UEFA Foundation brings hope to Champions League final in earthquake-hit Türkiye

UEFA Foundation brings hope to Champions League final in earthquake-hit Türkiye.

The UEFA Foundation for Children and Turkish NGO Bonyan Organization create a memorable experience for more than 40 children at the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.

More than 40 children sampled the unforgettable magic of the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday thanks to the UEFA Foundation and Turkish NGO, Bonyan Organization.

All of them are part of communities affected by February’s devastating earthquakes which hit south-east Türkiye and Syria and were able to enjoy much-needed respite from the on-going recovery situation by taking in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Inter at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

The children are affiliated to the Bonyan Organization, an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit organisation dedicated to building human capacity and rehabilitating war-torn communities across the Middle East. Thanks to the invaluable support of the UEFA Foundation for Children, these young individuals were granted an extraordinary opportunity to witness the thrilling action first-hand. Some were even fortunate enough to accompany the players into the stadium before the game as match escorts.

Mohammed, player mascot

"I was really happy to watch the match and meet Haaland! I got very excited because Manchester City won."

The excitement began on Friday when an incredible surprise awaited them with the opportunity to take in the teams’ final training sessions at the stadium. Players from both Inter and City took the time to personally greet their young fans, leaving them astounded yet brimming with happiness. Notable heroes Hakan Çalhanoğlu and İlkay Gündoğan spent time talking to the children and signing autographs before the kids had their last surprise of the day as they came face to face with the Champions League trophy.

Marwa, player mascot

"It was a great feeling when I interacted with the referees and got very close to the trophy, holding the ball that Manchester City and Inter played with.

It was a dream of mine and I didn't expect to have such an opportunity. It was a sweet and special feeling, especially when I attended the team's celebrations."

Since 2015, the UEFA Foundation for Children has been committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people through the beautiful game. Its unwavering support for the Bonyan Organization and their active involvement in the Champions League final showcased its dedication to using football as a powerful force for good.

The Foundation supports Bonyan Organization’s “Goal-4-all” project with a funding of €200,000. The project's primary objective is to promote peaceful coexistence among children from diverse communities, including refugees and host communities, using sports as a tool for integration. Through this initiative, Turkish and Syrian children gain regular access to sports facilities, while special emphasis is placed on creating opportunities for the integration of girls and children with special needs.

Tarek Alfaraj, programme manager at Bonyan Organization

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

More about Bonyan's project.

Special Earthquake fund

Supported by UEFA and its partners, the UEFA Foundation for Children is calling for donations to provide significant support for the people affected by the earthquakes, particularly children.

The funds will be distributed to various partners active in communities affected by the earthquakes. These partners not only provide mental health support to children through initiatives linked to football, but also aid in the rehabilitation and integration of children seriously injured by the earthquakes.

Mastercard and UEFA Foundation for Children join forces to give the joy of football back to children in the earthquake zone

Mastercard and the UEFA Foundation for Children join forces to launch the "Pitches of Hope" project, an initiative to provide hope for earthquake-affected children and youth.

The facilities will open their doors in June in the most heavily impacted earthquake areas, including Gaziantep Nurdağı, Hatay Antakya, and Adıyaman.

The project will be creating safe football pitches for the children affected by the natural disaster, to improve their mental and physical well-being and to strengthen their peer-to-peer bonds.

Istanbul, June 9^th, 2023 – Mastercard, official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Foundation for Children join forces for a new project called “Pitches of Hope”. The aim of the project is to support children affected by the earthquakes in line with Mastercard’s corporate social responsibility work. Mastercard will be supporting the international non-governmental organization Save the Children Türkiye, which will build and rehabilitate football fields in the most earthquake-affected regions, including Nurdağı (Gaziantep), Antakya (Hatay), and Adıyaman; and run football programmes with the aim of instilling new hope in children and youth, by harnessing the healing power of sport.

The football fields will be built and rehabilitated starting from the beginning of June, and the pitches will be completed and open to the children by the end of December.

