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 Turkey 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).

Winners of the 2023 UEFA Foundation for Children award announced.

Winners of the 2023 UEFA Foundation for Children award announced.

The €1m award has been shared equally among 23 organisations recognised for their outstanding efforts to support vulnerable children.

Each year, the UEFA Foundation honours charitable organisations for their outstanding contributions to supporting vulnerable and marginalised children while adhering to the foundation's charter and code of ethics. This year, the €1m of the foundation prestigious award was shared between 23 organisations that excelled in this respect. A total of 101 organisations have benefited from this additional funding since the awards were introduced in 2017.

"On behalf of UEFA, I would like to express my sincere admiration for our award winners, for their tireless efforts and dedication, which have significantly impacted children's lives. Through their selfless work, they have become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless children, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential," said Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president and chair of the foundation’s board of trustees.

"The impact of their work extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries, as it has a ripple effect on families, communities, and society as a whole, laying the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future."

The recipients of the 2023 UEFA Foundation for Children award are listed below:

 
Charity recommended by Award winner
Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR)
Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) FFBÖ Liga Cup
Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) Football Development Foundation
Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) Juna Foot
Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation (BHFF) Fudbalski klub RESPEKT (Football Club Respekt), Sarajevo
Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) Social Management Bulgara
Croatian Football Federation (HNS) Zaklada Vatreno Srce (Fiery Heart Foundation)
Cyprus Football Association (CFA) Hope For Children
Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) Special Olympics Czech Republic
Danish Football Association (DBU) UNICEF
English Football Association (The FA) The Wheelchair Football Association (The WFA)
Football Association of Finland (SPL) Me-säätiö (We Foundation) – FC Meltsi
German Football Association (DFB) Spirit of Football e.V. "Ein Ball, eine Welt
Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) Silver Boot Football Academy for Hearing-impaired Young People Foundation
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Calciosociale (Social Football)
Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Futbolo klubas Ataka
Football Association of Moldova (FMF) AO Sunshine
Irish Football Association (IFA) Irish FA Foundation
Polish Football Association (PZPN Amp Futbol Polska
Romanian Football Federation (FRF) Asociaţia Casa Bună (Good House Association)
Scottish Football Association (SFA) Scottish Para-Football
Swiss Football Association (SFA) PluSport
Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) UAF’s projects for people with disabilities

 

 

Call for projects 2023

The UEFA Foundation for Children is pleased to announce that the 2023 call for projects will open on 1 July.

Applicants are invited to submit their projects through the dedicated platform accessible on the foundation's official website.

Each project must be consistent with the foundation's core principle of supporting children and upholding their rights and opportunities in various areas, including access to sports, health, education, personal development, integration of minorities, employability, and infrastructure and equipment.

It should be noted that the foundation's support extends beyond projects based in Europe.

The board will carefully review all projects submitted and will select the projects to support during its next meeting, scheduled for November.

Meet and greet with Bijzondere Eredivisie

Prior to their meeting, the board members had the opportunity to meet with participants of the Netherlands’ Bijzondere Eredivisie (Special Premier League) and their parents. This initiative sees children with disabilities taking part in training and competitions within professional clubs, making their dream of playing for their favourite club a reality. The board felt honoured to hear about the children’s experiences, and these exchanges provided profound insights into the significance of the support that the foundation and its partners offer and its direct impact on the lives of these children and their families.

On behalf of UEFA, I would like to express my sincere admiration for our award winners, for their tireless efforts and dedication, which have made a significant impact in the lives of children. Through their selfless work, they have become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless children, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

The impact of their work extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries, as it has a ripple effect on families, communities, and society as a whole, laying the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future."

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president and chair of the foundation’s board of trustees

FedEx Express and UEFA Foundation invite referee mascots coming from the earthquake zone to the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.

FedEx Express and UEFA Foundation invite referee mascots coming from the earthquake zone to the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The “Championing an Inclusive Future through football” programme delivered by FedEx continues to benefit Bonyan Organization, Türkiye.

FedEx Express, an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, continues its tradition of collaborating with UEFA Foundation for Children to offer memorable experiences to children enrolled in sporting programmes of local non-profit organisations.

The local non-profit organisation, Bonyan Organization, was invited to select three children to accompany the match officials at the prestigious UEFA Champions League final at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Türkiye between Manchester City FC and FC Internazionale Milano.

This latest opportunity from FedEx extends its social responsibility programme, which highlights social challenges faced by the host countries of the UEFA Champions League finals.

The Championing an Inclusive Future through Football programme runs alongside the company’s sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League. It involves offering financial support to non-profit organisations using football as a tool to promote inclusiveness among communities in cities where the UEFA Champions League finals are held - Paris in 2022, Istanbul in 2023 and London in 2024.

After the terrible earthquake that caused devastation in Türkiye and Syria last February, Bonyan Organization was the ideal partner as they work precisely in these regions. The three referee mascots that are making the trip from Sanliurfa to Istanbul are set to have a unique experience and unforgettable memories.

