned with UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. 

As Switzerland prepares to host the largest women’s sporting event in its history, Legacy for the Future will harness the power of women’s football to dismantle barriers and open doors for girls and women across Europe. The project is rooted in the belief that sport can be a powerful catalyst for social change, inclusion and equality. 

A shortlist of project partners was drawn up by the UEFA and adidas foundations and the final selection made by the national teams.  

 National team   Partner 
 Belgium   BX Brussels 
 Denmark   Girl Power 
 Finland   Louhento Foundation 
 England    Rio Ferdinand Foundation 
 France   Kabubu 
 Germany   Safe Hub
 Iceland   Bergið headspace 
 Italy   ASD Balon Mundial 
 Netherlands   Klabu Foundation 
 Norway   Rosa Sko 
 Poland   Trenuj Bycie Dobrym 
 Portugal   Integrated Dreams 
 Spain   Fútbol Más 
 Sweden   En Frisk Generation 
 Switzerland   Swiss Academy for Development 
 Wales     Cymru Football Foundation 

A total of €800,000 will be available to shared among 16 non-profit organisations selected by the teams participating in UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. In addition, the national teams have all committed to meeting the project beneficiaries with a view to creating memorable exchanges and using their positions as role models to guide and inspire young girls to dream, play and shine in football and beyond. By giving the teams the opportunity to meet and greet young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the message of inclusion and equality is being reinforced. 

Melissa Kaar, managing director of the adidas Foundation, underlined the importance of the project in improving access to sport for women and girls in Europe:

We hope that with this project, we can leverage the attention and joy of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 to further strengthen gender equity and access to sport for women and girls in Europe. 

- Melissa Kaar, managing director of the Adidas Foundation

The project is already up and running in some countries. In Portugal, for example, the women’s national team met the charity organisation Integrated Dreams and invited youngsters selected by the NGO to attend a training session and spend some time with the players.  

After the session, Dolores Silva, captain of the Portuguese national team, highlighted the importance of the visit and the Legacy for the Future project:

It was a privilege to share our work with the young people who visited us. Their affection and support for the Navegadoras, just before we set off for another UEFA Women's EURO, meant a great deal. A true Legacy for the Future!

- Dolores Silva, captain of the Portuguese national team

Carine N’koué, general secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children, added: 

With Legacy for the Future, we are not just supporting projects – we are investing in the dreams and potential of girls and women across Europe. This initiative is about more than football; it’s about creating lasting change through the power of sport. By connecting national teams with grassroots organisations, we are building bridges of opportunity, inclusion and inspiration that will endure far beyond the final whistle of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. 

- Carine N'koué, general secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children

About Adidas Foundation

Project partner

The adidas Foundation is a legally independent non-profit organisation established by adidas in 2023. The adidas Foundation’s vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sport, fostering a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Working through partnership development, evaluation and research, advocacy and community engagement, the adidas Foundation strives to achieve its mission of uniting communities through sport, for people and the planet. Learn more at www.adidasfoundation.org  

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Championing children’s dreams with the UEFA Foundation

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Championing children’s dreams with the UEFA Foundation

As the UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates ten years of global impact, this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 becomes a powerful platform for supporting vulnerable children.

 

During the past decade, the foundation has made significant contributions to improving conditions for disadvantaged children across the world. Established in 2015, it has supported 577 projects across 138 countries and reached nearly 5 million people.

These efforts have promoted children’s rights and used football as a positive catalyst for improvement in areas such as health, education, personal development, inclusion and employability.

The work of the UEFA Foundation for Children sends a strong message that millions of children around the world need help, and we must not leave them behind. It goes beyond UEFA’s deep commitment to social responsibility – it is about standing up for the most vulnerable and using football as a catalyst to inspire and empower them. We’ve reached almost five million children living in difficult and precarious conditions in just ten years. We are proud of the global impact made, but we see it only as a beginning.

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president

Bringing the game to vulnerable children

To mark its milestone birthday, the foundation has launched a range of initiatives around this summer's UEFA Women’s EURO.

The 2025 Smiles programme sees a total of 2025 match tickets given to associations working with vulnerable children in the host cities. The player mascots and ball carriers for the group stage matches in Sion, St. Gallen and Thun are a mix of disabled children, orphans from Ukraine and children from disadvantaged social backgrounds in Switzerland.

Furthermore, matches in Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich will feature robots that allow children in hospital to see and interact with players as they arrive at the stadium. After the final ball has been kicked, the Foundation will provide long-term support for organisations promoting gender equality through sport, working in cooperation with the adidas Foundation, the Kaizen Foundation, the FIA Foundation and NGOs in the 16 participating countries.

Involving children in the final is just one of the many ways the UEFA Foundation for Children puts young people at the heart of its work.

We must remain focused on the needs of our beneficiaries and keep them at the centre of everything we do. Sports, especially football, have the power to bring communities together, promote health and teach valuable life skills.

- Carine N'koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Recipients of the 2025 UEFA Foundation for Children Award announced

Recipients of the 2025 UEFA Foundation for Children Award announced

26 organisations honoured for their daily support of vulnerable children

The board of trustees of the UEFA Foundation for Children met on 24 May in Lisbon, Portugal, chaired by UEFA president and UEFA Foundation for Children chairman Aleksander Čeferin. The meeting focused on the foundation’s ongoing projects, with particular attention given to initiatives marking its tenth anniversary.

