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FedEx and UEFA Foundation invite Sport Dans Le Ville to put forward referee mascots at UEFA Champions League final in Paris

Once-in-a-lifetime experience for children from Sport Dans la Ville

Paris, 27 May 2022. -UEFA Champions League sponsor and express transportation company, FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), 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.

French organisation Sport dans la Ville (SDLV) has been invited to put forward three children, two boys and one girl aged 7-10, who will have the opportunity to accompany UEFA officials onto the field in front of more than 75,000 people at Stade de France in Paris this weekend.

“This is a great opportunity to be able to offer young people in our programs – it’s an experience unlike any other and one unlikely to ever come around again. For these children, this moment will help them feel visible as individuals alongside admired professional players and respected footballing officials. It’s a global stage for them, one that makes them feel appropriately equal, and a confidence-building memory they can take forward in their lives,” said Hélène Blondel, Director of partnerships at Sport Dans Le Ville.

The selected children will have the rare chance to watch the players from Liverpool and Real Madrid warm-up on the pitch and opportunity to savour the atmosphere of a live tournament in a football stadium that is local to them, but which the three chosen children have never been inside.

“The UEFA Foundation for Children is delighted that our collaboration continues as it began when FedEx became a sponsor of UEFA tournaments back in 2015. These apparently simple gestures, of donating opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them, has an immeasurable impact on the individuals themselves, and lends a platform for local charities, like SDLV, who are utilising football to support children’s rights and needs,” said Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

“The donation of referee mascot places at the UEFA Champions League Final is only one initiative, but notably the most visible, in our social responsibility collaboration between FedEx and the UEFA Foundation for Children. Throughout our sponsorship cycle we will continue as we have always intended – to utilise our position as a sponsor of professional football to fund charitable organisations working to advance social issues, such as diversity and inclusion, that affect the opportunities and sense of optimism among young people,” said Wouter Roels, SVP Marketing International, FedEx Express Europe.

The donation of referee mascot places to local non-profit organisations will continue throughout FedEx three-year sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League, offering similar opportunities to children in Istanbul, Turkey and London, UK via football-focused charities when the time rolls around.

A three-year social responsibility grant from FedEx to the UEFA Foundation will shortly be announced. The co-developed programme, Championing the Future, will provide financial support to charities in host-countries of the UEFA Champions League Finals, promoting diversity and equality among children and empowering them to become champions of a more inclusive future.

The donation of referee mascot places at the UEFA Champions League Final is only one initiative, but notably the most visible, in our social responsibility collaboration between FedEx and the UEFA Foundation for Children. Throughout our sponsorship cycle we will continue as we have always intended – to utilise our position as a sponsor of professional football to fund charitable organisations working to advance social issues, such as diversity and inclusion, that affect the opportunities and sense of optimism among young people.

- Wouter Roels, SVP Marketing International, FedEx Express Europe

About FedEx Corp.

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.

To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

About Sport dans la Ville

Project Partner

Founded in 1998, Sport dans la Ville is the main organisation in France promoting social and professional integration through sport. The organisation sets up and operates sports centres in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Its programmes help 8,500 young people find their place in society and enter the world of work.

Sport dans la Ville has created the following programmes to ensure every young person finds a route into employment:

L dans la Ville – a programme aimed at empowering and enhancing the employability of 2,000 young women.
Job dans la Ville – a programme that provides career guidance and employability training to 2,085 young people aged 15 and over.
Entrepreneurs dans la Ville – a start-up support programme that has led to the creation of 310 businesses since 2007.

https://www.sportdanslaville.com/

Mastercard player mascots take the centre stage at UEFA Champions League Final

After two years of virtual activation, the Mastercard player mascots will join the Champions League finalists on the pitch in Paris

Paris, 27 May 2022: Mastercard’s player mascot initiative will return in-person for the UEFA Champions League Final at the Stade de France, Paris, on May 28.

Mastercard Player Mascots initiative provides 22 young football fans with Priceless access to the UEFA Champions League Final. The children will fulfil their dreams by running onto the pitch and will be joined by some of the world’s best football players – from finalists Liverpool and Real Madrid – before watching the pinnacle of club football live.

This year, Mastercard is partnering with the UEFA Foundation to select the mascots that will take part in this year’s final. The UEFA Foundation will in turn work with Libraries Without Borders – an international NGO that supports vulnerable people through education, culture, and information – to offer this opportunity to children from vulnerable communities and young refugees that have recently arrived in France.

“We are delighted that Mastercard Player Mascots will be returning as an in-person experience for UEFA Champions League Final in Paris,” said Jeanette Liendo, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Europe. “Since we first sponsored the competition in 1994, its popularity continues to grow and the Final is now one of the most prestigious events on the global sporting calendar. We cannot wait to provide our chosen mascots with the matchday experience of a lifetime and the chance to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best players.”

“It is a pride for the foundation to bring children to this prestigious final” said Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “It is a unique lifetime experience that we can offer to children from our partners which will have a big impact on their future”.

"Libraries Without Borders is very proud to contribute to this operation, and glad to have the possibility to allow girls and boys with difficult backgrounds to dream. This moment will remain forever engraved in the memory of the children." said Edouard Delbende, BSF’s Director of Development & Communications.

Libraries Without Borders is very proud to contribute to this operation, and glad to have the possibility to allow girls and boys with difficult backgrounds to dream. This moment will remain forever engraved in the memory of the children.

- Edouard Delbende, BSF’s Director of Development & Communications.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: During the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Liverpool and Villarreal at Anfield on April 27, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - MAY 03: UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

About Mastercard

Project partner

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

www.mastercard.com

About Bibliothèques Sans Frontières

Project Partner

Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders) is a NGO that strengthens the capacity of people in vulnerable situations by facilitating access to education, culture, and information. In more than 50 countries, we create innovative cultural and learning spaces that allow those affected by crisis or precarity to learn, to play, to build communities, and to construct their futures.

https://www.bibliosansfrontieres.org/

Clarence Seedorf joins the UEFA Foundation for Children board

The football legend brings a global profile and more than 20 years' experience of working with charitable projects.

