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

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

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

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

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 28^th 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

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

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

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

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’, 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:

Tackle racial discrimination in football across Europe by providing innovative training across sporting ecosystems.
Improve the safety and well-being of young refugees and migrants by implementing sport-based integration sessions.
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

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

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," 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.

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

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 Türkiye.

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

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