The foundation’s spring meeting also marks the occasion for selecting the winners of the annual UEFA Foundation for Children Award, which recognises charities and organisations nominated by UEFA member associations for their outstanding work promoting children’s rights. This year, the board decided to distribute the total award fund of €1m equally among 26 organisations, each receiving €38,500.

UEFA Member Association Nominee
Armenia Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS)
Austria Dynamic Force
Azerbaijan Football Development Foundation
Belgium Jan Vertonghen Foundation
Bulgaria Sports Club Champion Sport
Croatia Krapina Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Czechia Special Olympics Czech Republic
Denmark Brobold (‘bridgeball’)
England Make-A-Wish UK
Estonia Special Olympics Estonia
Germany AMANDLA EduFootball
Greece Eleven Campaign
Italy Soleterre
Hungary Hungarian Charity Service of the order of Malta
Lithuania Futbolo klubas Vilkija
Malta The Malta Trust Foundation
Moldova IMSP Republican Rehabilitation Center for Children
Northern Ireland Irish FA Foundation
North Macedonia Idnina primary school and resource centre
Norway Advisory foundation in support of Football for the Goals
Republic of Ireland Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Russia Krylia mechty children’s football club and project
Serbia Angelina
Spain Babies Uganda
Sweden Min Stora Dag (My Special Day)
Switzerland Swiss Academy for Development

Following the meeting, the board visited a local partner organisation, the CAIS Association, which works to improve the lives of socially and economically vulnerable young people facing deprivation and exclusion.

 

CAIS will oversee the maintenance of the new Lay’s RePlay pitch opened in Lisbon just two days earlier by UEFA Women’s Champions League sponsor Lay’s. This marks the 12th Lay’s RePlay pitch, part of a long-standing initiative that turns empty crisp packets into safe and sustainable football fields, bringing joy to communities worldwide while promoting environmental and social impact. CAIS, with the support of Lay’s, will lead educational football sessions for the local community on this new pitch.

This partnership with the UEFA Foundation helps us turn forgotten spaces into safe, inclusive environments where vulnerable young people can play, connect and grow. This support is not just about football—it’s about dignity, hope and building a stronger community.

- Paul Jones, PepsiCo Country Manager Portugal

This partnership with the UEFA Foundation helps us turn forgotten spaces into safe, inclusive environments where vulnerable young people can play, connect and grow. This support is not just about football—it’s about dignity, hope and building a stronger community.

- Gonçalo Santos, head coordinator of CAIS

2025 call for projects

The UEFA Foundation for Children’s next call for projects will be open from 30 June to 1 August 2025. Applicants from around the world are invited to submit their proposals via the foundation’s website, where full details and the selection criteria can be found. The selected projects will be announced following the board’s next meeting in November 2025.

 

You can follow our activities on our website and our official social media channels:

Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; LinkedIn; YouTube; Tik Tok

Please send any questions to: contact@uefafoundation.org

 

Game changer: Lay’s RePlay pitch brings hope and opportunity to Chelas

Game changer: Lay’s RePlay pitch brings hope and opportunity to Chelas 

22 May 2025 - Chelas, in eastern Lisbon, is now home to Portugal’s first Lay’s RePlay football pitch – a vibrant new community space designed to empower local young people through the transformative power of sport.  

The initiative is part of a global programme led by PepsiCo and Lay's in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children, the NGO Common Goal, Lisbon City Council and a local partner, the CAIS Association, which implemented the project on the ground. The inauguration event will take place at an exciting moment for football, in the context of the UEFA Women's Champions League final, which will be held in Lisbon on Saturday, 24 May.  

This space for unity and social transformation created by Lay’s seeks to make a valuable impact and drive positive change for future generations on a global scale. Partially built using Lay’s packaging waste, the environmentally friendly pitch will serve as a meeting point for the community, promoting moments of joy and providing a safe and sustainable place to play. The pitch in Portugal will be the 12th Lay's RePlay pitch, joining 11 others around the world. 

Lay's RePlay is much more than just a football pitch  

Empowering young people and adults alike, Lay’s RePlay is more than a football programme. It offers ongoing educational and vocational support aimed at fostering inclusion and preparing participants for future success. 

  • For young people: The programme focuses on developing social and emotional skills, teamwork, respect and resilience through sport. 
  • For adults: It provides career guidance, empowerment workshops and access to job opportunities. 

The initiative aims to reach 1,000 community members and deliver over 1,000 hours of activities to create a lasting impact in Chelas. 

It is with great pride that we bring Lay's RePlay to Portugal, a project that reflects our vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future. We want this pitch in Chelas to be a meeting point for the community; a place where young people can learn, grow and build a better future for themselves and for the country.

- Paul Jones, PepsiCo Country Manager, Portugal. 

Local leadership: CAIS Association 

The CAIS Association, a Lisbon-based NGO, plays a key role in the project. Dedicated to improving the lives of people facing social and economic exclusion, CAIS brings its expertise in employability and homelessness to the initiative. 

The partnership with Lay's RePlay is a unique opportunity for CAIS to strengthen its work in Chelas, offering young people a safe and inspiring space to grow and develop their potential. Together, we believe that we can build a stronger, more inclusive community with more opportunities for everyone.

- Conceição Zagalo, General Assembly President of CAIS

Photo by Angel Martinez - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

UEFA Foundation for Children: board visit 

On 24 May, the UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees, including the president of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, and the general secretary of the foundation, Carine N’koué, will visit the pitch to show their support for grassroots football and community development. 