"Our sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League gives us an opportunity to lend charity organisations a stage", said Brenda McWilliams-Piatek, vice-president of communications, brand and marketing operations for FedEx Express Europe. “This collaboration allows us to provide a much needed platform to raise awareness of the great work they do”. 

We express our sincere gratitude to FedEx Express and UEFA Foundation for Children for their invaluable partnership in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. Together, we have provided essential aid, raised awareness, and showcased the crucial work of Bonyan Organization. This collaboration strengthens our resolve to serve communities in need. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact on people's lives."     Tarek Alfaraj, programme manager at Bonyan Organization.

Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children added: “Thanks to the unwavering support from FedEx for many years, children from local organisations in the host cities have benefited from activities and support. This spirit of solidarity has been further reinforced this year and we hope to be able to restore hope and illuminate the faces of our young fans”.

 

Link to the project HERE

About FedEx

Project partner

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $92 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively, and innovating digitally under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its nearly 600,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

 

About Bonyan Organization

Project Partner

Bonyan Organization’s project promotes well-being, social cohesion, and safety among refugees and their host communities by leveraging the power of football and sports to foster peaceful coexistence. The project will target 4,000 children representing different ethnicities and regions, with an even split of Turkish and refugee children and of boys and girls.

Bonyan is active in Türkiye - Sanliurfa, Akcakala, Izmir, Gazientep, Istanbul, Mardin - and in Syria - Aleppo, Raqqa, Hassaka, Edlip.

 

UEFA announce fundraising activities to support earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria

UEFA announce fundraising activities to support earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria

During the week of the upcoming UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, the UEFA Foundation for Children will be collecting donations to aid those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in the two countries.

Ahead of the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul on 10 June, UEFA – in close collaboration with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) – have announced a series of fundraising activities as well as logistical and moral support to help people who were affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria last February. This follows an initial donation of €200,000 by UEFA and its partner, the UEFA Foundation for Children, to support the vast humanitarian operation assisting the victims through a dedicated Earthquake Fund. UEFA’s member associations also supported the fundraising initiative with over €900,000 worth of donations.

Fundraising and support activities around the final will include:

  • Fans and visitors at this year’s UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul will be invited to “tap-to-donate” with terminals provided by Mastercard, which will be available at the UEFA Champions Festival, Atatürk Olympic Stadium and Fan Zones. The proceeds of the donations will support a joint UEFA Foundation/Mastercard project in Turkey.
  • A free concert, where artists will call to action to “tap-to-donate” will be held on Sunday 11 June at the UEFA Champions Festival at Yenikapı Park. Local leading artist Ferman Akgül and Can Şengün Orchestra & Friends will host some of the finest Turkish musicians on the main stage, starting from 19:00. No tickets are required to enter the festival area and concert.
  • In addition to the “tap-to-donate” terminals, people will be able to make a donation via a QR code.
  • As part of the UEFA Foundation’s ongoing work to support those affected, some children affected by the earthquakes will accompany the players – as part of the Mastercard Player Mascot activation - and the refereeing team - as part of the FedEx Referee Mascot activation -  at the final onto the pitch. The UEFA Foundation will also provide the chance for two groups of children from the affected region to attend the official team training sessions of both finalists, Manchester City FC and FC Internazionale Milano, on the day before the match at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
  • Since spectators are not allowed to bring coins into stadiums in Türkiye as per local regulations, any coins removed prior to entry to the final will also be donated to the Earthquake Fund in support of those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

The donations will be distributed by the UEFA Foundation for Children in close collaboration with the TFF to a variety of partners who are actively assisting affected communities. These partners are offering mental health support to children through football-related initiatives and aiding the rehabilitation of children who suffered severe injuries due to the earthquakes.

 

UEFA

Joint partner

Lay’s RePlay sustainable pitch opens in Egypt

Lay’s RePlay sustainable pitch opens in Egypt

The UEFA Foundation for Children and Lay’s bring joy to the Manshyiet Nasser community in Cairo, Egypt with a new football pitch made of recycled bags of chips.

The UEFA Foundation for Children, PepsiCo Egypt, Common Goal, Aspire and the Association for the Protection of the Environment from Pollution (A.P.E) partnered up to create a first-of-its-kind sustainable football pitch in Cairo through the recycling of empty chip packets.

Egypt becomes the latest country to benefit from the Lay’s RePlay initiative, following the opening of six similar sustainable football pitches in South Africa, England, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and the US over the past few months.

This is a fantastic way to bring children together in a safe place and give them access to sport through the Chipsy RePlay pitch. It creates strong bonds between children. Together, we have created a place to inspire young people and teach them the values of respect, discipline, and teamwork through the magic of football

- Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

The opening ceremony took place in Manshyiet Nasser and was attended by members of the local community and former Egyptian football stars Mido, Mohamed Zidan, Mohamed Nagy Gedo and Sayed Mouawad.