Seedorf, who remains the only player to have lifted the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs, has dedicated himself to social projects both during and after his playing career, using the power of sport to inspire positive change.

"We are delighted Clarence is joining the UEFA Foundation for Children family," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who is also chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

"Not only does he carry an inspirational story as one of the most successful footballers of his generation, he has continually used his experiences to help make the world a better place for others. Having Clarence on our team will be a huge benefit to the Foundation as we work together to improve the lives of disadvantaged children all over the world."

Giving back to communities

Seedorf, who speaks six languages and represented the Netherlands 87 times, added: "It's an honour and a pleasure to join the UEFA Foundation for Children. I have followed its activities closely and am very happy to join in support of its work.

"I have spoken with President Čeferin for some time and appreciate that he has embraced the idea of me joining the team. I hope we can enjoy this relationship for a long time, do some great things and give back to communities around the world."

Clarence, welcome to the UEFA Foundation for Children. How do you see your role on the board of trustees developing?

"I think joining the Foundation is a nice evolution of my relationship with UEFA which has been in place for some time, and together we understand the importance that football has in society and in the lives of kids.

"I’ve been involved in foundations for over 25 years, and that has given me great insight into what it takes to make an impact and create projects that make a difference.

"But first, I want to understand much better and learn from where the Foundation stands now and how I can bring my knowledge and experience on board in order to achieve the goals of the Foundation, and eventually, improve upon what is there now and bring added value as a team member. I really look forward to this and I am very proud of this appointment."

How important is it that players and sportspeople use their influence as a force for good?

"Well, many players actually are involved in charitable organisations, either their own or lending their name to other institutions or organisations.

"It's something very personal and some are more involved than others, some are visionary in what they do and involved in decision-making processes where others prefer to be more behind the scenes or low-key.

"Nobody has an obligation to run in front, but I think we all have an obligation to add value to all those who have given us so much over the years.

"I’ve always seen a lot of goodwill from players to participate in good causes and I’m just happy to continue my part in that without comparing or having expectations of others. I believe we should start with ourselves and try to put as much in as we can."

Who have been your own inspirations and role models through the course of your life?

"The first people are my parents, of course. They’ve always been very positive role models in my life. I would also say some of the teachers I had from school and in my football youth.

"Nelson Mandela, particularly, has always played and still plays a very central role in the core of my mission - enduring situations and starting a path for us to follow and to keep on pushing for those who are less privileged and for a more peaceful world.

"My belief is that peace comes through education, and education has to have, as a backbone, sports, especially in the early stages of life. These are the key elements I believe will change the world. And we have the capacity and the means to, as a team, make that difference.

"Having role models in life – and this is where we go back a little bit to players – I think that the role that players have today, even more than 20 years ago, is to be a positive role model and to be aware that kids are looking up to you and follow your actions and behaviours.

"Those role models have always continued to keep me on the right path – that spiritual path, actually, of giving and adding value where we can."

Mandela talked about the power of sport to inspire change in the world. How important can it be as a social tool?

"He was able to change the face of a whole country and the understanding of unity through sport. So, it’s just a very, very strong, efficient and effective tool when it’s used properly.

"That’s what I believe we should be aiming for: to create and embrace very strong and sustainable projects that use sport as a fundamental tool to improve the overall development and lives of young kids.

"Playing sport between the ages of five and 12 is scientifically proven to help with cognitive and creative development in kids – it should be a right for every child to have."

ATHENS, GREECE - MAY 23: Clarence Seedorf of Milan runs with the trophy in celebration following his teams 2-1 victory during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Liverpool and AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium on May 23, 2007 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty Images)

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 12: UEFA Global Ambassador for Diversity and Change Clarence Seedorf attends the Fare 2015 Barcelona Conference at Camp Nou on June 12, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Clarence Seedorf

UEFA Champions League Semi Final - Barcelona v AC Milan (2)

Sport, Football, UEFA Champions League Final, Athens, 23rd May 2007, AC Milan 2 v Liverpool 1, AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf celebrates with the trophy (Photo by Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

Clarence Seedorf joins UEFA Foundation for Children board

2022 awards reallocated to support Ukrainian children

Ahead of the UEFA Europa League final on 18 May, the UEFA Foundation for Children Board of Trustees met in Seville on the premises of Fundación Grandes Valores, an NGO supported by the foundation since January 2022.

Chaired by Aleksander Čeferin, this first session of the year opened with the election of a new board member, the most decorated Dutch player of all time, Clarence Seedorf, who has won domestic and continental titles while playing for clubs in the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Brazil. Clarence has been heavily involved in several social development projects over the past 20 years.

“It is a great honour for me to take a seat on the UEFA Foundation for Children Board of Trustees,” said Clarence Seedorf, four-time UEFA Champions League winner. “I look forward to being involved in decisions that make such a positive impact on the lives our future generation using sport and football.”

Meanwhile, Elkhan Mammadov, the general secretary of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, has decided to step down from his role as trustee. The board took the opportunity to thank him for his excellent work and support over the past five years.

2022 UEFA Foundation for Children awards

Due to the crisis in Ukraine, on 28 February, the Board of Trustees decided to allocate the 2022 UEFA Foundation for Children award funding to support for Ukrainian children displaced to neighbouring countries and internally. Initial assistance for Ukrainian children’s hospitals had been forwarded through the Moldovan Football Association on 2 March. The award money – €1 million – is currently being channelled to the neighbouring countries via the UEFA member associations in Moldova, Poland Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. In other years, these awards are a recognition for European children’s charities recommended by UEFA member associations.