The UEFA Foundation for Children joins Lay's RePlay to create a positive impact on the lives of children in Chelas. We believe that by providing a safe space to play football, we are promoting their holistic development, social inclusion and access to educational opportunities

- Carine N'koué, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

About PepsiCo

Project partner

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary portfolio of beverages and convenient foods that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.pt

 

About CAIS

Project Partner

Founded in 1994, CAIS is a non-profit Social Solidarity Association, recognized as a legal entity of public utility. Its main objective is to contribute to improving the living conditions of citizens at risk of social exclusion, through human dignity, training and employability. CAIS promotes training and employability programs, training and integrating people into the workplace through training, empowerment, autonomy, education and expansion of personal, social and professional skills. https://www.cais.pt/

Kaizen Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children send strong message on inclusion through continued partnership

Kaizen Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children send strong message on inclusion through continued partnership

The Kaizen Foundation participates in UEFA Foundation for Children's 10th Anniversary celebration, supporting amputee football and raising awareness about inclusion through sport. The partnership will expand into the summer through the "Legacy for the Future" project.

 

Athens, Nyon, April 25th, 2025 – Kaizen Foundation, the Social Purpose Foundation funded exclusively by Kaizen Gaming, is announcing its participation in the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the UEFA Foundation for Children. During the celebrations, the Kaizen Foundation will be sponsoring a showcase match of two amputee teams with players from Greece, England and Poland at the Colovray Stadium in Nyon on April 28th at 15:30-16:45 CEST. This will be followed by a dedicated cup ceremony.

The focus of the celebrations - held in collaboration with the UEFA Foundation’s partners Football Is More and the European Amputee Football Federation - is inclusion in sports. The amputee football match offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible spirit and talent of amputee athletes as they compete for the trophy. Highlighting the importance of inclusion in football, the game is guaranteed to captivate the audience and showcase football's unifying power.

In addition, the Kaizen Foundation will be supporting a Conference on Inclusion to discuss football’s role in social responsibility and inclusion. Happening at the Chateau de Bossey, scheduled to take place earlier on the same day at 11.00 - 12.30 CEST, the conference will feature high-profile guests, including Prof. Dr. Jürgen Buschmann from the German Sports University of Cologne.

 

Kaizen Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children expand their partnership into the “Legacy for the Future” project

Excitingly, the Kaizen Foundation is also announcing the expansion of its successful partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children by supporting the “Legacy for the Future” project, aiming to leave a lasting legacy which fosters the empowerment of girls and women in countries from the UEFA participating national associations.

Within the framework of this partnership, Kaizen Foundation shall support initiatives undertaken by Τhe UEFA Foundation for Children across Portugal, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. The initiatives aim to empower girls and women to dismantle barriers in football and beyond, namely in education, legal rights and access to sport. Said initiatives will be associated with the respective women’s national teams, in order to enhance visibility and promote collective social responsibility.

This builds on the Kaizen Foundation’s inaugural partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children to  support the "10,000 Smiles" project, which provided 10,000 UEFA EURO 2024™ match tickets to associations working with vulnerable children. As part of the expansion of this partnership, Kaizen Foundation shall donate €300,000 to further aid the UEFA Foundation for Children’s aims and ambitions.

“It’s a great honour to be part of the UEFA Foundation for Children’s 10th Anniversary celebrations,” said Panos Konstantopoulos, President of the Kaizen Foundation. “By championing inclusion through the amputee match, we hope to inspire clubs and communities across Europe and the globe to take meaningful steps toward breaking down barriers. The UEFA Foundation for Children does extraordinary work, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership into the Legacy for the Future project, supporting local charities with the mission to dismantle barriers for girls in and out of sports. Our joint initiatives are a powerful reminder that nothing should stand in the way of what people can achieve, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”

“Football has an extraordinary power to bring everybody together. Partnering with organisations like the Kaizen Foundation is key to building a movement that drives real impact and leaves a lasting legacy,” said Carine N'koué, General Secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children. “Not only are we celebrating our 10th Anniversary together, but by deepening our collaboration with the Legacy for the Future project, we can continue to build on our mission to use the power of football to unite and bring joy to millions of disadvantaged children around the world.”

It’s a great honour to be part of the UEFA Foundation for Children’s 10th Anniversary celebrations. By championing inclusion through the amputee match, we hope to inspire clubs and communities across Europe and the globe to take meaningful steps toward breaking down barriers. The UEFA Foundation for Children does extraordinary work, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership into the Legacy for the Future project, supporting local charities with the mission to dismantle barriers for girls in and out of sports. Our joint initiatives are a powerful reminder that nothing should stand in the way of what people can achieve, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

- Panos Konstantopoulos, President of the Kaizen Foundation

About the Kaizen Foundation

Project partner

The Kaizen Foundation is a Social Purpose Foundation, funded exclusively by Kaizen Gaming, one of the biggest GameTech companies in the world. It envisions to serve as a catalyst for positive change on a global scale in partnership with local communities, NGOs, private and public institutions. The Kaizen Foundation’s mission is to deliver initiatives with long-term impact that foster innovation and improve all aspects of people’s lives with a focus on Society, Education and the Environment.