At PepsiCo, we believe that creating a brighter tomorrow starts with fostering community power. This belief lies at the core of everything we do, and it drives us to bring joy to the Egyptian community one chip and one bag at a time. Building upon decades of experience bringing people together with a game, we are proudly introducing Chipsy RePlay #ChangetheGame, creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing space for the Egyptian community to enjoy the beauty of football, while minimizing the environmental impact. Our vision goes beyond creating just a planet-positive pitch, we are working with local partners to build spaces and programmes that can deliver long-term positive impact and make actual change for generations to come.

-Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo North Africa

I am honored to be part of RePlay, a project that is providing communities across the globe with the opportunity to fall in love with football, just like I did. As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of sports, I know how important it is to give everyone, especially youth the chance to discover their potential and pursue their dreams. RePlay is making that possible, and I am proud to be a part of it. Together, we can inspire the next generation and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and enjoy the beauty of the game.

-Mido, Former Egyptian international and Lay’s RePlay ambassador

Mr. Tamer Isaac, Co-Founder of Aspire, said “At Aspire we believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to explore their talents and witness the power of possibilities. Sports can provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills, build confidence, and engage with their communities. Our hope is that this pitch, with the support of our partners, will make a difference and become a guiding light in Mansheyet Nasser, illuminating the path towards a brighter future.”

Syada Greiss, head of APE’s board of directors, stated “Ever since the establishment of the Association for the Protection of the Environment in the community of Mansheyet Nasser, every possible effort was exerted to improve living standards and livelihoods of families particularly women through interventions in education, health and income generation. This initiative comes in line with the Association’s sustainable programs and highlights the private sector’s role in driving positive impact for local communities.”

The new pitch is part of a broader partnership between PepsiCo Egypt, A.P.E and Aspire, to develop educational-sporting programmes that offer support to the local community and drive positive change by creating a sense of belonging, increasing engagement, fostering safety, and granting access to sports.

 

About Lay's Replay

Project partner

Lay's RePlay is a global initiative led by Lay's global brand, which was introduced in 2021 with the establishment of a sustainable RePlay pitch in South Africa.

The initial project garnered positive responses from local communities, resulting in the creation of additional RePlay football fields across different countries. These fields have provided support to over 20,000 community members thus far, and the initiative is expected to expand in the coming years.

Utilising cutting-edge sustainable technology, Lay’s RePlay pitches breathes new life into discarded chip bags, accounting for 32% of the pitch's composition. Additionally, the turf and shockpad layer are entirely recyclable. Every aspect of RePlay pitches, from material selection to installation, is meticulously designed to minimise environmental impact, preserve biodiversity, and benefit local communities in each respective country.

UEFA donates funds to help earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria

UEFA and UEFA Foundation for Children donate funds to help earthquake victims ​​​​in Türkiye and Syria

UEFA TO PAY TRIBUTE AT ALL UEFA CLUB COMPETITION MATCHES NEXT WEEK

UEFA and its partner, the UEFA Foundation for Children, have made an initial donation of €200,000 to support the vast humanitarian operation assisting victims of last Monday’s two devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

UEFA has made a donation of €150,000 to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), while the Foundation has committed €50,000 to the Bonyan Organization and Tiafi (Team international Assistance for Integration), two non-governmental organisations working on the frontlines of the disaster response in southern Türkiye and Syria.

European football’s governing body is also coordinating efforts by its member associations to contribute to a joint UEFA-UEFA Foundation disaster relief fund.

"UEFA is making this initial donation to help the immediate humanitarian response to this horrendous tragedy," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin on Friday.

"I also want to thank our member associations for their quick and compassionate reaction and support offered to those affected by this terrible event."

UEFA is also exploring the organisation of additional fund-raising activities during this season’s Champions League Final week, which will take place in Istanbul in June. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

In a further show of European football’s support for Türkiye and Syria, UEFA has also announced that a moment of silence will be observed before kick-off at all of its club competition matches next week in respect for victims of the earthquakes.

To date, the 6 February earthquakes have claimed more than 20,000 lives and left tens of thousands of people without shelter in freezing winter temperatures.

Related links

UEFA : uefa.com
Tiafi: tiafi.org
Bonyan Organization: bonyan.ngo

partner

From packs to pitches: Sabritas RePlay arrives in Iztapalapa

From packs to pitches: Sabritas RePlay arrives in Iztapalapa

The global initiative giving packaging a new purpose brings a new pitch to Iztapalapa

For several years, the Mexican crisp brand Sabritas, (a subsidiary of PepsiCo) has focused on building strong ties with the football community, and now it has joined the global RePlay initiative, created by Lay’s in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children and the Fútbol Más Foundation, to give a second life to Sabritas packs while filling the world with smiles for all and generating positive results for the planet and people.