2022 call for projects

Applicants for this year’s awards will be able to submit their projects between 27 June and 31 July. The criteria will be announced in due course and the selected projects will be unveiled at the next Board of Trustees meeting on 16 November.

The meeting ended with a presentation and a guided tour of the Grandes Valores project, a football programme for migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and children from vulnerable communities that aims to improve these youngsters’ physical and mental well-being, reduce inequalities and break down prejudice towards them.

It is a great honour for me to take a seat on the UEFA Foundation for Children Board of Trustees. I look forward to being involved in decisions that make such a positive impact on the lives our future generation using sport and football.

- Clarence Seedorf, board member of UEFA Founation for Children

Sevilla, Spain - MAY 18th: President and UEFA visit at the IES Albert Einstein Secondary School before the Europa League final 2022 on May 18 2022, in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

UEFA Europa League player mascots dressed by Engelbert Strauss

Kits made in the new Engelbert Strauss factory in Bangladesh

For the 2021/22 football season, Strauss became the official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League. Europe’s leading workwear brand is preparing to unveil the new player mascot kits at the UEFA Europa League final in Seville on 18 May.

Engelbert Strauss donated the 22 player mascot kits to German and Spanish children from Fundación Grande Valores to celebrate European diversity. Support from UEFA competition partners makes a big difference to the foundation’s work and includes exclusive events and opportunities.

“We’re delighted that Strauss is partnering with us to support the work of the UEFA Foundation for Children,“ says UEFA Foundation general secretary Urs Kluser. “We’re using the magic of football to bring hope to children all around the world.”

Guided by the same belief that nothing sustains more than education, the company is strongly committed to helping children and teenagers.

“Football brings joy and unites people, says Strauss CEO and brand director Henning Strauss. “And football kicks off positive change worldwide. We’re highlighting this with the UEFA Foundation for Children logo on our new finals kit – turning the strip into a statement.”

There are plans for more joint initiatives between the foundation and Strauss in the future, with a particular focus on Bangladesh, where the workwear company’s new CI factory is located and where Strauss supports local communities as it has done in manufacturing countries outside Germany for several years.

New production technology

As official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, Strauss will equip the player mascots with football kits created using cutting-edge clothing technology. One of the most ambitious aspects of the kit is its use of ‘energy waves’, the Europa League‘s iconic graphic motif. Thanks to brand new techniques pioneered in Bangladesh, these will be printed across seams without breaks, by welding and taping invisible seams, creating digital prototypes for 3D printing and composing new textile materials.

Football brings joy and unites people, and football kicks off positive change worldwide. We’re highlighting this with the UEFA Foundation for Children logo on our new finals kit – turning the strip into a statement.”

- Henning Strauss, Strauss CEO and brand director

For all pictures (c)Engelbert Strauss

STRAUSxUEFA_youtube-thumbnail_1280x720_E

About Engelbert Strauss

Project partner

Engelbert Strauss is Europe's leading work and utility brand. Headquartered 50 km north-west of Frankfurt/Main the company employs around 1600 people and manufactures in 26 countries worldwide. Strauss has been a leader in customizing and branding for decades and is one of the top online retailers in Germany. Strauss has already caused a sensation with extraordinary partnerships in sports and entertainment – including collaborations with global stars such as the rock band Metallica and the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Association. The company’s strategic direction in sports sponsorship focuses on the premium sector: Strauss is official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Conference League and official partner of the German national football team. The iconic Strauss ostrich also supports the esports player foundation as a kit supplier and promoter of young talent.

UEFA Foundation for Children to Partner with ORIGYN Foundation on ‘NFTs for Good’

Swiss non-profit to provide access to unique pairings of collectibles and NFTs of historic football memorabilia

The UEFA Foundation for Children has partnered with the Swiss non-profit ORIGYN Foundation to mint and sell NFTs created from a collection of historic football memorabilia. Proceeds from the sale of the physical objects and their corresponding NFTs will directly benefit UEFA Foundation for Children’s mission to support children’s rights through funding for health, education and integration projects.

As part of ORIGYN’s ‘NFTs for Good’ initiative, the UEFA Foundation for Children will offer football fans the world over the opportunity to purchase items from a limited collection of physical collectibles. A digital Twin' NFT will be created for each of the one-of-a-kind memorabilia items, which include one of the toss coins that helped determine the outcome of the UEFA EURO 2020 final between England and Italy.

This series of unique sports collectibles donated by the UEFA Foundation for Children, together with the Digital Twin NFTs, will appear exclusively on the ORIGYN-powered NFT marketplace, Impossible Things.

We are thrilled to partner with ORIGYN to bring these important items to the world stage for the benefit of The UEFA Foundation for Children,” said Urs Kluser, the general secretary for the UEFA Foundation for Children. “We share a vision of leveraging next-generation technology such as NFTs to raise money for children and communities around the world. There is no better collective mission.”

About the ORIGYN Foundation:

Project partner

ORIGYN_Foundation_horizontal_black_RGB-3

The Swiss non-profit foundation ORIGYN uses intelligent technologies, including computer vision and artificial intelligence, on decentralized computing to identify, authenticate and unlock the powers of ownership for objects of value. As the first digital certification platform built on the Internet Computer (IC), ORIGYN and its verticals generate new forms of value for some of the largest consumer asset classes in the world, including art, collectibles, digital media and luxury goods. Founded in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in October of 2020, ORIGYN operates globally in major technology and blockchain hubs around the world. Its utility token, OGY, is set to become publicly tradable in the second quarter of 2022.

ORIGYN Foundation: Website Twitter Telegram LinkedIn Facebook Medium Instagram

For more information about Impossible Things, see here.

Football is united against online hate

BT’s Hope United and the UEFA Foundation for Children have joined forces to help stamp out online abuse and discrimination through the UEFA Super Cup and a unique community match in Belfast.