 

For more information about the Kaizen Foundation please visit: https://kaizen-foundation.org/

UEFA Foundation celebrates tenth anniversary with special inclusion events at 2025 UEFA Youth League

UEFA Foundation celebrates tenth anniversary with special inclusion events at 2025 UEFA Youth League

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the UEFA Foundation for Children is proud to announce a special match featuring amputee players, in partnership with Football Is More and supported by the Kaizen Foundation, ahead of the UEFA Youth League final in Nyon on Monday 28 April.

The match, taking place at the Colovray Sports Centre and free to attend, will feature two amputee teams made up of players from England, Greece and Poland. The players will be on-site throughout the final tournament, engaging with the public and Youth League players through a walking football experience leading up to the special match on Monday. The match is scheduled to start at 15:30, followed by a trophy ceremony at 17:00, allowing spectators to watch both this match and the Youth League final at 18:00.

This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible spirit and talent of amputee athletes as they compete for their trophy. Highlighting the importance of inclusion in football, the game is guaranteed to captivate the audience and showcase football's unifying power.

The Kaizen Foundation is partnering with the UEFA Foundation for Children to drive positive changes in communities through football. By creating an inclusive space for all players, this partnership enhances the sport's quality and appreciation and empowers individuals globally. The charity Football Is More, which promotes inclusion and access to sport for disabled people, has also been instrumental in organising the selection of the amputee players and arranging their travel.

Conference on Inclusion

At 11:00 on Monday 28 April, a special conference will be held at the Château de Bossey to discuss football's role in social responsibility and inclusion for Children. Prof. Dr Jürgen Buschmann from German Sport University Cologne and other high-profile speakers will provide insights into football's current state, the obstacles to ensuring inclusion, and the future of the sport.

UEFA Foundation at the UEFA Youth League

Throughout the tournament, the UEFA Foundation for Children will have a stand at the Youth Plaza where the public can try walking football – an exciting game in which running is not allowed. Athletes from the amputee teams and Johan Djourou, UEFA ambassador, will also take part alongside members of the public.

 

About Football Is More

Project partner

A decade of hope, unity and opportunity

A decade of hope, unity and opportunity

UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates its tenth anniversary with a new initiative involving European national associations

 

The UEFA Foundation for Children is deeply grateful to be celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of working hand-in-hand with communities to support children facing difficult circumstances. Since its creation in 2015, the foundation has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children across Europe and beyond.

Over the past ten years, the foundation has supported 577 projects in 138 countries, helping around 4.9 million children. By working with trusted partners, it has harnessed the unifying power of football to promote children's rights and foster progress in areas such as health, education, personal growth, inclusion and career opportunities.

To mark this special milestone, UEFA and the foundation are inviting all UEFA member associations to take part in a brand-new initiative. A total of €1m will be distributed equally among participating associations so they can develop social projects or events to support disadvantaged children in their own communities, possibly in collaboration with local NGOs.

This initiative is a sincere expression of unity and solidarity. It reflects the generosity and shared purpose of the European football community and a belief that, together, we can offer hope and opportunity to those who need it most. It's also a celebration of the values that define football at its best – fair play, inclusion and community spirit.

Aleksander Čeferin, chair of the board of trustees, said: “The foundation is dedicated to bringing the magic of football to every child, creating a safe and joyful space where they can dream, play and grow. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future. This initiative is another beautiful reflection of the compassion, solidarity and shared commitment that lives within the European football community.”

As we celebrate the decade behind us, we must also continue looking ahead. The UEFA Foundation for Children remains dedicated to supporting future generations on a journey of hope and empowerment for many years to come.

The foundation is dedicated to bringing the magic of football to every child, creating a safe and joyful space where they can dream, play and grow. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future. This initiative is another beautiful reflection of the compassion, solidarity and shared commitment that lives within the European football community.

- Aleksander Čeferin, chair of the board of trustees

UEFA Foundation for Children grants awarded to 72 projects

UEFA Foundation for Children grants awarded to 72 projects

A total of €5m distributed to help children in need around the world.

The UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees held its meeting of the year at UEFA headquarters on Wednesday 27 November. Chaired by Aleksander Čeferin, the members made a decisive move, voting to allocate €5m to 72 impactful projects working across 80 countries. The decision follows a call for projects issued this summer and demonstrates the foundation's firm commitment to making a difference. By investing in these projects, the foundation is championing and safeguarding the fundamental rights of vulnerable children around the globe, ensuring a brighter future for those who need it most.

During the meeting, the board members acknowledged the departure of Kevin Lamour, who had served as a member for seven years and was a strong advocate for the foundation’s values. The assembly also welcomed Michele Uva, UEFA Social and Environmental Sustainability Director, as a new member.

A review of the previous season was also performed, both from a financial point of view and in terms of the many activities carried out. The full activity report for the 2023/24 season will be published on uefafoundation.org shortly.