To this end, Sabritas has partnered with the Fútbol Más Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation Mexico and the UEFA Foundation for Children to build a new pitch in the community of Iztapalapa. This football field will host sports programmes and workshops led by the Fútbol Más Foundation with a view to motivating young people in four key ways: creating a sense of belonging, increasing commitment, promoting the safety of the community and guaranteeing access to sport.

“More than a football pitch, we have built a space that brings joy to the community where they can come together and enjoy moments of fun, happiness, motivation, and empowerment while promoting inclusion and sports. We are immensely proud of this initiative; it is an opportunity to continue to encourage positive change for the people and their environment. With this pitch, we seek to bring to life our brand’s purpose of bringing joy to communities by combining a passion for football with a social cause and creating a space where everyone can play and grow,” commented Hernán Tantardini, vice-president of Sabritas.

Ignacio Gomez, executive director of Fútbol Más in Mexico, added: “We are so excited to give a new life to this pitch, and now it’s time to start executing our educational sporting programmes to provide tailor-made support to the local community and drive positive change for generations to come.”

RePlay is a global initiative launched by the Lay’s brand in 2021 with the creation of the first sustainable RePlay pitch in South Africa. Having seen its positive social impact, the corporation set out to create more all over the world. RePlay pitches have already been built in Italy, Brazil, the UK and Mexico and more countries will follow in the coming years.

“Few things are as inspiring as putting sports at the service of communities. Here at the UEFA Foundation for Children, we believe that this is essential to ensure the holistic development of young people, especially those who grow up in underprivileged communities. With this in mind, RePlay has become one of our most consistent programmes, and bringing this new pitch to Mexico allows us to continue spreading our message,” said Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

Oribe Peralta, a UEFA Ambassador and one of Mexico’s best-known football players, attended the inauguration event and shared his thoughts on this joyful occasion for the local community:

"It's an honour to be supporting the launch of the Sabritas RePlay pitch. I am sure this pitch will have a positive impact, uniting the community through the power of football, helping them to learn, grow, develop confidence and teamwork, and of course have fun. I have been able to experience first-hand the impact that sports can have on people's lives, and thanks to this initiative, people will be able to find in football a safe and fun place.”

Finally, the event had a special surprise for the community with the visit of the UEFA Champions League trophy (known locally as the ‘Orejona’), one of the world’s most revered football trophies. Special guests and members of the local community were able to take photos of the trophy and enjoyed an afternoon spent participating in the different activities that will bring smiles and joy to this renewed space.

It's an honour to be supporting the launch of the Sabritas RePlay pitch. I am sure this pitch will have a positive impact, uniting the community through the power of football, helping them to learn, grow, develop confidence and teamwork, and of course have fun. I have been able to experience first-hand the impact that sports can have on people's lives, and thanks to this initiative, people will be able to find in football a safe and fun place.”

- Oribe Peralta, UEFA Ambassador

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 more than $79bn in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio 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 $1bn each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is its vision to be the global leader in beverages and convenient foods by winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is the corporation’s strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people.

About Fútbol Más

Project Partner

Fútbol Más aims to promote the well-being of children and young people by strengthening their resilience processes, forming meaningful bonds and promoting community cohesion through games and sports. Its values are respect, joy, creativity, responsibility and teamwork. Present in 11 countries, it has developed 172 school, neighbourhood and corporate volunteering programmes, reaching more than 27 000 children and young people around the world.

 

UEFA Foundation for Children supports 65 humanitarian projects around the world

UEFA Foundation for Children supports 65 humanitarian projects around the world

 

The total amount granted will surpass €4.9m

The UEFA Foundation for Children's board of trustees has allocated funding to 65 projects supporting the rights of children and young people worldwide.

In addition to 30 different European projects and special funding for the Ukraine response, the foundation will support 12 projects in Africa, 12 in Asia, seven in Central and South America, and two in Oceania. It will also continue to partner with Lay's on the building of new pitches for children in particularly deprived locations. The total value of funding provided by the foundation this season will be more than €4.9m.

"We often say how powerful the impact of football on our lives is, but the work of our Foundation for Children illustrates that in the best possible way,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, who chaired the board’s meeting on Wednesday. "Together with our partners, we are proud to announce that next year we will deliver 65 projects, which should enable a greater number of children across the globe to enjoy the magic of football while also offering them hope for a better tomorrow."