This year’s UEFA Super Cup, between Chelsea and Villarreal, is taking place on Wednesday 11 August in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. The UEFA Foundation for Children will use the opening ceremony to raise awareness about online hate in sport and among young people with the help of Hope United, a campaign launched by BT, broadcasters of the UEFA Super Cup. Hope United brings together a diverse team of footballers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with the aim of driving change and giving digital skills to people on how to protect themselves and others online.

During the pre-match ceremony, children selected by the Irish FA foundation and Rio Ferdinand foundations will present the Unite Against Hate banner and read a message of hope promoting respect and solidarity online.

To raise awareness of the campaign ahead of the Super Cup, BT Sport hosted a match involving children aged between 14 and 17 from community projects across Northern Ireland that are helping to bridge the sectarian divide and care for refugees who have settled here.

Players from both teams were representing Hope United, supported by footballing legends and BT Sport analysts Glenn Hoddle and Joe Cole, who were acting as coaches for either side. The match was organised by the Irish FA at Crusader FC’s Seaview ground and was treated like a professional match in that it was filmed by six cameras and presented by Rio Ferdinand, Eni Aluko and Jake Humphrey, with Darren Fletcher and Steve McManaman in the commentary booth.

“My work, both on and off the pitch, has taught me that there is no hiding place from social media abuse,” the England and Manchester United FC legend Rio Ferdinand, who is now a BT pundit, explained. “Passions run high during big football tournaments and having seen first-hand the devastating effect that can result from online hate , it is more important than ever that sport unites to combat it.”

“Young people are all too often victims of hate messages and harassment on social media and it is our duty to defend them,” said Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “Thanks to the BT Tech Tips to beat online hate, young people can access real tools that teach them how to detect and respond to abuse but also learn to be more conscious about their own action online and to lead by example.”

About Hope United campaign

Launched ahead of UEFA EURO 2020 by BT and diverse team of male and female players from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, driven by their own experience of online hate. BT's purpose is to Connect for Good and change attitudes. The BT Hope United website content provides digital skills to tackle hate online. Football values are used to promote team spirit, respect of their peers and learn who to live together.

For more information, visit: https://bthopeunited.com/

“My work, both on and off the pitch, has taught me that there is no hiding place from social media abuse,” the England and Manchester United FC legend Rio Ferdinand, who is now a BT pundit, explained. “Passions run high during big football tournaments and having seen first-hand the devastating effect that can result from online hate , it is more important than ever that sport unites to combat it.”

- Rio Ferdinand, England and Manchester United FC legend.

WhatsApp Image 2021-08-10 at 11.40.58 (2)

Visa donates another €50,000 to UEFA Foundation-backed charity

Visa Player of the Match winner from the UEFA Women´s Champions League final 2021, Aitana Bonmatí chooses a project for refugee children.

The Player of the Match Award, which has been presented by Visa since 2019, celebrates individual excellence in women’s football. In honour of the award, Visa gives a €50,000 donation to a charity chosen by the winner.

For the second year in a row, Visa donated its Player of the Match prize to the UEFA Foundation for Children, allowing the winner to choose a cause close to her convictions. Aitana Bonmatí decided to support the Movement on the Ground, an organisation that runs sports programmes for refugee children on Lesbos.

Bonmatí presented the €50,000 award to a project that promotes gender equality and social inclusion for refugee children on the Greek island delivered by Movement on the Ground with support from the Barça Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children.

Aitana Bonmatí, who is an ambassador for the Barça Foundation, said: "I hope this donation helps girls improve their situation and their emotional well-being through sport. It has been very interesting to learn first-hand about the situation on Lesbos and the excellent work that is being carried out."

Adil Izemrane, co-founder of the Movement on the Ground, thanked Visa and Aitana Bonmatí for the donation, which he said: "will enable many more refugee girls to have a safe place to play sports and forget, for a few hours a week, about their hardships in Europe’s largest refugee camp."

Movement on The Ground

Movement on the Ground is a non-governmental organization with core programming on Greek islands. It meets unmet needs during humanitarian crises and provides logistical, financial and service delivery assistance with the aim of improving the dignity of refugee populations. Since 2016, Movement on the Ground has delivered sports programs with refugee children and youth arriving on the island of Lesbos, including the delivery of a Football3 project funded by UEFA Foundation for Children in 2016 and the Barça Foundation's FutbolNet methodology since 2017. Link to the project

Barça Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children

Since 2016, UEFA Foundation for Children and Barça Foundation have collaborated to provide sports activities for refugee children on the island of Lesbos in Greece. The activities take place in the new RIC refugee camp, after the old camp burned down last September.

More than 82 million displaced people worldwide

There are currently 82.4 million displaced people worldwide, more than 26.4 million of whom have fled to other countries, according to the latest data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Half of these refugees are children who have been forced from their homes because of conflict, violence and persecution. In this difficult context, children and young people are particularly vulnerable and often experience a lack of protection and violations of their rights.

I hope this donation helps girls improve their situation and their emotional well-being through sport. It has been very interesting to learn first-hand about the situation on Lesbos and the excellent work that is being carried out.

- Aitana Bonmatí, football midfielder playing for Barcelona

Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Women's Champions League Final 2021

About Visa

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit: visa.fr/blog and @Visa_Fr.

UEFA Foundation for Children partners with Catawiki for football collectibles

Auction platform provides the opportunity to bid on football memorabilia.

After a year away from football championships, this summer promises to be different, with football fans already feasting on the current UEFA EURO 2020. during the summer, Catawiki will hold a series of unique auctions to enable them to keep a souvenir of various football events.

If you are looking for Müller’s jersey from the 2019/20 Champions League season or red cards issued during the current UEFA EURO 2020, Catawiki will be the place to go. On top of that, all the proceeds will go towards the foundation’s projects.