2024 call for projects

Number of projects per region (funds allocated as a percentage of total)

31 Europe (47.8%)

21 Africa (26.6%)

10 Asia (12.8%)

1 Oceania (3%)

6 Central America (5.5%)

3 South America (4.3%)

 

NGOs selected to receive funding following the 2024 call for projects

PARTNERS COUNTRIES
Save the Children Switzerland Albania
Bridge of Hope Armenia
Breaking Grounds Austria
Impala performance ASBL Belgium
Association for Sport, Recreation and Education Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia
Fair Play Point Czechia
Children of Prisoners Europe Europe
European Amputee Football Federation Europe
Paris Saint-Germain endowment fund France
Orama Neon YOUTHORAMA Greece
Oltalom Sport Association Hungary
Sport Against Racism Ireland Ireland
Peres Center for Peace and Innovation Israel
ASD Centro Olimpia Giarratana Italy
KFV Prishtina Kosovo
Vilnius Social Club Lithuania
Stichting Het Gehandicapte Kind Netherlands
KNVB WorldCoaches Netherlands
Rio Ferdinand Foundation Northern Ireland
Trenuj Bycie Dobrym Poland
Samusocial International Romania
Big Hearts Community Trust Scotland
Development Center for Youth Serbia
Federació Esportiva Catalana de Paralítics Cerebrals Spain
Asociación Alacrán 1997 Spain
En Frisk Generation Sweden
Fondation IdéeSport Switzerland
Swiss Academy for Development Switzerland
Shakhtar Social Ukraine
Klitschko Foundation Ukraine
Bloomsbury Football Foundation United Kingdom
Association Kenskoazell Afrika Benin
Grandir Dignement Cameroon, Madagascar, Niger
CABO VERDE Stiftung für Bildung Cape Verde
iACT Central African Republic
INTERSOS Chad
Georges Malaika Foundation Democratic Republic of Congo
Water4Wildlife Maasai Mara Kenya
Mathare Youth Sports Association Kenya
Aletha's Legacy Liberia
Association Humanitaire AKAMASOA Madagascar
Our Aim Foundation Malawi
Association Libre Vue Mali
Tibu Africa Morocco
Futebol dá força foundation Mozambique
Cross Cultures Project Association Nigeria
Grootbos Foundation South Africa
Badgers Football Academy South Africa
Sports Charity Mwanza Tanzania
Aliguma Foundation Uganda
Game Rangers International Zambia
African Wildlife Conservation Fund Zimbabwe
Right to Learn Afghanistan Afghanistan
Action for Development (Switzerland) Afghanistan
Children's Future International Cambodia
ASA Foundation Indonesia
Al-Mesalla organisation for human resources development Iraq
Association Football Development Programme (AFDP) Global Jordan
Tawazon Initiative for Development Lebanon
Childreach Nepal Nepal
FundLife International Philippines
Football Association of Norway (Football for All in Vietnam project) Vietnam
This is How We Football 14 Pacific islands
Fútbol por mi País Costa Rica
GOALS Haiti (Global Outreach and Love of Soccer) Haiti
educate. Honduras
Fight for Peace International Jamaica
Street Child United Mexico
Soccer in the Streets United States
River Plate Foundation Argentina
Ankla Foundation Colombia
Sinkumunchis Peru

After her first meeting in her new role, Carine N'koué, general secretary of the foundation, said:

“I am very pleased to announce that our board members have decided to support 72 projects through the Foundation in 2025. We all know how powerful sport and especially football can be. Those projects use that incredible power to impact the lives of countless children around the world for a better life.”

The next board meeting will be held in Lisbon on Saturday 24 May 2025.

The next call for projects is scheduled for June/July 2025.

 

I am very pleased to announce that our board members have decided to support 72 projects through the Foundation in 2025. We all know how powerful sport and especially football can be. Those projects use that incredible power to impact the lives of countless children around the world for a better life.”

- Carine Nkoue, general secretary of the foundation

UEFA Foundation board visits ActionAid Hellas in Athens

UEFA Foundation board visits ActionAid Hellas in Athens

The board of trustees held its biannual meeting in the Greek capital ahead of the UEFA Conference League final.

The board, chaired by Aleksander Čeferin, met for the first time this year at the headquarters of ActionAid Hellas, a long-standing partner of the foundation. The meeting was unique as Ritah Aliguma, founder and CEO of the Aliguma Foundation, and some young beneficiaries from Uganda also joined the meeting. The board members appreciated the opportunity to meet with representatives of the two partners and thank them for their outstanding work using sport to promote the resilience and empowerment of young people.

The board took note of the upcoming departure of Urs Kluser from the foundation’s administration, thanking him for his tireless work over the previous six years. Carine N’koué will take over as General Secretary.

The members also confirmed the beneficiaries of the 2024 UEFA Foundation for Children Award, having received nominations from the 55 UEFA member associations. Nominees had to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Based in one of UEFA’s member countries
  • Compliance with the Ethics Code of the UEFA Foundation for Children
  • Registered with the relevant national authorities and comply with all legal and financial obligations
  • Focused on helping disadvantaged children

In addition, priority was given to charities nominated by national associations whose partners had not received an award in 2023.

A total of 18 European charitable organisations working for children’s rights were selected, each receiving a grant of €50,000. The recipients are:

 
UEFA member association Award winner
Football Federation of Armenia Akhtamar Girls Football Academy
Royal Belgian Football Association Êkhô Sport
Bulgarian Football Union Bulgarian Sports Federation for Social Development
Croatian Football Federation Association of Persons with Disabilities of Sisak-Moslavina County
Football Association of the Czech Republic Linka bezpečí (‘safety line’)
The FA (England) Rays of Sunshine
German Football Association Hopp Kindertumorzentrum Heidelberg​
Hellenic Football Federation (Greece) The Smile of the Child
Italian Football Federation Scholas Occurrentes
Irish Football Association (Northern Ireland) Irish FA Foundation
Football Federation of Kosovo KFV Prishtina
Football Association of Moldova AO Sunshine
Football Association of Norway Football for the Goals (UN initiative) advisory foundation
Polish Football Association Trenuj Bycie Dobrym (‘train to be good’)
Portuguese Football Federation Portuguese Oncology Institute (IPO) – Lisbon and Porto
Russian Football Union Maykop special educational and correctional College
Football Association of Serbia OSVIT Association of Roma Women
Ukrainian Association of Football Ukrainian Amputee Football Association