The list of NGOs selected from the 2022 call for projects is as follows:

Organisation

Countries

EUROPE
Save the Children Albania
NGO Bridge of Hope Armenia
Genesis Project Bosnia and Herzegovina
Football Friends Bosnia and Herzegovina
Udruga Za Sport, Rekreaciju i Edukaciju – Igre mladih Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia
INEX – Association for Voluntary Activities Czech Republic
OM Foundation France
Sport dans la Ville France
HÁWAR.help Germany /Iraq
Lesbos community Greece
Amigos a gyerekekért Hungary
Sport Against Racism Ireland Ireland
Katamon Moadon Ohadim Israel
CREI ACLI Sardegna (Comitato Regionale Emigrazione Immigrazione) Italy
KFV Prishtina Kosovo
Vilnius Social Club Lithuania
NGO Parents Montenegro
KLABU Netherlands
European Amputee Football Federation Poland
United Way Romania Romania
Development Center for Youth Serbia
Fundación Grandes Valores Spain
Fondation IdéeSport Switzerland
PluSport Switzerland
Bonyan Organization Turkey
Everton in the Community United Kingdom
Rio Ferdinand Foundation United Kingdom
Scottish Football Partnership Trust United Kingdom
Klitschko Foundation Ukraine
Shakhtar Social Ukraine

 

Organisation

Countries

REST OF THE WORLD
AFRICA
Exodos Ljubljana Burkina Faso
Play for Change Democratic Republic of the Congo
Terre des hommes Egypt
Busajo Onlus Ethiopia
Association Kenskoazell Afrika Ivory Coast
Water4Wildlife Maasai Mara Foundation Kenya
Libre Vue Mali
Altus Sport South Africa
Karibu Tanzania Organization Tanzania
CIELO Togo
International Organization for Migration Tunisia
Aliguma Foundation Uganda
ASIA
Action for Development Afghanistan
Spirit of Soccer Cambodia
Plan International Hong Kong China
ASA Foundation Indonesia
Palestine: Sports for Life Iraq
Association Football Development Programme Global Jordan
Institute for Youth Development Kyrgyzstan
AFLEG Massoud Achkar Lebanon
Aspire Penang Malaysia
FundLife International Philippines
Street Child Sri Lanka
Helpcode Italia Yemen
CENTRAL and SOUTH AMERICA
Fundación GOLEES Costa Rica
GOALS Haiti Haiti
ChildFund International Bolivia
Inter Futura Colombia/Venezuela
Fundación Athletic Club Peru
Mulokot Foundation Suriname
Gurises Unidos Uruguay
OCEANIA
All In: Girls Play Pacific islands
Football United Pacific islands

The board of trustees also received an update on ongoing projects and on the impact of the foundation's support for child victims of the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the board members expressed gratitude to the European football community, which had supported numerous initiatives to support Ukraine and neighbouring countries affected by the humanitarian crisis.

 

Andrea Radrizzani joins the UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees

The UEFA Foundation for Children is proud to announce the appointment of Andrea Radrizzani as a new member of the board of trustees. As well as being the chair of Leeds United, Radrizzani is one of the world’s leading sports media entrepreneurs and the founder of Play for Change, an international sport and development non-profit aiming to help marginalised and at-risk youth, particularly in the developing world.

Commenting on his appointment, Radrizzani said: “It is a great honour and privilege to take a seat on the UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees. I am dedicated to having a positive impact on children’s lives using the power of football and sport, and I look forward to harnessing my experience in cooperation with the other trustees to deliver a better future for our younger generations.”

The next board meeting is scheduled to take place on 3 June 2023 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

 

 

UEFA Foundation for Children Board Meeting 2022 (4)

Andrea Radrizzani joins the UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees

 

 

 

Visa donates €50,000 to UEFA Foundation-backed charity selected by Amandine Henry

Visa donates €50,000 to UEFA Foundation-backed charity selected by Amandine Henry

The Player of the Match in the 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League final has selected Sport dans la Ville to receive a €50,000 donation from Visa.

Olympique Lyonnais (OL) midfielder Amandine Henry has directed a €50,000 donation from Visa to Sport dans la Ville, a French charity supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children. An official award ceremony will be organised the 14th of September, on the OL campus in the presence of the association Sport dans la Ville.

Henry paved the way to OL’s 3-1 victory over FC Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final back in May when she scored the first goal of the game in the sixth minute. Named Player of the Match by Visa, which sponsors UEFA’s women’s football competitions, she was given the opportunity to choose one of the 245 charities supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children to receive the prize money.

 

Making a difference on and off the pitch

"I am very happy to have been awarded Player of the Match at the UEFA Women’s Champions League final," Henry said. "My contribution to my team's victory has been recognised, which gives me real satisfaction, but I am also delighted to be able to contribute off the pitch."

"Thanks to Visa's commitment, I was able to choose an organisation that I hold in high regard. Sport dans la Ville does great work in Lyon and throughout France. Giving them such a significant donation will improve the conditions of access to sport for many young people. Considering what sport has enabled me to achieve, it means a lot to me."

Sport dans la Ville, a long-standing partner of the UEFA Foundation, works with young and disadvantaged children in marginalised neighbourhoods across France to help them achieve a better life through sports by offering mentoring and entrepreneurship programmes. Founded in 1998, the charity currently operates in 46 urban areas and has supported more than 12,000 at-risk youths across the country.

