UEFA Foundation for Children and the Turkish Football Federation team up to help refugees in Turkey

UEFA Foundation for Children and the Turkish Football Federation team up to help refugees in Turkey

“Live Together” project for social cohesion between locals and displaced children

Today, behind the scenes of the at the UEFA Super Cup final in Istanbul, the UEFA Foundation for Children and the Turkish Football Federation announced their collaboration on the “live together” project in Turkey. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the respective presidents Aleksander Ceferin and Nihat Özdemir.

The Live Together project aims to improve the living conditions of refugees, migrants and host communities. It will facilitate social cohesion by encouraging Turkish children and Syrian child refugees to interact while playing together in safe spaces such as schools, communities centres and clubs. Through sport – and football in particular – those children will learn how to live together. This project seeks to contribute to peaceful coexistence between children and young people from different origins living in Turkey.

The UEFA Foundation for Children and the Turkish Football Federation hope to stimulate joy and unity and prevent the occurrence of violence. Football with other recreational and support activities play an important role in helping children and youth respond to the post trauma challenges posed by their displacement, and the impact of conflicts on their lives.

Quote from Nihat Özdemir

TFF is very glad to enter in this project with the Foundation and to contribute to helping children and youth to respond to numerous challenges. Football is a great unifier and can help children to learn to live together and improve their lives. TFF Looking forward to the mutual cooperation and will do its best for the success of the project.

Quote from Aleksander Ceferin

When a child plays football, he gets lost in the game. Football enables them to be children and dream big. We are pleased to partner with the Turksih Football Federation to use football as a tool to unite cultures and establish mutual understanding and respect.

 

Project partner

download

http://www.tff.org

Amputee kids stand for equality at Super Cup final

Amputee kids stand for equality at Super Cup final

Any dream can become true if you truly believe

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.

This year in Istanbul, at the opening ceremony, a mixed choir of amputee kids from the Turkish Sports Federation for the Physically Disabled and the singers of the Turkish Radio and Television’s polyphonic children’s choir, will perform Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’.

The support of the players of Liverpool and Chelsea will highlight that football leaves no one aside, a strong message of integration, solidarity and hope. The youngsters will have the chance to meet players from both teams and kick a few balls around.

UEFA’s president and the chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children, Aleksander Čeferin, will also promote this message during the cup ceremony, where he will be accompanied by Ali Turganbekov, a young Kazak boy with no legs, who has a passion for football and dreams of becoming a Paralympic champion.

“The children from the choir and Ali Turganbekov demonstrate that strong beliefs in their dreams can help them overcome many obstacles,” said Aleksander Čeferin. “We pay respect to all disabled children in football or other sports, who give their best and lead an active lifestyle. We hope they will motivate many others to follow their example. Moments like this can make all the difference.”

Mr Arif Ümit Uztürk , the president of the Turkish Sports Federation for the Physically Disabled added:

“We are very happy that the UEFA Super Cup Final will be held in our country and to see our amputee football players take part in this event. On 14 August, we will experience one of the best examples of the unifying power of football. We welcome the teams, spectators and all guests for the UEFA Super Cup Final."

 

Kick for Trade – UEFA Foundation for Children and ITC team up for youth social inclusion

Kick for Trade - UEFA Foundation for Children and ITC team up for youth social inclusion

New pilot initiative harnesses football to boost youth employment and inclusive development

Today, at the 53rd Joint Advisory Group session of the International Trade Centre (ITC), the UEFA Foundation for Children and ITC announced their joint involvement in ‘football for development’ programmes in Guinea and The Gambia. The letter of intent was signed by UEFA Foundation for Children secretary general Urs Kluser and International Trade Centre executive director Arancha González.

Globally, over 59 million young people are unemployed and nearly 136 million are working yet living in poverty. Youth access to decent employment opportunities and their potential for creating their own enterprises are often hindered by external factors, such as a skills mismatch or a lack of access to financing. These barriers prevent them from utilising their skills, having their voices heard, and actively shaping an environment of decent work and successful trade.

Sport, and football in particular, is increasingly recognised as an effective tool for community development and addressing social issues. Football for development programmes provide people from different backgrounds with the skills and resources to actively make a difference in their own lives and in their community. By addressing the most pressing issues in each community, the programmes contribute to positive social change.