 

Don Tiara Mirembe commented her visit (beneficiary of the Aliguma Foundation project):

“I grew up with a single mother and she could not take care of my best needs and me personally. But thank God the Aliguma foundation came in and started taking care of me. Now I can go to school, and I can get most of my best needs and even take part in football. It was a great honour for me to be able to speak to the members of the UEFA Foundation for children today, to share our experiences with them and to express our gratitude.”

2024 call for projects

This year, applicants should submit details of their projects between 1 July and 1 August. The selection criteria will be set out in the application form.

Follow our activities on our website and our official social media channels:

Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; LinkedIn; TikTok; YouTube

Please send any questions to: tania.baima@uefafoundation.org

Football for Unity 2.0: European Commission, Common Goal and UEFA Foundation for Children team up to support migrants and refugees through UEFA EURO 2024

Football for Unity 2.0: European Commission, Common Goal and UEFA Foundation for Children team up to support migrants and refugees through UEFA EURO 2024

‘Football for Unity’, a leading social inclusion project funded by the European Commission, relaunched today to promote the empowerment of young migrants and refugees across Europe through the beautiful game.

The project will feature activities connected to the Europe-wide platform of next summer’s UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany, building on the success and expanding the actions of an initiative first implemented during EURO 2020.

UEFA President and Chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children, Aleksander Čeferin, welcomed the launch:

“Integration and inclusion are vital for building a diverse and harmonious society where every individual’s unique contribution and perspective are acknowledged, valued, and celebrated - values that are precisely incorporated and emphasised in football. We are very proud to relaunch Football for Unity today and I want to thank the European Commission, Common Goal and the project partners involved including UEFA National Associations. I look forward to the project’s successful implementation, also during EURO 2024 where we have dedicated plans and concrete actions to promote inclusion and integration all over Europe.”

Football for Unity 2.0 has been co-developed at a strategic and technical level with the European Commission and will be implemented by the UEFA Foundation for Children, in partnership with Common Goal, and supported by UEFA. It will operate across multiple EU member states and is funded by the European Union’s Asylum and Migration Fund.

Margaritis Schinas, Vice President, European Commission underlined the importance the EU attaches to working with partners towards common European values:

“We value this strong cooperation with UEFA on innovative ways to promote social change and European values through European football. Projects like Football for Unity, which benefit from the unrivalled reach of UEFA’s iconic events, can contribute importantly to the EU’s objectives of breaking down the barriers young migrants and refugees face integrating into communities across Europe.”

Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, highlighted the added value of sport to support migrant integration and more positive perception and narrative:

“Sport helps bring people closer together. The shared passion for football can make locals and migrants realise that they have more things in common than what they initially thought. Sport can also very much help with migrants’ integration. Though this project, important work will take place with grassroots organisations to include migrants in our society. This is why we support the Football for Unity project and we look forward to the results in the 11 Member States taking part in it.”

Kicking off this December, the two-year project will help to transform the way sports clubs, grassroots organisations and national football associations work with young refugees and migrants. A consortium of 14 project partners in 11 EU Member States (Austria, Hungary, Poland, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Romania, Spain, Latvia, the Netherlands and Italy) will drive Football for Unity 2.0's mission to:

  1. Tackle racial discrimination in football across Europe by providing innovative training across sporting ecosystems.
  2. Improve the safety and well-being of young refugees and migrants by implementing sport-based integration sessions.
  3. Raise awareness of European cultural diversity and the positive contribution of successful integration to European societies.

Leveraging Common Goal’s unrivaled network of civil society organisations, Football for Unity 2.0 will involve 190 coaches, educators and youth/social workers all over Europe, who will engage with 2,900 young migrants, refugees and Europeans through integration initiatives and non-formal education programmes. This collaboration aims to foster social inclusion, equal opportunities and set quality standards for innovative practices.

As a project supporter, UEFA will collaborate with the UEFA Foundation for Children and European Commission to promote and share the project’s activities and learning outputs within European football and wider society.

Urs Kluser, General Secretary, UEFA Foundation for Children, said:

“The first Football for Unity project gave us a lot of insights which we will expand on and develop in this next period. It has been a real team effort with the partners to co-create programmes that will make the most impact at grassroots and community level for young refugees and migrants.”

Building on more than a decade of formal cooperation between UEFA and the EU, this delivers tangibly on the commitments UEFA and the European Commission made in their 2022 EC-UEFA Arrangement for Cooperation to use football’s influence and UEFA’s pan-European competitions to promote European values and positive social outcomes.

Access to the background information.