DESIGNING FOOTBALL-BASED ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN’S REHABILITATION

Launched today at a joint event with the attendance of UEFA Ambassador Marco Materazzi, Mastercard and UEFA Equal Game Ambassador Barış Telli, Fatih Terim, and Selçuk Inan, the "Pitches of Hope" project will create safe spaces for earthquake-affected children to play, improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthen their peer-to-peer bonds. As part of the project, experts in child psychology and trauma designed a series of football-based games, which will be implemented under the coordination of Save the Children Türkiye to facilitate the children's recovery process. Each game is meticulously designed to encourage teamwork, enhance resilience, bolster mental well-being, and, above all, allow children to embrace the carefree essence of childhood once more. It is believed that expressions of joy, celebratory high-fives, and shared laughter serve as crucial initial strides on the path to healing.

“WE WANT TO GIVE KIDS A CHANCE TO BE KIDS AGAIN” - AVŞAR GÜRDAL, General Manager of Mastercard Türkiye.

From the beginning, Mastercard supported the activities to heal the wounds of the earthquake-affected regions. Initially, we provided financial assistance for humanitarian aid to the region through various non-governmental organisations and we matched employee donations to the cause globally. And today, we are delighted to announce our commitment to a new joint project Pitches of Hope, with the UEFA Foundation for Children. For the past 29 years, Mastercard has been a proud sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, a highly anticipated competition among football fans globally. To crown our longstanding partnership and pass on hope to our children in the earthquake zone, we have joined forces to give them a chance to be kids again, by giving access to safe guarded football fields. Through the ‘Pitches of Hope' project, we aim to eliminate the lingering effects of earthquakes and strive to establish a fresh wellspring of joy and optimism in the lives of children.”

“WE’LL PROMOTE CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN A FUN WAY” - URS KLUSER, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

“The Pitches for Hope project is a great way to engage the children affected by the earthquake in sport, to promote health and well-being in a fun way, and to help them to overcome their trauma. Thanks to the valuable support of Mastercard, more children will have access to a safe place to play to reconnect with their childhood and hope for a better future.”

“THE PITCHES WILL PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH THE SAFE SPACES KIDS NEED” - OBEN COBAN, Government Relations, Safety and Security Director for Save the Children Türkiye.

"More than four months after the first earthquakes hit, children are still trying to piece their lives back together and adapt to their new realities. As a result, children’s mental well-being is pushed to the limits, unable to move past the distressing experiences they’ve been through. In these conditions, children need crucial support to avoid long-term repercussions on their health, well-being, and development for months or even years to come. We know that the ability to play with friends and loved ones allows children to take a break from their new realities – which is why we are looking forward to supporting the national earthquake response in partnership with Mastercard on ‘Pitches of Hope’. The pitches will provide children with the safe spaces for fun, play, and community they need at such a challenging time.”

The launch event also included a friendly match where children from the earthquake zone had the opportunity to play football with UEFA ambassadors. Following the launch event, the children will have the chance to tour Istanbul along with their families. On the 10^th of June, kids will enter the pitch with finalist teams and be player mascots at the UEFA Champions League Final and enjoy being Mastercard’s guests at the stadium, watching the final alongside their families.

Mastercard invites everyone who wishes to support the cause to the Tap-to-donate terminals in the official UEFA Champions League areas around Istanbul.

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. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. You can follow us on Twitter at @MasterCard_TR, you can reach all of our newsletters and news kits by clicking on the Mastercard Newsroom https://newsroom.mastercard.com/eu/tr link.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Link to the project HERE

About FedEx

Project partner

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

About Bonyan Organization

Project Partner

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

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

UEFA Foundation making dreams comes true at Prague final

Over 50 children beneficiaries from Czechia's Fotbal pro rozvoj project took part in Europa Conference League final thanks to the UEFA Foundation for Children.

With the UEFA Europa Conference League Final unfolding in Prague, the spotlight shone not only on the thrilling football action but also on the remarkable work achieved by the UEFA Foundation for children through the Fotbal pro rozvoj (Football for development) project in Czechia.

Over 50 young beneficiaries of the initiative enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grand spectacle of this year's final at Prague's Eden Arena thanks to the joint work of the foundation and two of the competition’s sponsors, Hankook and Engelbert Strauss.