Cyril Pellevat, head of administration at the UEFA Foundation for Children, said: “The UEFA Foundation for Children is pleased to digitise its fundraising activities by partnering with Catawiki. Fans around the world will have the chance to bid for limited-edition items, including shirts and footballs from the 2020/21 Champions League and Europa League. The profits will finance projects to help children in Europe and around the world.”

Frank Pon, collectibles general manager at Catawiki, said: “We’re extremely excited about these one-of-a-kind partnership auctions. They are not only a significant vote of confidence in Catawiki, but enable us to offer our users the best of the best, while helping good causes around the world. With 10 million unique visitors per month in over 60 countries, I’m confident these collectibles will sell like hot cakes.”

The auctions will operate from 9 to 18 July, with signed jerseys, match balls, shoes from the 2020/21 Champions League and Europa League, and much more.

A second window will auction items from UEFA EURO 2020 items.

Access to the portal: https://www.catawiki.com/UEFAFoundation

We’re extremely excited about these one-of-a-kind partnership auctions. They are not only a significant vote of confidence in Catawiki, but enable us to offer our users the best of the best, while helping good causes around the world. With 10 million unique visitors per month in over 60 countries, I’m confident these collectibles will sell like hot cakes.

- Frank Pon, collectibles general manager at Catawiki

About Catawiki

Catawiki is a leading global marketplace offering hundreds of expert-curated auctions per week across multiple categories, including collectibles, art, design, jewellery, watches, classic cars, and more. Founded in 2008 with a vision to connect people with their passions, Catawiki provides an exciting and seamless experience for buying and selling special, hard-to-find objects. Over 65,000 objects are put into auction each week, and Catawiki has operations in 60+ countries. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Catawiki has +600 employees serving millions of customers around the world, including 240+ experts who curate the auctions. For more information, visit catawiki.com or download the Catawiki mobile app.

FROM PACKS TO PITCHES: GLOBAL LAY’S® REPLAY PROGRAMME GIVES PACKAGING A NEW PURPOSE WITH SUSTAINABLE FOOTBALL PITCHES

From packs to pitches: Global Lay's® Replay programme gives packaging a new purpose with sustainable football pitches

In partnership with Lay’s and streetfootballworld, this programme uses football as a force for good in local communities around the world

Purchase, New York, June 24, 2021 – Today, Lay’s® announces a new global initiative, Lay’s RePlay, to bring joy to deserving communities around the world through the power of football. Lay’s has partnered with the UEFA Foundation for Children and streetfootballworld to reuse empty chip packs to help create sustainable football pitches, uniting communities and driving positive outcomes for people and the planet.

Sebnem Erim, VP, Marketing, Global Foods, PepsiCo comments, “Providing people with joy one chip and one bag at a time is at the heart of our brand. Building upon decades of experience bringing people together with the game, we are proud to introduce Lay’s RePlay. More than just a planet positive pitch, we are working with local partners to build spaces and programmes that can deliver positive impact and change for generations to come.”

Up to five Lay’s RePlay football pitches are expected to open in 2021 around the world, with the first in Tembisa, South Africa, followed by communities in Russia, Brazil, Turkey, and the UK. With the potential of more than 3,600 hours of play and educational sports programmes benefiting over 16,000 members of the community in the first year alone, Lay's RePlay places strong emphasis on including community members and local organisations throughout the planning, construction and maintenance phases of each pitch, with the goal to develop programming that can address social issues impacting each community, while fostering safe access to the sport. For example, in South Africa, local programming looks to empower youth, promote inclusivity, and share key life skills and pro-social behaviours with EduFootball sessions.

Supported by long-time global Lay’s ambassador and six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi shares, “I was lucky enough to start playing football at a young age and it transformed my life. Everyone deserves the chance to play and fall in love with the sport, and Lay’s RePlay is giving communities across the world that opportunity. I’m proud to give back through this project and excited about the impact it can have on the next generation.”

Lay’s RePlay pitches maximise social value, while minimising environmental impact. From the materials making the pitch to the installation, the pitches are designed to be as environmentally sustainable as possible. In partnership with GreenFields, a global artificial pitch manufacturer, the empty Lay’s chip packets are collected from local waste and recycling partnerships and given a second life – shredded and converted into pellets that form the underlying layer beneath the turf, called Ecocept™. Both the turf and Ecocept™ layer are 100% recyclable at the end of their life span. Beyond the turf, Lay’s has committed to adopting a carbon compensation strategy that will ensure all pitches deliver a net zero carbon footprint over their life spans of an estimated 10 years.

This global initiative and commitment by Lay’s has been verified by independent consultancy, Good Business, with an in-depth study finding that Lay’s RePlay pitches have a significantly lower environmental impact than alternative artificial pitches across several areas, including: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, microplastic pollution, recyclable material and turf, ecological disturbance, and water usage.

Aleksander Čeferin, the chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children, states, “We’ve seen first-hand how football and sport can be used to better people’s lives. By working together and supporting Lay’s RePlay, we are having an instant impact on thousands of people who may not otherwise have anywhere to play or an opportunity to develop for the better.”

Lay’s has longstanding ties in the football community and is an official partner of the Men’s UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s football. The brand launches Lay’s RePlay as a progression of the artificial pitches it developed with the UEFA Foundation for children in Jordan’s Zaatari and Azraq Refugee Camps in 2017 and 2018, which have since provided 35,000 people with access to the sport.

For further information on Lay’s RePlay project and access to the video.

I was lucky enough to start playing football at a young age and it transformed my life. Everyone deserves the chance to play and fall in love with the sport, and Lay’s RePlay is giving communities across the world that opportunity. I’m proud to give back through this project and excited about the impact it can have on the next generation.”