Visa is also partnering with Sport dans la Ville in underserved areas of Seine-Saint-Denis on a programme promoting the practice of sports among young people to lead healthier lives and develop the tools they need to perform better academically.

 

Sports and football to empower girls

Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children, is delighted with Visa’s contribution, saying: “I thank VISA and Amandine for this donation. It is a nice link between women’s football and the foundation’s activity. It will not only make a difference to a meaningful project but will also promote our shared values, such as the passion for the game and equal opportunities.”

The UEFA Foundation for Children uses football as a springboard to empower children around the world. This is achieved by setting up sporting and educational projects that give children a safe place to learn and play, which ultimately improves their prospects.

"I want to thank Visa and Amandine on behalf of the entire Sport dans la Ville association for this very generous donation," said Nicholas Eschermann, president of Sport dans la Ville. "Visa is a trusted partner and we are very happy to have been able to count on their support for several years now."

 

Visa dedicated to women's football

“Visa's ongoing support for women's football provides a platform to recognise current athletes and inspire future ones and aims to make a small yet robust contribution to the globally growing movement for gender equality and women's empowerment. As partners of Sport dans la Ville, we are especially happy to see that they will receive this donation enabling them to keep supporting children through sports,” says Juan Herrera, Visa’s head of marketing for France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

In December 2018, UEFA announced a landmark seven-year partnership with Visa, who thus became the first ever UEFA sponsor dedicated to women's football.

The landmark agreement made Visa a main partner of the UEFA Women's Champions League, UEFA Women's EURO, European Women's Under-19 and Under-17 Championships and UEFA Women's Futsal EURO until 2025. Visa also collaborates on UEFA's Together #WePlayStrong marketing initiative, which is aimed at getting more girls and women to play football.

I am very happy to have been awarded Player of the Match at the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. My contribution to my team's victory has been recognised, which gives me real satisfaction, but I am also delighted to be able to contribute off the pitch. Thanks to Visa's commitment, I was able to choose an organisation that I hold in high regard. Sport dans la Ville does great work in Lyon and throughout France. Giving them such a significant donation will improve the conditions of access to sport for many young people. Considering what sport has enabled me to achieve, it means a lot to me.

- Amandine Henry, midfielder at Olympique Lyonnais

FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Women's Champions League Final 2021/22
Olympique Lyonnais Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Women's Champions League Final 2021/22

About Visa

Project partner

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.fr or visit our blog

 

Lionel Messi, Mastercard’s global football ambassador, launches new campaign to raise funds for children’s health and education

Lionel Messi, Mastercard’s global football ambassador, launches new campaign to raise funds for children’s health and education

We partner with Mastercard to support Save the Children organisation ahead of UEFA Champions League Group Stage

5 September 2022, Nyon – Footballing legend Lionel Messi has kicked off a new fundraising campaign with Mastercard supporting Save the Children, that sees him in a new video reflect on how football gave him the opportunities that many children are deprived of.

Link to donate

The campaign will promote sports and educational activities as driving forces for change in UK, Italy and Spain. Messi will be joined by global Mastercard ambassadors Jordan Henderson, Giorgio Chiellini and Álvaro Morata.

This partnership will support Save the Children in the new initiative that aims to help children in poverty realise their potential through the power of football, other sports and educational activities, such as literacy and the arts.

Messi is joined by some of the best footballers from the UK, Italy and Spain to drive donations and support local children in each of their countries. Liverpool captain and England midfielder Jordan Henderson heads up the UK’s programme, which aims to help disadvantaged children under 16 access free activities throughout the 2023 summer holidays. Encouraging young people to build life skills and engage in ongoing learning and development is a core part of Save the Children’s work, and UK donations will help support 600 families and over 1,000 children in Manchester and North Tyneside.

Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini launches the campaign next week among his fans, aiming to raise funds to enable children and young adults in the country’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods to access Punti Luce education centres that promote free access to educational activities, a healthy diet and provide a broad range of sport and activity workshops, from football to volleyball and sailing – activities that would otherwise be completely inaccessible to those living in deprived and underserved neighborhoods.

In Spain, international and Atlético Madrid striker Álvaro Morata is driving donations to support 220 children in poverty and at risk of social exclusion. The holistic programme will see them given psychological support while providing opportunities to play sport and study values and creativity.

Giancarla Pancione Marketing and Fundraising Director at Save the Children Italy, said  “The number of children and teenagers in poverty throughout Europe dramatically rose in the last decade. This amplifies educational inequalities and penalises the future of the most disadvantaged girls, boys and teenagers, who are paying the heaviest price. This partnership is a way of joining forces and putting our best resources at their service, in order to fulfill their potential and built a brighter future.”

Mastercard is supporting the programmes by providing the technology to allow people to donate to the cause, and matching donations up to €300,000. The campaign forms part of Mastercard’s Cause Enablement work, in which it is transforming the digital donation world to make it easier for charities to connect donors to causes, and make seamless giving possible for everyone, everywhere. The donation widgets will be accessible through links from the ambassador, Mastercard, and partner social media channels as well as through ad banners on UEFA.com and Priceless.com editorial.