Adding to the excitement, a small group of children took centre stage, striding onto the pitch as referee and player mascots, proudly standing shoulder to shoulder with the Fiorentina and West Ham United players. This honour exemplifies the unwavering spirit and limitless potential residing within each child, echoing the Foundation's belief that "Every child is a champion."

It was my dream to enter the pitch in a full stadium

-Young Karolina had the chance to act as a player mascot for the first time

Since 2020, the foundation has been supporting the Fotbal pro rozvoj project in Czechia, which uses informal football-based educational activities to engage young people at risk of social exclusion. Through the power of sport, the initiative promotes social integration, personal development, and a sense of belonging for the youth in various urban environments across the country.

Football for Development has been running in Czechia for over 15 years, during which it has developed a robust network of national and international partners. Collaborating with clubs, social services, orphanages, and youth detention centres in the cities of Prague, Usti nad Labem, Plzeň, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary and Liberec, the project creates safe spaces for social interaction and personal growth for children and teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those at risk of social exclusion, discrimination, disabilities, and orphanhood.

Football for Development implements the Football3 concept, which prioritises fair play, inclusion, and mutual respect as essential elements of the game. By emphasising social values such as teamwork, discussion, and mutual understanding, the initiative goes beyond sports competition to instil life skills and conflict resolution strategies.

The initiative also employs the Football for Good methodology, integrating football training sessions with social topics and life skills relevant to participants' daily lives. From addressing issues like drug abuse, violence, vandalism, and racism to teaching communication, teamwork, respect, leadership skills, and non-violent conflict resolution, this approach empowers young people to become responsible leaders within their communities.

Prague welcomes and celebrates the achievement of two teams at the Europa Conference League final, but not only. Thanks to the UEFA Foundation for Children and its partners, it will also celebrate the achievement of a number of young people who take part in our Football for Good programme and bring them this unique experience. We are glad our children can contribute to the diversity and celebration of the European Conference League final.

Ansley, Fotbal pro rozvoj manager

Read more about the project

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

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

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

Fundraising and support activities around the final will include:

Fans and visitors at this year’s UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul will be invited to “tap-to-donate” with terminals provided by Mastercard, which will be available at the UEFA Champions Festival, Atatürk Olympic Stadium and Fan Zones. The proceeds of the donations will support a joint UEFA Foundation/Mastercard project in Turkey.

A free concert, where artists will call to action to “tap-to-donate” will be held on Sunday 11 June at the UEFA Champions Festival at Yenikapı Park. Local leading artist Ferman Akgül and Can Şengün Orchestra & Friends will host some of the finest Turkish musicians on the main stage, starting from 19:00. No tickets are required to enter the festival area and concert.

In addition to the “tap-to-donate” terminals, people will be able to make a donation via a QR code.

As part of the UEFA Foundation’s ongoing work to support those affected, some children affected by the earthquakes will accompany the players – as part of the Mastercard Player Mascot activation - and the refereeing team - as part of the FedEx Referee Mascot activation - at the final onto the pitch. The UEFA Foundation will also provide the chance for two groups of children from the affected region to attend the official team training sessions of both finalists, Manchester City FC and FC Internazionale Milano, on the day before the match at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
Since spectators are not allowed to bring coins into stadiums in Türkiye as per local regulations, any coins removed prior to entry to the final will also be donated to the Earthquake Fund in support of those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

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

UEFA

Joint partner

Kick for Trade Festival

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Basra, Iraq

Start date 12/01/2022

End date 06/30/2023

Cost of the project €110’814

Foundation funding €110’814

Project identifier 20220939

Partners Palestine: Sports for Life

Categories

Access to Sport -

Employability -

Gender Equality -

Personal development -

Strengthening partnerships

Context

Iraqi children have limited opportunities to take part in projects that support individual development and foster employability. This hinders them from becoming successful and engaged individuals and citizens.

Project goals

Increase employment rates among young people in Basra.
Promote young people’s life skills, personal development, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship
Increase the leadership skills of young leaders
Improve the coaching skills of coaches
Provide an inclusive environment and access to sports for ethnic minorities

Project content

The Kick for Trade Festival is an expression of the successes of the K4T programme and has sport at its heart.