- Lionel Messi, global Lay’s ambassador and six-time Ballon d’Or winner

08_Lays RePlay Training with Tembisa Participants

06_Lays RePlay Pitch_Participants Training

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 $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. "Winning with Purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of our business strategy and brands. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About streetfootballworld

Project Partner

streetfootballworld is a non-profit organisation representing the world’s largest community of organisations implementing programmes in the field of football and sport for good, with nearly two decades building and implementing social impact strategies through sports and particularly football in cooperation with a wide range of partners – from the football industry, sponsors, governments, and private partners. The streetfootballworld network is an initiative created by the organisation to connect and empower community organisations using football in specific, and sport in general, as a tool to drive social impact.

For more information, visit www.streetfootballworld.org

2021 UEFA Foundation for Children awards announcement

19 organisations rewarded for their daily support of vulnerable children

The board of trustees of the UEFA Foundation for Children met by videoconference on 3 June, with the UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, in the chair. The board received updates on and discussed the foundation’s ongoing projects, with a special focus on the activities that will take place during the eagerly awaited UEFA EURO 2020.

Appointment of a new ambassador

The trustees unanimously agreed to appoint Eugénie Le Sommer as the foundation’s first female ambassador. The French international and captain of the Olympique Lyonnais women's team, Le Sommer looks forward to shining a spotlight on the foundation’s initiatives, in particular its promotion of gender equality in sport and empowerment of women. She follows in the footsteps of other international footballers such as Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitić, who also recently became an ambassador to help promote the foundation’s work around the world.

2021 award winners

The board’s spring meeting is also when the UEFA Foundation for Children selects its annual award winners among charities and other organisations working in favour of children's rights. Organisations are nominated by the UEFA member associations. The year, it was decided to share the total amount available (€1m) equally among 19 organisations. Each will therefore receive €52,630.

“The past year has been particularly difficult, but it is encouraging to see how the NGO partners have been able to adapt and innovate to support the growing number of children in need because of this pandemic”, says Aleksander Čeferin. “We are pleased to be able to support 19 additional organisations in Europe through the 2021 UEFA Foundation for Children award.”

List of 2021 Foundation for Children award winners:

IOC code	UEFA member association	Award winner
ARM	Football Federation of Armenia (FFA)	Girls of Armenian Leadership Soccer (GOALS)
AZE	Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA)	Azerbaijan Autism Association and Care-for the healthy generation
BLR	Belarus Football Federation (ABFF)	international charity ‘Children. Autism. Parents.’
CRO	Croatian Football Federation (HNS)	Prijatelj association for people with disabilities
CYP	Cyprus Football Association (CFA)	One dream, one wish’ association for children with cancer
DEN	Danish Football Association (DBU)	Parasport Denmark
ENG	English Football Association (The FA)	Football Beyond Borders
FRA	French Football Federation (FFF)	Comité Ethique et Sport
GER	German Football Association (DFB)	Agapedia Foundation
ISR	Israel Football Association (IFA)	Yeladim – Fair Chance for Children
ITA	Italian Football Federation (FIGC)	Fondazione LAPS
MDA	Football Association of Moldova (FMF)	Special Olympics Moldova
MLT	Malta Football Association (MFA)	Richmond Foundation
NED	Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB)	Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur (Youth Fund Sports & Culture)
NIR	Irish Football Association (IFA)	Irish FA Foundation
POL	Polish Football Association (PZPN)	Fundacja dla Dzieci z Cukrzycą (Foundation for Children with Diabetes)
RUS	Football Union of Russia (FUR)	Culture of Nations’ Fund for Socio-Cultural Development and Innovation
SUI	Swiss Football Association (SFA)	Florijana Ismaili FI9
WAL	Football Association of Wales (FAW)	FAW Trust

Call for projects 2021

The UEFA Foundation for Children’s next call for projects will be open from 28 June to 15 August 2021. Applicants from all over the world can submit their project proposals on the foundation website, where all the necessary information and the selection criteria will be published. The board of trustees will select projects and announce its decisions at its next meeting, in November.

Eugénie Le Sommer supports the UEFA Foundation for Children

Investing in younger generations is second nature to France’s top female goal-scorer.

The UEFA Foundation for Children is proud to announce that Olympic Lyonnais striker Eugénie Le Sommer has become its first women’s football ambassador. The French national team’s top goal-scorer hopes to use her high profile and football’s popularity to raise public awareness of children’s rights and education issues around the world.

“When they offered me this new role,” she explains, “I jumped at the chance, for various reasons. First, I’m committed to UEFA and understand all the good it can do for the women’s game and I know a bit about its foundation. But, above all, I am very committed to children’s education and giving young people the educational resources they need to grow up in the best environment. I want to help future generations, and I’m already doing that. So, now I’m looking forward to my new role.”

In signing for the foundation, she follows in the footsteps of Ivan Rakitić, the Croatian midfielder who became an ambassador in February.

Meaningful impact

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, who is chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children, is delighted that Le Sommer has committed her time to backing this important cause.

“Eugénie Le Sommer is one of the greatest forwards of her generation but, just as importantly, she is someone who wants to make a meaningful impact off the pitch to give children the chance to have a better future,” said the UEFA president. “I am delighted with the commitment, willingness and energy that Eugénie has shown in helping youngsters around the world, and we are looking forward to working closely with her to achieve these goals.”

Commitment to children’s education

“Education is important to me,” says Le Sommer, “and it’s a sector I want to invest time in. We need to send young people the right messages now, so that they have a positive impact throughout their lives. I also want to share the pleasure of playing and my passion for football by helping those who need it in any way possible. Sometimes, the smallest details can actually change lives. I’ve become aware of that over the course of my career.

“Children’s education, access to sport and equal opportunity are issues that have affected my own life, so obviously they matter to me. But everything the foundation does interests me, and I’m prepared to help out in all the various sectors.”

Supporting girls

Eugénie already has experience promoting youth football. She has accompanied various NGOs to schools to encourage youngsters to play football. She also organises all-girls football camps, called Stage Eugénie Le Sommer. During the two-day camps, girls play together, share advice, talk about their shared passion for football and enjoy some exclusive time with the national team player.