Integration and inclusion are vital for building a diverse and harmonious society where every individual’s unique contribution and perspective are acknowledged, valued, and celebrated - values that are precisely incorporated and emphasised in football. We are very proud to relaunch Football for Unity today and I want to thank the European Commission, Common Goal and the project partners involved including UEFA National Associations. I look forward to the project’s successful implementation, also during EURO 2024 where we have dedicated plans and concrete actions to promote inclusion and integration all over Europe”

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President and Chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children

64 projects receive grants from the UEFA Foundation for Children

64 projects receive grants from the UEFA Foundation for Children

A total of €4.5m will benefit children in need all over the world.>

he UEFA Foundation for Children board of trustees held its twice yearly meeting at UEFA headquarters last Wednesday. Chaired by Aleksander Čeferin, it decided to allocate funding to 64 projects, as part of the foundation’s mission to defend vulnerable children’s rights around the world so that they can look forward to a better future.

Most projects use sport, and in particular football, to address topics such as access to sports and recreation, physical and mental health, education, integration and many other societal issues.

In accordance with the board’s decision, half of the budget is allocated to European projects (28) and the other half to projects in the rest of the world (36).

Andrea Radrizzani, UEFA Foundation for Children board member said:

“The UEFA Foundation has selected 64 projects to support NGOs across 71 countries, all of them are aligned with our vision to empower children’s education, and gender equality and inspire new generations through the power of football.”

 

List of NGOs selected from the 2023 call for project.

 

Partner Countries
EUROPE
Save the Children Albania Albania
NGO Bridge of Hope Armenia
Kicken ohne Grenzen Austria
Children’s Football Alliance Belgium, Italy, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland
Royal Europa '90 Kraainem Football Club Belgium
OFK BIHAC Bosnia and Herzegovina
Association for Sport, Recreation and Education – Youth Games Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia
Children of Prisoners Europe Europe
Bibliothèques Sans Frontières France
Spirit of Football e.V. Germany
Orama Neon YOUTHORAMA NGO Greece
Oltalom Sport Association Hungary
Amigos for Children Foundation Hungary
The Icelandic Youth Association Iceland
A New Way Israel
Calciosociale ssdrl Italy
KFV Prishtina Kosovo
Vilnius social club Lithuania
NGO Parents Montenegro
Stichting Het Gehandicapte Kind Netherlands
Stowarzyszenie Trenuj Bycie Dobrym Poland
United Way Romania Romania
Development Center for Youth Serbia
Fundación Grandes Valores (Fútbal Más Foundation) Spain
Bonyan Organization Türkiye and Syria
Big Hearts Community Trust United Kingdom
Klitschko Foundation Ukraine
Around Football Ukraine
REST OF THE WORLD
AFRICA
Malaika Democratic Republic of Congo
Terre des Hommes, Egypt Egypt
Power for the People Kenya
Mathare Youth Sports Association Kenya
Association TIBU Maroc Morocco
Cross Cultures Project Association Nigeria
AKA (Association Kenskoazell Afrika) Senegal
Samusocial International Senegal
AMANDLA Ku Lutsha T/A AMANDLA Social Enterprises South Africa
Karibu Tanzania Organization Tanzania
Fondation Khuon Zimbabwe
OCEANIA
All In: Girls Play Pacific Islands
ASIA
Action for Development Afghanistan
Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan Afghanistan
SALT Academy Cambodia
Plan International Hong Kong China
Krida Vikas Sanstha (SlumSoccer) India
ASA Foundation Indonesia
Association Football Development Programme Global Jordan
Tawazon Initiative for Development Lebanon
University of Milano-Bicocca – MaRHE Center Maldives
Atoot Nepal
Palestine: Sports for Life Palestine
FundLife International Philippines
Help Without Frontiers Thailand
The Football Association of Norway/Football for All in Vietnam (NFF/FFAV) Vietnam
Medair Yemen
CENTRAL AMERICA
GOLEES Foundation Costa Rica
Johan Cruyff Foundation Curaçao
Asociación de Maestros de Educación Temprana Plantando Semillas Guatemala
Educate Honduras
SOUTH AMERICA
Asociacion Civil Andar Argentina
love.fútbol Brasil Brazil
WAPA International Colombia
Scort Foundation Ecuador
NGO Mama Alice Peru

 

The next board meeting will be held in Athens on Wednesday 29 May.

The next call for project is scheduled for June/July 2024.

The UEFA Foundation has selected 64 projects to support NGOs across 71 countries, all of them are aligned with our vision to empower children’s education, gender equality and inspire new generations through the power of football.”

- Andrea Radrizzani, UEFA Foundation for children board member

Football for cultural inclusion at UEFA Super Cup

Football for cultural inclusion at UEFA Super Cup

The UEFA Foundation for Children will emphasise integration through football to make our world a more tolerant and welcoming place.

The UEFA Foundation for Children will once again use this year’s UEFA Super Cup match to raise awareness of important social issues, prioritising in particular the right of the child. Since it was established in 2015, the UEFA Foundation for Children has become a key presence at the UEFA Super Cup, demonstrating that football, and sport in general, has a positive impact on children and can change the outlook of even the most vulnerable.

While the UEFA Champions League title holder Manchester City FC and the UEFA Europa League winner Sevilla FC will fight for one more trophy at this year’s UEFA Super Cup in Piraeus, Greece, the UEFA Foundation will carry a message of cultural inclusion and social integration.

In close collaboration with partner organisations such as Action Aid Hellas, FC Cosmos and A Ball for All, children that have been affected by societal exclusion in one way or another - from victims of global conflict to those battling physical impairments - will take part in unforgettable experiences around this year’s match.