With youth employability at the forefront of their strategic agendas, the ITC and the UEFA Foundation will this year focus on football for development and youth empowerment activities. The Kick for Trade initiatives in this letter of intent will offer innovative, result-oriented approaches to shape youth entrepreneurship and employment through sport, and particularly football.

Announcing the new partnership ITC Executive Director Arancha González said: “Through Kick for Trade, ITC and the UEFA Foundation aim ensure that youth are part of the game and are resources to be taken seriously. In Guinea and the Gambia, we will demonstrate that it is possible to have fun while learning new skills, and that vocational training, entrepreneurship and football can be a winning formula.’

UEFA Foundation for Children’s secretary general, Urs Kluser said: “Football for development programmes comprise messages and methodologies that reinforce social and economic inclusiveness for youth in many countries. This partnership will allow both the UEFA Foundation and the ITC to keep the ball rolling for the benefit of young people.”

The initial focus of this partnership will be on country-based approaches that take local dynamics and networks into account and that scale up activities together with local incubators, youth associations and youth centres.

Through Kick for Trade, ITC and the UEFA Foundation aim ensure that youth are part of the game and are resources to be taken seriously. In Guinea and the Gambia, we will demonstrate that it is possible to have fun while learning new skills, and that vocational training, entrepreneurship and football can be a winning formula.

- Arancha González, ITC Executive Director

International Trade Centre (ITC)

Project partner

itc_logo_en_cmyk-5d1b6724154f6

About ITC - The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Call for projects 2019

Call for projects 2019

On 1 July the UEFA Foundation for Children launched its 2019 call for projects that seek to promote children’s fundamental rights across the globe.

This call for projects is aimed at any organisation that shares the values of the UEFA foundation and proposes practical measures to help children, in the areas of access to sport, health, education, employment, personal development and supporting vulnerable children.
Applications are invited from organisations anywhere in the world. Support is not limited to projects within Europe.

Eligibility criteria

The UEFA Foundation for Children will examine and evaluate each project.

The final decision on the selection of projects will be taken by the board of trustees in accordance with the foundation’s statutes and ethics code.
Specific conditions relating to funding are provided in the project criteria.

To submit your project, click on this link. The application deadline is 31 July 2019.

Candidates will be notified of the progress of their application by the end of 2019.

 

 

Another Season of Dreams

Another season of dreams come true for children

The UEFA Foundation for Children is proud to have been able to make children's dreams come true again for yet another year

This past year provided more opportunities for making children’s wishes come true. Every year the UEFA Foundation for Children strives to help children who have suffered accidents or illnesses to fulfil their dreams of attending a match and meeting their favourite players.

Since its establishment in 2015, the foundation has been working hand in hand with Etoile Filante/Sternschnuppe in Switzerland and Association Rêves in France to make dreams happen. For many children with ailments or handicaps, even just attending a match can be very challenging. We enable them to attend with their carers in an adapted environment. Add to that the opportunity to meet their favourite players or team, and it really is a dream come true!

Here is an overview of the wonderful opportunities these children were able to experience in 2018/19.

 

UEFA Europa League

Joel, aged 10, met Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from FC Arsenal.

Gabriel, aged 12, met David Luiz from Chelsea FC.

 

UEFA Champion’s League

Mohamed, aged 11, met Mohamed Salah from FC Liverpool.

Ciaran, aged 11, met Lewandowski, Boateng and Hummels from FC Bayern.

Noah, aged 11, met Robert Lewandowski from FC Bayern.

Alan, aged 7, was able to see Juventus play, met some players, and received a shirt and signed ball.

Luca, aged 17, and Erjan aged 14 got to meet and have their shirts signed by the players of Real Madrid and Ajax.

Mylann, aged 10, met Paul Pogba from Manchester United.

Mohames, aged 9, met Messi from FC Barcelona.

 

Yanis, aged 7, met all FC Barcelona players.

 

Seven children aged between 14 and 17 from the Association Air Pur et Soleil in France travelled to Madrid to attend the Champion’s League final, as did a group of youngsters from the Sport dans la Ville association.

 

UEFA Nation’s League final

Achraf (17), Hugo (8) and Thomas (12) met Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.

Benoît aged 15, Djamel aged 9 and Younes aged 11 got to meet Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.

5

Winners of 2019 UEFA Foundation for Children Awards announced

Winners of 2019 UEFA Foundation for Children Awards announced

Awards go to 22 European organisations supporting disadvantaged children

On 29 May 2019, the Board of Trustees of the UEFA Foundation for Children met in Baku – under the stewardship of its chairman, Aleksander Čeferin.