“The most important thing,” Le Sommer explains, “is to enjoy life, and I think that denying yourself what you love for the wrong reasons can only make you unhappy. I can only encourage any girls who want to play football to go for it. You should never live with regrets about missing out on what you love.

“We have a privileged place in society. Using our public image to help those in need is just great. Not everyone has the chance to make other people happy. Nowadays, professional female footballers have that opportunity and that’s a good thing.”

Greater visibility for women’s football

Eugénie is enthusiastic about the revamped UEFA Women's Champions League, because the new group stage makes it more similar to the men’s competition. This format ought to result in greater competitiveness in the game and between teams, thereby raising the overall standard of the tournament.

“It is important for the Women’s Champions League to be broadcast all over the world so it can be seen by as many people as possible,” she says. “Especially in countries where they are less used to seeing women play football. This media coverage will enable young female footballers to progress and improve, for the good of women’s football in general. Girls will gain the inspiration they need as they develop and grow, and that will make all the difference.”

Lyon's French forward Eugenie Le Sommer celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League final football match between VfL Wolfsburg and Lyon at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on August 30, 2020. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Wolfsburg v Lyon - UEFA Women's Champions League: Quarter Final Second Leg

FC Barcelona Women v Olympique Lyon Women - UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Final 2nd Leg

Football combats all forms of discrimination

Seven Football for Unity festivals will be held in UEFA EURO 2020 host cities to showcase how football can create bridges between people and promote the social inclusion of third-country nationals in their host countries.

The UEFA Foundation for Children teamed up with streetfootballworld, the European Football for Development Network and non-profit grassroots football organisations for the Football for Unity project to foster the social inclusion of third-country nationals sustainably through active participation and exchange in football-based initiatives. Football for Unity officially kicked off in January last year, with funding from the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the UEFA Foundation for Children.

Since its launch, Football for Unity has been capacitating local stakeholder groups to implement their own local legacy sports programmes and impactful events against a background of UEFA EURO 2020. Seven Football for Unity festivals are due to be held alongside the tournament in Amsterdam, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Munich and Rome.

“Migration and asylum are major challenges for Europe. The Football for Unity project is based on shared European values, such as humanity and responsibility,” said Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president and chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “UEFA EURO 2020 is an ideal platform to show how football promotes social inclusion and multiculturalism. Football has the power to unite people and to promote difference as a strength.”

The potential of sport has become increasingly recognised by the EU, and football in particular has proved to be a powerful tool to foster respect and promote inclusive communities.

“Football has the incredible ability to bring people together, promote mutual understanding and share life lessons with young people for the benefit not only of these individuals, but society as a whole. We are thrilled to be part of Football for Unity, which uses the power of the beautiful game to further social cohesion and drive constructive discourse on migration and inclusion in UEFA EURO host cities and communities,” commented Vladimir Borković, the co-founder of streetfootballworld.

In addition to the Football for Unity festivals, the project brings together young third-country nationals and young Europeans in seven European capitals in a series of local football programmes, youth forums and integration activities. These initiatives offer the youngsters various opportunities to interact, learn from one another, acquire life skills, become agents of change and build a community.

Additional information on the Football for Unity project.

Project partner

A second life for UEFA Europa League centre circle

A second life for UEFA Europa League centre

Hankook Tire produces string bags out of the banner and invites children from local NGOs to attend the final in Gdansk

Long-running official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, Hankook Tire uses the UEFA Europa League centre-circle carrier programme to literally put young football fans at the centre of the action, walking the centre circle onto the pitch as part of the opening ceremony.

The UEFA Europa League is an important part of Hankook Tire’s sports marketing strategy. Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and plays a major role, in particular, in European countries with high tyre sales potential. Hankook Tire is very pleased not only to be continuing its successful partnership with the UEFA Europa League but also to be using its association with this major event to contribute to such a great corporate social responsibility project.

Most matches in the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League were played behind closed doors, meaning Hankook was unable to invite young people to take part in this unique experience.

To enhance the legacy of the programme and to promote sustainability in football, Hankook Tire and UEFA have recycled the 2020/21 banner material into unique, usable bags. From this arose the idea to use the bags for a good cause, in cooperation with the UEFA Foundation for Children. The finished bags, filled of exclusive gifts and invitations to the UEFA Europa League final in Gdansk, were donated to Amp Futbol Polska and Fair Play Program, two organisations working to support children with special needs in Poland. A total of 60 string bags and match tickets were handed over to the children by UEFA ambassador Jerzy Dudek. It was a very special moment for the children and a unique experience to fulfil their dreams of attending a UEFA Europa League final.

“After a long time without spectators I'm looking forward to the UEFA Europa League Final” said Jerzy Dudek, UEFA Ambassador. “It's nice that Hankook, as a long-standing partner of UEFA, supports two such great organisations by bringing them to the game.”

“It’s an awesome experience today made possible by Hankook. Seeing Manchester United and Villarreal FC is something really special for me. A dream comes true” stated one of the young participants.

The bags were produced by German non-profit organisation Lebenshilfe Bruchsal e.V., which supports people with disabilities in various ways, including job opportunities at six production sites it runs in the district of Karlsruhe. Each bag is unique because it is made from a different part of the centre-circle banner.

The UEFA Foundation for Children has secured an additional 50 tickets to the UEFA Europa League final, to be shared by Hope for Mundial, winners of the 11th Polish Football Championship for Children from Care Homes in 2020 and Fair Play Program.