Activities around the UEFA Super Cup in Piraeus will include:

1.  On Tuesday 15 August, a selection of children will visit the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium to watch Sevilla and Manchester City’s official training sessions. They will have the opportunity to meet with players, participate in a kickabout session and take photographs with both teams.

2. At the fan festival on the Town Hall square in Piraeus, on Wednesday 16 August, children will play in a football match alongside legends from Greece’s historic 2004 EURO-winning team. They will also take part in challenges and will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with the former Greek football legends and the UEFA Super Cup trophy.

3. As part of the UEFA Super Cup’s opening ceremony, Mastercard will offer 16 player mascots positions to young children from Action Aid Hellas, FC Cosmos and A Ball for All who will proudly enter the pitch accompanied by the star player of the match. Older children will also play a key role in the opening ceremony, acting as central circle carriers.

These activities seek to act as a reminder of football's profound capacity to instil values such as commitment, discipline, mutual aid, respect, and tolerance. It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that football has the extraordinary ability to foster profound connections among individuals, transcending geographical and cultural barriers.

Sevilla FC midfielder Ivan Rakitić, who is playing in his third UEFA Super Cup final this year, serves as a proud ambassador for the Foundation and echoes this sentiment. Having played alongside teammates from every corner of the globe during his illustrious career, Rakitić offers a poignant reflection:

There’s no room for discrimination in football or any other sport. We’re all against it, players and clubs support each other, and we’re trying to move towards a safe environment for everyone.

 

 

TACKLE Racism in Grassroots Football: UEFA Foundation leads the way

TACKLE Racism in Grassroots Football: UEFA Foundation leads the way 

"TACKLE Racism in Grassroots Football," with the objective of combating racism, discrimination, and intolerance within the sport.

Embracing a three-year journey supported by the EU Erasmus+ programme, the UEFA Foundation for Children warmly welcomed the TACKLE conference at UEFA in Nyon. The event aimed to champion inclusivity and tackle racism in non-professional football. By specifically focusing on coaches and managers in grassroots football clubs, the project raises awareness, fosters competence, and develops strategies to eradicate racism from the beautiful game. With a comprehensive approach at its core, this inspiring initiative aspires to create a lasting impact on players, grassroots football, and the wider sporting community. 

Promoting inclusion in football is to be placed at the top of the priority list of big organisations. This is the start of the fundamental change; it means acknowledging where we are today and what we want to achieve. Actions and implementations will be much easier. 

-Clarence Seedorf, board member of UEFA Foundation for Children 

It was important for the Foundation to be part of this project in collaboration with the European Commission. We all know about discrimination and the existence of abuses in football. It is great to be able to rely on scientifical research to come up with responses in promoting inclusion in our beautiful sport. 

-Urs Kluser, general secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children 

The project uses a comprehensive multidimensional approach based on five axes:

1. Enhancing awareness and competences

One of the core objectives of the TACKLE initiative is to empower football coaches and managers operating in grassroots football to proactively manage and prevent racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance. By providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills, the project aims to equip these individuals with the tools to effectively address and eradicate racist behaviours within their clubs. Through workshops, seminars, and interactive training sessions, participants can enhance their awareness and competencies in dealing with these critical issues.

2. Prevention and mitigation of racism incidents

The TACKLE project also recognises the importance of prevention and a proactive approach when it comes to anti-racism measures. To achieve this, extensive research was conducted to examine and analyse the current realities, challenges, and gaps related to the presence of racist behaviours and incidents. The findings were used to identify effective approaches and policies that could be implemented to address the issue at its core. By adopting a proactive stance, the project aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, promoting equal opportunities and fostering respect and understanding among diverse communities.

3. The TACKLE Toolkit

The TACKLE toolkit consists of best practices to tackle racism specifically within the context of youth and amateur football. It serves as a guide for coaches, managers, and stakeholders, offering practical strategies and actionable steps to address and prevent racist incidents effectively. By promoting the widespread adoption of these best practices, the TACKLE project aims to create a collective effort to combat racism, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious grassroots football community.

4. E-Learning Platform and Curriculum

Providing information and resources to tackle racism and abuse is key. Therefore, an e-learning platform is available to all and provides instant access to the project's full suite of materials and digital learning resources. Coaches, managers, and interested individuals can access the curriculum, which is specially designed to cater to the needs of grassroots football. Through interactive modules, quizzes, and multimedia content, learners can deepen their understanding of racism in football and acquire practical skills to tackle the issue effectively. The e-learning platform serves as a centralised space for information, promoting continuous learning and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

5. Partnerships and cooperation

The TACKLE project's impact extends beyond national borders through the organisation of multiple events in participating countries. These events bring together key stakeholders, including coaches, managers, football associations, and community leaders, to raise awareness about the severe impact of racism on players, grassroots football, and sports in general. By fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the TACKLE initiative aims to create a network of like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to eradicating racism from football.

Led by the Centre for the Advancement of Research and Development in Educational Technology (CARDET), the project consortium includes NGO KMOP, the Irish Spectrum Research Centre, the FARE network, the University of Pitesti in Romania, the Institute of Development in Cyprus, and the UEFA Foundation for Children. This collaboration ensures a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in addressing racism, discrimination, and intolerance in grassroots football.

Nyon, Switzerland - June 23rd: Tackle Conference - Tackling Racism and Discrimination in Football, at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on June 23rd 2023. (Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission (Erasmus+ Project Number: 622561-EPP-1-2020-1-CY-SPO-SCP).