During the session, the board members selected the 2019 UEFA Foundation for Children award winners. Since 2015, this price is rewarding the great work of charity foundations or associations safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children. For the third time, it was decided to involve the 55 UEFA member associations to nominate charity organisations from their own country in accordance with the following criteria:

  • All award recipients must be based in the country of a UEFA member association.
  • Potential recipients must accept and comply with the foundation charter and ethics code.
  • Potential recipients must have been registered with the relevant national authorities for at least three years and comply with national legal obligations.
  • The activities carried out by recipients must be aimed at helping vulnerable, deprived or socially excluded children, and must never involve the promotion of talented young footballers.
  • UEFA member associations whose nominated charity received funding as part of the 2018 Foundation for Children Awards will not be given priority in 2019.

Award presentation video.

A total of 26 national associations submitted nominations, four of which had already received support from the foundation in 2018. The Board of Trustees decided to divide the total amount of funding available – €1m – equally between the remaining nominees, with the 22 organisations below each receiving a €45’500 grant:

National association Recipient organisation
Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation Foundation for development and improvement of sports and recreational activities
Bulgarian Football Union Football Club Tang RA
Croatian Football Federation The Ivan Štark centre for education and rehabilitation
Danish Football Association DIF get2sport
German Football Association LitCam
Royal Spanish Football Federation Red Deporte y Cooperacíon
Football Association of Ireland The Down Syndrome Centre
Football Association of the Czech Republic Safety Line
Football Federation of Ukraine Football Development in Ukraine
Hellenic Football Federation Mazi gia to Paidi
Hungarian Football Federation Janos Farkas
Irish Football Association Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issuses
Italian Football Association Special Olympics Italia
Football Federation of Kosovo The Ideas Partnership
Malta Football Association St Joseph Home
Football Association of Moldova Dinamo Plus
Football Association of Serbia KMF Mungosi
Swiss Football Association Pro Juventus
Swedish Football Association Heart United
English Football Association Colour Blind Awareness CIC
Football Union of Russia Unity
Football Association of Wales Cardiff City FC Community

 

 

After the selection, Urs Kluser, the foundation’s general secretary said: “We are very pleased to use the UEFA Foundation for Children awards to support great European charity organisations put forward by our member associations. We have awarded grants to 22 organisations that help vulnerable children live a better life. A total of €3 million has been granted over the last three years.”

 

2019 call for projects

The UEFA Foundation for Children will launch a new call for projects on July 1st, 2019 for a period of 1 month. Applicants from all over the world have the possibility to submit their projects on our official website, where all the necessary information and the selection criteria will be published. The board of trustees will decide on projects and announce its decisions at their next meeting in November.

We are very pleased to use the UEFA Foundation for Children awards to support great European charity organisations put forward by our member associations. We have awarded grants to 22 organisations that help vulnerable children live a better life. A total of €3 million has been granted over the last three years.

- Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the Foundation

Football in More - Liechtenstein - team photo

Football Is More - Liechtenstein

Amp Futbol Polska

Amp Futbol Polska - Poland

UEFA Foundation for Children board meet in Baku

UEFA Foundation for Children board meet in Baku

The board of trustees pursues continuity

The UEFA Foundation for Children board meeting took place today in Baku, at the invitation of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, ahead of the UEFA Europa League final.

After the first four-year term of office since the board of trustees was elected, in Vienna on 23 March 2015, this session included elections in accordance with Article 8 of the foundation’s charter.

All board members had expressed their wish to be re-elected for a new four-year term. Aleksander Čeferin was re-elected chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

 

The members of board of trustees are:

Aleksander Čeferin                 UEFA President and UEFA Foundation for Children Chairman

Kairat Boranbayev                 President, KazakhstanNational Paralympic Committee

Peter Gilliéron                        Chairman, UEFA Fair Play and CSR committee

Greg Clarke                           Chairman, English Football Association

Norman Darmanin Demajo     President, Malta Football Association

Nathalie Iannetta                    TV journalist and partner at Agence 2017

Wladimir Klitschko                 Former boxer and founder of the Klitschko Foundation

Kevin Lamour                         Deputy General Secretary, UEFA

Margarita Louis-Dreyfus         President and founder, Louis Dreyfus Foundation

Elkhan Mammadov                General Secretary, Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan

Fiona May                              Italian Olympic Committee and former British-Italian athlete

Snežana Samardžić-Marković Council of Europe Directorate General of Democracy

 

Aleksander Čeferin declared, “I am very pleased that the board members are committed to sharing their time, expertise and enthusiasm for a new term of office. We will continue to focus our efforts on using football to improve the lives of children and help disadvantaged communities by giving them the opportunity to play football, develop life skills, become actors in their lives, and break the poverty spiral.”