Kids form Fair Play Program

Kids from Amp Futbol Polska

About Hankook Tire

Project partner

HK_UEL_composite 19_white_official partner[2][1]

Hankook Tire manufactures globally innovative, award winning radial tyres of proven superior quality for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, RVs, trucks, and buses as well as motorsports. Hankook Tire is aspiring to bring consumers the utmost excellence in product quality, technological excellence and driving satisfaction. Hankook Tire’s European headquarters are located in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt am Main in Germany. The manufacturer operates further branches all over Europe. Hankook Tire employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide and are selling their products in over 180 countries. Hankook Tire has been represented in the renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Index World (DJSI World) since 2016. For more information please visit http://www.hankooktire-mediacenter.com or www.hankooktire.com

FedEx Express and UEFA Foundation for Children support young footballers in Poland

Over 3,000 player mascot kits donated to charities that use football to connect young people and make a positive impact in their lives.

Warsaw, 25 May 2021 – FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, has donated over 3,000 football kits to young footballers in Poland in cooperation with the UEFA Foundation for Children. The donation was organised in connection with the UEFA Europa League final, taking place in Gdansk on 26 May. FedEx Express is an official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League.

The 2021 UEFA Europa League final is being held at Gdańsk Stadium. In advance of the event, FedEx Express and the UEFA Foundation for Children have donated football equipment to more than 3,000 young Polish in footballers. Młodzieżowe Stowarzyszenie Inicjatyw Sportowych (MSIS), located in Mragowo, received 800 football kits and 200 footballs. Over 2,500 kits and 200 balls were also donated to Amp Futbol Polska to support two initiatives: the Junior Amp Futbol programme aimed at children and young people with amputations and limb disabilities, and the Futbol Plus project supporting football academies for children with various disabilities.

“Football offers many opportunities for social integration and well-being. Especially in these challenging times, it is important to support young people in their physical development. As a company, we want to promote sport among children and continue to complement our professional football sponsorship with locally beneficial initiatives. Our team is incredibly proud of this part of our sponsorship,” said Mariusz Mik, Vice President Ground Operations Eastern Europe, FedEx Express.

This is one of many joint initiatives by FedEx Express and the UEFA Foundation for Children to promote sport among young people. Since becoming official sponsor of the UEFA Europe League in 2015, FedEx Express has collaborated on various programmes that use football as a platform for social change, as well as organising player mascots for the finals in Basel (2016), Stockholm (2017), Lyon (2018) and Baku (2019). The player mascots programme has given over 1,000 children a chance to meet their football heroes. For many of them this was a unique and unforgettable experience. While taking the necessary precautions, Polish children will have the chance to meet their football idols at this year’s final on 26 May.

We are grateful for the generosity of our partner FedEx Express, who has decided to invest in programmes promoting football in underprivileged communities and supporting the football for good movement. With the player mascot programme, we give children living in Poland an experience that will forever remain in their hearts and memories.

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

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 24: The match officials prepare to lead the two teams out prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Simon Hofmann - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

2017 UEFA Europa League final in Stockholm with children from three community football projects:

Barn till Ensamma Mammor, Trygga Barnen and Kista Sports Club.

2018 UEFA Europa League final in Lyon with children from Sport dans la Ville

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 29: Fedex during the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 29, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Joosep Martinson - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

2019 UEFA Europa League final in Baku with an all-girl player mascot line-up in support of women’s football at a grassroot level promoted by Football Federation of Azerbaijan.

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Fedex player escort kids are seen prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hofmann - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

2016 UEFA Europa League final in Basel with children from four community football projects:

Dream Team Basel; SRD Young Stars; Basel Helps; Pestalozzi Children’s Village

About FedEx Express

Project partner

FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable deliveries to more than 200 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed up the delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $79bn, 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 more than 570,000 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. To learn more, please visit about.fedex.com.

UEFA Foundation for Children signs Ivan Rakitić

Croatian legend is "looking forward to putting smiles on children's faces" as the organisation's first official ambassador

The UEFA Foundation for Children is proud to announce that Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitić is to join the organisation as its first official ambassador. The former Croatian international will have the opportunity to take part in UEFA Foundation-led initiatives, as well as promoting the good work undertaken by the body to help improve the lives of children worldwide.

“To be a part of the UEFA Foundation family gives me a lot of pride,” Rakitić explained.

“I’m really happy about it, and it gives me a lot of responsibility to show everyone that together with the UEFA Foundation and all the players we can accomplish a lot and, above all, help children all over the world smile with joy. The fact that I’m a father of two girls means that I know and understand how important it is to see that smile on children’s faces.”

Commitment to improving lives

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, who is also chairman of the board of the UEFA Foundation for Children, is delighted that Rakitić has committed his support to the organisation.

“Ivan Rakitić is not only one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, he is also a person who wants to make a tangible difference away from the pitch in order to improve the lives of others,” said president Čeferin.

“I have been extremely impressed with Ivan’s commitment and desire to help children around the world and we are looking forward to working closely with him in order to achieve these goals. The door is always open for players, both past and present, to follow Ivan’s example and join the UEFA Foundation in an ambassadorial role.”

Being part of a family

Having won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 and a year earlier the UEFA Europa League as captain of Sevilla, Rakitić also amassed over 100 caps for Croatia. While he has no immediate plans to hang up his boots, he already has one eye on a post-footballing career.

“I hope that I have many good years ahead of me on the pitch, but of course once I retire, I’m convinced that I’ll have more time and more opportunities to travel and be available," he said.

“Obviously, I want to give [this ambassadorial role] my all from day one. But when that [retirement] day finally arrives, I’m sure that I’ll have more time [to take part in projects] and my excitement will only increase.

“The idea of being a part of this family already has me excited to get started, and I hope to be able to do so for many years because I can see how important it is. It’s important work that affects us all, which is to make many children happy.”

I have been extremely impressed with Ivan’s commitment and desire to help children around the world and we are looking forward to working closely with him in order to achieve these goals. The door is always open for players, both past and present, to follow Ivan’s example and join the UEFA Foundation in an ambassadorial role.

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president

Hungary v Croatia - UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifier

Rakitic (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)