“At Mastercard, we have long believed in using our business for good. It’s hugely important to us that our technology and networks can power giving for sustainable impact,” said Jeannette Liendo, Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Europe. “We’re so proud of this campaign and hope it, and our brilliant global ambassadors will help to drive home the message that any child can aim for the stars as long as they have the right resources behind them.”

Urs Kluser, General Secretary at the UEFA Foundation for Children, said “This generous support from Mastercard will make a big difference to the programme beneficiaries. It will allow more children in need to grow up healthy, to have access to education and sport, and get a chance for a better future.”

At Mastercard, we have long believed in using our business for good. It’s hugely important to us that our technology and networks can power giving for sustainable impact, We’re so proud of this campaign and hope it, and our brilliant global ambassadors will help to drive home the message that any child can aim for the stars as long as they have the right resources behind them.

- Jeannette Liendo, Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Europe

Donations can be made via the ambassador posts, on the official UEFA Club Competitions Online Store on UEFA.com, or by clicking on the links through Mastercard and Save The Children social media channels plus Priceless.com

 

About Mastercard

Project partner

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

About Save the Children

Project Partner

At Save the Children, we want every child to have a future. We work every day with passion, determination and professionality in Italy and around the world to give children the opportunity to be born and grow up healthy, receive an education and be protected. When an emergency breaks out, we are among the first to arrive and the last to leave. We work with local realities and partners to create a network that helps us to meet the needs of children, guarantee their rights and listen to their voices. We concretely improve the lives of millions of children, including those most difficult to reach. For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting to save children at risk and guarantee them a future.

UEFA Foundation will assist 15 ECA member clubs retained to receive assistance from the ECA relief programme

UEFA Foundation will assist 15 ECA member clubs retained to receive assistance from the ECA relief programme

ECA partners with UEFA Foundation to implement this humanitarian initiative to help Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict

The ECA Ukraine Relief Committee has approved applications for financial assistance from 15 member clubs for projects they are conducting to assist children and families displaced by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The ECA Ukraine Relief Committee was set up to review applications from member clubs who are implementing concrete and effective humanitarian actions to support the integration and development of those affected by the war in Ukraine. ECA chairman Nasser Al­Khelaifi first announced the availability of the €1m ECA relief fund during his speech on 28 March at the at the 27th ECA General Assembly in Vienna.

Having been approved first by the Ukraine Relief Committee and then by the UEFA Foundation for Children, the 15 projects received the sums requested from the foundation. Donations were granted at an amont between €25,000 and €50,000 per club.

The value of the donations allocated to the 15 clubs comes to a combined total of €680,000, leaving €320,000 available in the relief fund for distribution in the future. An update will be given at the forthcoming ECA General Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, and a second-round call for projects from member clubs is expected to follow soon.

Commenting on the allocation of funds to the 15 clubs, Dariusz Mioduski, ECA vice-chairman and chairman of the Ukraine Relief Committee, said:

“At ECA we were all extremely concerned by the realities of hardship being suffered by the many refugees fleeing the tragic situation in Ukraine. I am very pleased, therefore, that our Ukraine Relief Committee was able to approve a total of 15 projects proposed by our member clubs, who will now receive the requested financial donations. This assistance will allow them to continue their good work supporting displaced Ukrainian children and families, bringing them much-needed assistance, human interaction and hope for the future. There is still a substantial amount left in the ECA Relief Fund and we expect a second call for projects from member clubs to be made in the near future.”

The 15 member clubs whose projects were approved are: AC Sparta Praha, Athletic Club, Celtic FC, FC Chikhura Sachkhere, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, FC Slovan Liberec, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Heart of Midlothian FC, Legia Warszawa, Maccabi Haifa F.C., Nõmme Kalju FC, SJK Seinäjoki, SK Slavia Praha, ŠK Slovan Bratislava, Trabzonspor AŞ.

At ECA we were all extremely concerned by the realities of hardship being suffered by the many refugees fleeing the tragic situation in Ukraine. I am very pleased, therefore, that our Ukraine Relief Committee was able to approve a total of 15 projects proposed by our member clubs, who will now receive the requested financial donations.

This assistance will allow them to continue their good work supporting displaced Ukrainian children and families, bringing them much-needed assistance, human interaction and hope for the future. There is still a substantial amount left in the ECA Relief Fund and we expect a second call for projects from member clubs to be made in the near future.”

- Dariusz Mioduski, ECA vice-chairman and chairman of the Ukraine Relief Committee

Football for everyone at UEFA Super Cup

Football for everyone at UEFA Super Cup

UEFA Foundation for Children joins forces with cerebral palsy football in Finland and charity Icehearts to involve local children in the Super Cup opening ceremony

For the UEFA Foundation for Children, the UEFA Super Cup is much more than the result on the pitch. It is an opportunity to support some inspirational local projects and give the children involved an evening they will never forget.