During the meeting, the members expressed their willingness to focus on post-conflict issues in Europe and increase the support for young migrants and unaccompanied children. The idea is to extend and replicate the knowledge and experience gained over the years in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps in Jordan. Various projects are now being considered in Greece and Turkey.

A second focus will be employability projects for young migrants and vulnerable youngsters in Europe. The under-25 unemployment rate in the European Union is 15%, and much higher for young people living in poverty or school dropouts. Sport can be used as a method to teach and improve knowledge and skills, including teamwork, perseverance, responsibility and vocational and organisational skills. The foundation is already working with various partners on these projects.

The foundation will launch a new one-month call for projects on 1 July 2019. Applicants can submit projects on the foundation’s official website, where they will find all the necessary information and selection criteria. The board of trustees will announce its decisions at its next meeting in November.

Finally, the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, generously donated €75’000 in support to the projects of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

 

 

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 29: UEFA Foundation for Children Board meeting on May 29, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

A Shared Passion

A Shared Passion

Local children will take centre stage in the opening ceremony

The UEFA Foundation for Children has invited 30 teenage boys and girls from the Oltalom Sport Association (OSA) to participate in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final opening ceremony as central circle carriers.

OSA has been using sport as a tool to improve self-esteem and promote a healthy lifestyle to people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Budapest region since 2005. Central to their mission is the understanding that playing football with teams from other social groups enhances social integration.

OSA organises regular football training sessions and provides free equipment to homeless people, refugees and disadvantaged youngsters, as well as offering English lessons to boost employability and organise football roadshows, gathering youngsters from different communities to increase their social integration.

On the day before the final, the youngsters will also have the chance to meet players from Lyon and Barcelona to exchange about their passion of football.

“Being able to participate in the UEFA Women’s Champion League Final gives a chance to our players to meet people they share a passion with and further motivate them to follow the path they set up to reach their dreams inside or outside of the football pitch” said Dóra Gottgeisl, project coordinator at Oltalom Sport Association.

“We applaud our long-term partner Oltalom Sport Association who took up the challenge of participating in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in Budapest. It is a great opportunity for their youngsters and we hope this incredible experience will inspire them to follow their dreams” added Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

 

photo_Oltalom7
photo_Oltalom2

About Oltalom Sport Association

Project Partner

OSE_logo_new_eng

For more information, visit their official website.official website.

All-girl player mascot line-up for 2019 UEFA Europa League final in Baku

Player mascots in Baku

All-girl player mascot line-up for 2019 UEFA Europa League final in Baku

22 LOCAL GIRLS TO ACCOMPANY PLAYERS OUT ONTO THE PITCH IN AZERBAÏJAN

FedEx Express, official sponsors of the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Foundation for Children and the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) are offering 22 local girls a dream opportunity at this year’s UEFA Europa League final in Baku.

Those children – who will be chosen by the AFFA, an organisation that strives to involve girls in football – will escort the two teams out onto the pitch at the Baku Olympic Stadium on 29 May.

“We’ve worked closely with the UEFA Foundation for Children to shape a long-term collaboration that maximises possibilities for young people through football.  As sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, we are delighted to be able to extend support for the work of the Foundation, and of AFFA, by helping to make an all-girl player mascot group a possibility in Baku,” said Brenda McWilliams-Piatek, vice president, Marketing Operations, FedEx Express Europe.

The AFFA is currently working with 35 schools, running football activities for children three times a week. The association’s grassroots department has also established several initiatives aimed specifically at girls. Coaches from the country’s national women’s league are encouraged to get involved in youth programmes, and free courses are run three times a year to train additional coaches for children’s football.

“Football offers many opportunities in terms of social integration and well-being, benefiting both boys and girls alike. For many of the girls who are enrolled in our programmes, playing football helps to break down barriers by fostering inclusion and equality. Having these young girls act as player mascots at the UEFA Europa League final will make them visible on an international stage, and I think the sense of pride will be almost palpable,” said Elkhan Mammadov, general secretary of the AFFA and board member of UEFA Foundation for Children

“Together with FedEx Express, we have delivered multiple projects that – under the umbrella of children’s rights – use football as a powerful tool to improve the lives of children. By donating player mascot places to organisations such as the AFFA, we are offering them a platform on which to showcase the tremendous headway they are making in involving young girls in football in Azerbaijan,” said Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

Since becoming a sponsor of the UEFA Europa League in 2015, FedEx Express has consistently worked with the UEFA Foundation for Children to donate player mascot places to youth organisations in cities hosting the final of the competition.

LINK to the presentation of the FedEx player mascots in Baku

 

 

 

Football for girls

“We’ve worked closely with the UEFA Foundation for Children to shape a long-term collaboration that maximises possibilities for young people through football.  As sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, we are delighted to be able to extend support for the work of the Foundation, and of AFFA, by helping to make an all-girl player mascot group a possibility in Baku”

- Brenda McWilliams-Piatek, vice president, Marketing Operations, FedEx Express Europe.

Football for girls

“Football offers many opportunities in terms of social integration and well-being, benefiting both boys and girls alike. For many of the girls who are enrolled in our programmes, playing football helps to break down barriers by fostering inclusion and equality. Having these young girls act as player mascots at the UEFA Europa League final will make them visible on an international stage, and I think the sense of pride will be almost palpable.”

- Elkhan Mammadov, general secretary of the AFFA and board member of UEFA Foundation for Children

Girls Playing football
girls football players

About Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan

Project partner

AFFA_logo_Web

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) was established in March 1992.  AFFA was affiliated to UEFA at the 22nd UEFA Congress in Vienna in May 1994 and FIFA at the 49th FIFA Congress in Chicago in June 1994.  The main goals of AFFA are to develop football in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, control and regulate the organization of football competitions, organize football competitions, manage international football related issues, develop a perspective plan for football development in Azerbaijan, represent Azerbaijani football in international organizations and competitions, organize national and international competitions, and so on.  AFFA purposefully operates to implement these provisions reflected in its Statutes.

About FedEx Corp.

Project Partner

Groupe 22

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.  With annual revenues of $69 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand.  Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 450,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.  To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit http://about.fedex.com

A long-term partnership with PluSport

PluSport

For A Long term partnership with PluSport

For the third year in a row, we are supporting the Goal Plus – Play Football project, helping PluSport make football even more popular among disabled people.

 

Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo. The whole world knows who they are. Football is the most popular sport on our planet and, helping PluSport will make access to sport, and football in particular, easier for everyone, regardless of any disability.

Access to football, promotion of health and education of children and teenagers are key priorities for the UEFA Foundation for Children. Urs Kluser, the foundation’s general secretary, says: “We are proud to support disability football. This sport gives people pleasure, enables them to meet others and facilitates their social integration.”

In 2018, we included the Goal Plus project in a fascinating photographic exhibition showing the benefit of football in our activities with children and how it is used as a factor of social positive change.

In April, PluSport representatives will have a unique opportunity to celebrate the partnership during the UEFA Youth League (the Champions League equivalent for U-19 club teams) finals in Nyon-Colovray at the end of April, when participating players from all over Europe will join in various activities with disabled athletes as part of social awareness projects. PluSport will be in attendance with a blind football team and an inflatable training pitch, showcasing blind football to players and spectators alike.

We are proud to support disability football. This sport gives people pleasure, enables them to meet others and facilitates their social integration.”

- Urs Kluser, the foundation’s general secretary

PluSPort
PluSport
PluSport
PluSport

Active Lives

Location and general information

Terminé
Location England
Start date 02/01/2020
End date 12/31/2020
Cost of the project €1,156,610
Foundation funding €50,000
Project identifier EUR-2018347 - 2019729
Partners Newcastle United Foundation
Categories Access to Sport - Children with disabilities - Personal development

Context

Whatever their differences, all children have the right to play and to enjoy the best conditions to stay fit and healthy. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many disabled children, especially those living in disadvantaged areas. In England, disability is most prevalent in the north: in a survey conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions in 2015/16, 25% of people in the northeast reported a disability, compared with only 14% in London.[1] In this context, the Newcastle United Foundation wishes to use the power of football to overcome barriers and ensure that disadvantaged and disabled children are not left behind but are given opportunities to participate in a wide range of sports, to learn, to stay healthy and to have fun.