The match also provides a platform for messages of inclusion and hope that demonstrate football’s positive influence and how it gives even the most vulnerable children a brighter outlook on life.

"The UEFA Super Cup does not only offer football fans across Europe the chance to watch the world's biggest stars in the spectacular season opener. It also allows UEFA and its Foundation for Children to engage directly with local youth projects. Using the power of our beautiful sport, together we will remain a driving force for positive and lasting changes across Europe, raising awareness about children's problems and overcoming them", UEFA President and Chairman of UEFA Foundation for Children Aleksander Čeferin said. "Our Foundation looks forward to working alongside the Football Association of Finland on vital local grassroots projects focused on children's well-being, simultaneously offering the local youngsters beautiful memories and opportunities to enjoy football."

” We are very proud and happy that the UEFA Super Cup will be held in Finland and to see local children take part in this event. Together with UEFA and its Foundation for Children we will offer a unique lifetime experience to the young players and raise awareness of disability football”, Ari Lahti, President of the Football Association of Finland added.

The 2022 UEFA Super Cup will shine a spotlight on the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Football Association of Finland that is developing its youth section. Four children will be selected to be Mastercard player mascots lined up next to the Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt players. This unique opportunity means a lot to these youngsters and motivates them to aim higher and follow their dreams.

“The children selected for the Super Cup made an impression with their enthusiasm and skill in the first youth cerebral palsy football event held in May,” says CP football project coordinator Ville Sallinen. “They are very honoured, excited and a little bit nervous – but in a good way!”

 

To raise awareness ahead of the UEFA Super Cup night, the Football Association of Finland (SPL) and the CP Football Association will host a football event for young players with cerebral palsy and professional football players with and without cerebral palsy. There will be workshops and a demonstration of CP football.

“Disability football has been an important part of Finnish grassroots football for more than 25 years,” said Lasse Keski-Loppi, a grassroots expert at the SPL. “We are proud to have our grassroots programme showcased at the 2022 UEFA Super Cup. This year our association launched its own CP football programme to promote football for all in Finland. I am sure that the Super Cup will give the programme the visibility it needs at all levels. This CP programme for youngsters and young talents helps many new young players to participate in football and follow their football dreams. We all do share the same game.”

 

Meanwhile, 20 youngsters from the Icehearts association will play a key role in the opening ceremony, acting as central circle carriers. Icehearts prevents social exclusion, enhances social skills, and promotes the well-being of vulnerable children.

“When selecting the children to take part in the Super Cup, we wanted to reward those who have made special efforts in their studies and share a true passion for football,” says Karo Koivunen of Icehearts. “They are excited to be part of this magical moment – football is their life!”

The UEFA Super Cup does not only offer football fans across Europe the chance to watch the world's biggest stars in the spectacular season opener. It also allows UEFA and its Foundation for Children to engage directly with local youth projects. Using the power of our beautiful sport, together we will remain a driving force for positive and lasting changes across Europe, raising awareness about children's problems and overcoming them. Our Foundation looks forward to working alongside the Football Association of Finland on vital local grassroots projects focused on children's well-being, simultaneously offering the local youngsters beautiful memories and opportunities to enjoy football.

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

Icehearts MD-3 training
CP Players

Tournament for Solidarity in Lesvos

Tournament for Solidarity in Lesvos

Legends 2004 and UEFA Foundation for Children promote social integration through football

The Champions For Life NPC Legends 2004 football team and the UEFA Foundation for Children are gearing up to promote the values of football on and off the pitch on the Greek island of Lesvos.

#UnitedWePlay

 

On 9 July, the Mytilene municipal stadium will host local Under-12 football academies and young refugees for a football tournament in an atmosphere free from discrimination.

Legends 2004 is a Greek football team promoting the message that children can integrate through football, and sport in general, without discrimination, whether based on social background, gender, disabilities, race, religion, etc. In this particular event, local football academies will welcome young refugees into their teams and then compete against each other under the guidance and mentorship of the Legends, all champions from EURO 2004.

#WeStandForHope

 

Each of the Legends will take a team under his wing to inspire the young athletes and provide knowledge, experience, and advice, and then guide them and their coaches through a series of games, which will culminate in a small and a big final.

#UnitedTogether

 

This is a social event inspired by love, humanity, and solidarity, in which football unites the children and helps to ease the integration of people that have survived the harshest life circumstances.

#WeCanDoBetter

 

UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis, European Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas and UEFA Foundation for Children general secretary Urs Kluser will all be attending the tournament, sending a strong message of support for integration and solidarity through the dynamics of football.

#MakeADifference

**********

Media representatives who wish to attend the event on 9 July must register here: legends2004@legends2004.com

For additional questions please contact Apostolis Lampos, press officer : Lampostolis@hotmail.gr