[1] Department for Work and Pensions Family Resources Survey 2015/16

Project content

The aim is to establish a regional centre of excellence for disability sport, where disabled people of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy sport and exercise without barriers as part of a ground-breaking activity programme using high-quality indoor facilities. The flagship centre will not only promote active lifestyles and the recreational enjoyment of sport alongside the associated health and well-being benefits; it will also raise aspirations and support the development of Paralympic champions of the future. A wide programme of pan-disability and disability-specific football sessions will be offered under one roof at this brand-new centre, which will be accessible to individuals and families from across northeastern England and encourage them to get active and stay active for life.

Objectives

The project will give disabled children the opportunity to improve their fitness, mobility and balance. Football and other physical activities will also be used as a tool to help participants build their self-confidence, make friends and achieve their own personal goals on the football pitch and in life.

Project activities

The new centre will be home to numerous clubs and teams offering weekly sessions for children in the following areas:

  • DSActive (sport for people with Down’s Syndrome)
  • Visually impaired football
  • Deaf football
  • Cerebral palsy football
  • Amputee football
  • Walking football
  • Frame football
  • Pan-disability sessions
  • Powerchair football
  • Sensory sports

The centre will provide a venue for regular disability football matches and competitions with other teams and groups from across the UK, bringing flagship disability sports events to the city. In addition, the centre will be a thriving community hub on matchdays, offering matchday experiences for disabled fans and a home for the Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association.

All registered users of the centre will be able to access the wide variety of programmes delivered by the Newcastle United Foundation, including personal development, education, employability, and health and well-being programmes. The centre will also be accessible to schools and community organisations that support disabled and disadvantaged people.

Expected results

  • Host 10 disability football clubs, each offering weekly sessions for 36 weeks of the year
  • Work with 40 schools for children with special educational needs
  • Work with 35 regional disability support organisations
  • Organise 15 festivals, tournaments and competitions for 1,000 disabled people
  • Deliver a comprehensive coach education programme and continuous professional development for 100 coaches of disabled footballers and athletes
  • Recruit 50 disabled young adults for a personal development programme

Partner

AUTISM – THE EARLY SIGNS A web documentary about early identification of the signs of autism

AUTISM – THE EARLY SIGNS

A web documentary about early identification of the signs of autism

What are the signs of autism? How do you spot them and then what do you do?

This project is supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children which, in 2015, awarded its entire annual prize of CHF 1 million to the International Foundation of Applied Disability Research (FIRAH). Thanks to close collaboration with numerous partners, including national and international associations for autistic children and their families, and universities in various European countries, an initial project, ‘çATED pour tes dents’, was carried out in 2018. Now, the web documentary, ‘Autism – the early signs’ aims to teach parents, as well as health, education and early years professionals, to quickly spot the signs of autism in children from the age of 12 months and upwards.

Combining motion design and real-life images, this interactive film immerses the viewer in the life of two fictitious characters, Jules and Leïla, at three stages of their development: from 12 to 24 months at home, from 24 to 36 months in nursery and, finally, from 36 months in kindergarten.

The European web documentary ‘Autism – the early signs’ also presents the different perspectives of researchers, associations and professional experts in the field, as well as parents, through a mix of interviews, personal accounts and advice.

The documentary is available in French and English.

Between 1% and 2% of today’s population have autism. A tool for parents and early years professionals, the documentary is designed to inform them, raise their awareness of the signs that could lead to an early diagnosis and enable them to put in place measures to support the child’s development.

‘Autism – the early signs’ is a web documentary directed by Benjamin Laurent and Claire Martin and produced by FIRAH in collaboration with the association Autisme France and the Centre de Ressources Autisme Rhône-Alpes (Rhône-Alpes autism resources centre).

The web documentary is release on the 2 April to mark World Autism Awareness Day. (www.autisme-les-premiers-signes.org)

 

The UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour Driven by Kia will visit eight cities with a goal of collecting football boots for refugees.

The UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour driven by Kia will visit eight cities with a goal of collectiong football boots for refugees

Kia Motors and UEFA Foundation are launching the inaugural UEFA Europa League trophy tour and adds a solidarity dimension

The tour will give football fans across Europe the opportunity to see the iconic UEFA Europa League trophy as the competition's 2018/19 knockout stage unfolds.

Throughout the duration of the UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour, fans and players of all ages will be encouraged to donate used and unwanted boots. In partnership with the UEFA Foundation for children, the boots will be taken to the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan to be given to Syrian refugees of all ages. What's more, every fan who donates a pair of boots will be in with a chance of winning tickets to the UEFA Europa League final, among other prizes. Boot donations can be made at any stage of the UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour, as well as at selected Kia dealerships in each participating country.

"I have seen first-hand just how much football means to the children and adults at the Zaatari refugee camp," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, also chairman of UEFA Foundation’s board of trustees.

"The UEFA Foundation helped to provide pitches for the refugees to use, but what is lacking are football boots. Therefore, I urge anyone who has a pair of suitable footwear lying around, which they are not using, to donate them and help make a difference."

The UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour Driven by Kia begins in earnest at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 5 March and will end on 16 May, ahead of the UEFA Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The tour stops in eight major European cities:

  • Geneva – 9 March
  • Seville – 22-23 March
  • Berlin – 29-30 March
  • London – 5-6 April
  • Milan – 12 April
  • Moscow – 20 April
  • Paris – 10 May
  • Baku – 16 May

A stellar list of former players has signed up to take part; among those to have confirmed their participation in at least one tour leg are Lothar Matthäus, Deco, Andrés Palop and Eiður Guðjohnsen.

"We are delighted with the enthusiasm Kia is showing, especially with their desire to try and reach out to fans throughout Europe and their willingness to give something back to those who want to play the beautiful game but lack the necessary equipment to do so" said Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA marketing director.

Kia has the honour of conducting an inaugural tour. "We are extremely excited to launch the 2019 UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour Driven by Kia, in partnership with UEFA," said Yong-Won Cho, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Kia Motors Corporation.

 

"Not only will the tour give football fans of all ages the chance to see the famous trophy up close, but thanks to their donations we are able to help make a positive contribution to the lives of young refugees who share our passion for the beautiful game. On behalf of Kia I would like to extend our thanks in advance to everyone who supports the campaign and helps by donating football boots."

- Yong-Won Cho, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Kia Motors Corporation.

UEL Trophy Tour KIA
Deco at UEL Trophy tour

UEFA Foundation and FedEx Express to focus on Football for Employability in Europe

Employability

Co-funded programme will equipe Community organisations to deleaver football-based employability programme

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the UEFA Foundation for Children today announce a co-funded community project that will use football as a tool to attract and engage young adults in employability programs.

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the UEFA Foundation for Children today announce a co-funded community project that will use football as a tool to attract and engage young adults in employability programs.
A charitable grant, awarded under community investment platform FedEx Cares and matched by UEFA Foundation for Children, will build the capacity of local sports organisations to structure and deliver football-based employability programs in their communities.

The project will be overseen by global non-profit streetfootballworld and delivered on the ground by network member organisations in four locations - Policy Centre for Roma and Minorities (Romania), the Oltalom Sport Association (Hungary) and Sport Against Racism (Ireland) and Sport 4 Life (UK).

“Due to its universal popularity, football gives community organisations a wide reach and provides a common platform to engage with young people who face challenging circumstances,” said Dr. Vladimir Borkovic, director, streetfootballworld. “This program will equip sports organisations with the tools to guide young people who are furthest from the job market into education, training and, ultimately, sustainable employment.”

The program includes personal development workshops that aim to promote self-confidence and job-seeking skills and training that offer an overview of the local job market and how to gain access to it. Finally, the programs will provide access to training opportunities, formal qualifications, and job placements that present an opportunity to secure sustainable employment.
“FedEx Express is eager to make the most of the possibilities we have, as a sponsor, to deliver positive impact in communities touched by professional tournaments,” said Brenda McWilliams-Piatek, vice president, Marketing Operations, FedEx Express Europe.

“We’ve worked closely with the UEFA Foundation for Children to shape a football-based employability program that we hope will deliver a tangible benefit in communities where employability of young adults is a pressing challenge.”
“This new phase in our collaboration perfectly balances our own focus area of children’s rights – the right to an education, the right to play – and combines this with FedEx Express’ interest in employability,” said Urs Kluser, UEFA Foundation for Children.

“We’re equally excited to see how football can be used in the context of employability, opening up increased opportunities for young people who may not see an obvious path to employment.”
FedEx Express has collaborated on community projects with the UEFA Foundation for Children since becoming a sponsor of the UEFA Europa League in 2015.

About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments by a definite time and date supported by 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 revenues of $69 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 450,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit http://about.fedex.com

About streetfootballworld
streetfootballworld is the world’s leading organisation in the field of football for good. Over the past 15 years, the streetfootballworld network has been created and developed to identify, connect and empower community organisations that are using football as a tool for social transformation and enable them to maximise their impact. The streetfootballworld network currently consists of 131 network members that, together, reach over two million people in 86 countries.

For more than one decade, streetfootballworld has been implementing social impact strategies in cooperation with a wide range of partners – from FIFA and UEFA to sponsors, governments and private partners – and is behind some of the biggest innovations in the field of football for development, such as Common Goal. streetfootballworld’s impact has been recognised with a variety of awards from prestigious organisations, such as Laureus, UEFA and the World Economic Forum.

FedEx - Purple_Orange

#Morethanfootball Action Weeks 2019

#Morethanfootball Action Weeks 2019

After the success of the previous #Morethanfootball campaign, the European Football for Development Network today launched its third #Morethanfootball Action Weeks. Since its inception, the foundation has supported the campaign, which aims to highlight the social responsibility of football on and off the field.

Between 19 March and 9 April 2019, organisations, football federations, leagues and clubs are encouraged to showcase the game’s power and demonstrate the significant positive impact that European football can have on people’s lives. The campaigns can take a variety of forms. For instance, during home games, in matchday programmes or on LED walls. The organisations are also encouraged to showcase their social programmes on their websites and through their social media channels.

For more than two weeks, the foundation will work in close collaboration with the organisations it supports to raise awareness about the positive impact of football on promoting the fundamentals rights of children. Specific themes such as health, education, gender equality, racism and environmental sustainability will be aired on the foundation’s social networks with the #Morethanfootball hashtag. In addition, the foundation will help to take the campaign’s core message to a broader audience by using LED boards at the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, showing that football is more than a game, more than a sport.

Campaign schedule:

TUE 19/3              Launch of the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks and #PassItOnVideo

THU 21/3             Environmental sustainability

FRI 22/3               World Water Day

SAT 23/3              Education

MON 25/3           Supporting refugees

TUE 26/3             EFDN #Morethanfootball conference, London

WED 27/3            Promoting gender equality

FRI 29/3               Anti-racism and anti-discrimination

TUE 2/4                Intellectual disabilities (World Autism Awareness Day)

THU 4/4               Employability

SAT 06/4              International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

SUN 7/4                World Health Day

MON 8/4              Fighting homophobia, biphobia and transphobia

TUE 9/4                Ending poverty and hunger

Foundation backing 45 new projects

The UEFA Foundation for Children continues to show total commitment in fulfilling its mission on behalf of children across Europe and beyond.

The UEFA Foundation for Children continues to show total commitment in fulfilling its mission on behalf of children across Europe and beyond.

Last September, the UEFA Executive Committee decided to allocate additional funding of 3 million for the 2018/19 financial year for the foundation to support humanitarian projects.

At its recent meeting, the Foundation's board of trustees selected and approved 45 new projects for 2018/19, in which the body will be carrying out its key objective to help children – through sport and football in particular – by providing backing primarily in the areas of health, education, access to sport, personal development, integration and defending the rights of the child.

The projects, which cover a wide variety of relevant areas and activities, reflect the determination of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin – who is chairman of the foundation – to intensify the invaluable and groundbreaking work that has been taking place. "Our foundation plays an instrumental role in aiding children living in challenging and difficult conditions around the world," said Mr Čeferin.

Between the time that Mr Čeferin was elected as the foundation's chairman in November 2017 and today, a total of 82 projects in Europe and elsewhere have been added to the foundation's portfolio, with a total of 180 initiatives supported since the foundation was launched in 2015.

Many non-profit organisations that share the foundation's values responded to a call for projects issued during summer 2018.

In selecting 45 new projects, the board of trustees decided that half of the increased funding should be allocated to European projects, and the other half to projects in the rest of the world.

Careful planning and management are strengthening the foundation's development strategies and expanding the range of its work. "It has been a great pleasure to be able to participate in the selection of the projects," said board of trustees member Fiona May.

"Hopefully we can reach and help as many children around the world to give them opportunities as well as education thanks to sport."

 

 

 

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