The K4T project applies a unique approach to tackling youth unemployment by engaging young people through football. Sport acts as an entry point, offering a safe space for learning and personal development, leading on to further engagement in vocational programmes and entrepreneurship opportunities. Young people are linked to potential investors and employers from the Iraqi private sector through entrepreneurial and employability activities using Kick for Trade teams and tools.

Football3 and the Kick for Trade curriculum sessions include adapted-rules football matches that enable the youngsters to develop and implement transferable skills that are relevant for employment, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, self-discipline and resilience. The sessions are for children and young people from ethnic minorities and from marginalised rural areas and disadvantaged districts of Basra.

Partners

UEFA Foundation makes a difference in Hungary

The UEFA Foundation for Children teams up with Hungarian associations to bring happiness and hope to kids through the beautiful game.

As the UEFA Europa League final unfolds in Budapest this year, the UEFA Foundation for Children finds itself in a familiar embrace, for it has a longstanding commitment to supporting local Hungarian associations dedicated to helping children in need.

The UEFA Foundation provides financial aid to the Oltalom Sport Association and the Amigos for Children Foundation, two Hungarian associations harnessing the power of the beautiful game to promote social progress and make a positive impact on kids from local communities.

At this year’s final, thanks to the generosity of Europa League sponsor Engelberg Strauss and the UEFA Foundation, children’s dreams came true in more ways than one. About 100 young guests from Oltalom Sport Association and Amigos for Children Foundation associations had the opportunity to attend the Europa League final in Budapest and some of them even acted as player escorts, experiencing first-hand the excitement and passion of one of UEFA’s biggest events.

Being part of the Europa League final is an amazing opportunity to offer a once in a lifetime experience for our participants. Seeing the smiles on the children's face when their dreams come true is what we can call a reward for our work.

- András Rákos, OSA staff from Hungary

Oltalom Sport Association: football for refugees

In Hungary, the Oltalom Sport Association (OSA) is on a mission to use football as a tool to uplift disadvantaged individuals and foster a healthy lifestyle since its inception in 2005. Through weekly training sessions and football camps, the association provides refugees and migrants in shelters of Budapest with an opportunity to build self-esteem and develop crucial skills such as teamwork and communication. OSA’s objective is also to promote fair play through football as a means of combatting racism and increasing social tolerance.

The UEFA Foundation for Children supports OSA’s activities by donating over 43,000 € to develop new projects and promote integration and social cohesion among refugees in Budapest. Thanks to OSA’s initiative and the foundation’s support, 560 children and young adults, of which 160 are refugees, are benefitting from a safe place to play their favourite game, and a regular physical activity with friends to look forward to.

OSA also regularly represents Hungary at the Homeless World Cup, which uses football to inspire social change and provide opportunities for marginalised players. In 2019, Hungary’s women’s team travelled to Cardiff, showcasing their talent and dedication after months of intense preparation. A year earlier, the men’s team from OSA finished third place in Mexico City.

My father is still home, trying to defend our country. He is in dark places, whereas I am standing in the light of the stadium. I am doing it for you, Dad.

-Zoltán, from Ukraine

Since we had to leave our home and all of our life behind, this is the first time I see my son smiling again. I'd like to say thank you to Oltalom Sport Association for making this happen.

-Marianna, Zoltán's mum

Learn more about Oltalom

Amigos for Children Foundation: visiting children in hospitals

The Amigos for Children Foundation’s mission revolves around fostering healing and empowerment among children staying in hospital. Through the power of friendship, language learning, play, and creativity, the Amigos for Children Foundation and its dedicated university student volunteers, known as Amigos, strive to create a nurturing environment for kids in hospitals.

With the assistance from the UEFA Foundation for Children, the hospital visits project will integrate sports-related knowledge and develop captivating exercise booklets that revolve around the world of sports.

At Amigos, we want to be not only friends but also role models for the children and show them a world they can reach beyond the hospital walls, even through their imagination. Where we talk with them we include topics such as travel, different cultures, books and sports. And if your favourite football player is Spanish or French, you must learn to introduce yourself in their native language, because who knows when you will meet him/her! Thanks to UEFA, it became reality and gave the kids a lifetime of memories and motivation.

-Sára Forgács-Fábián, founder of Amigos

It is important for me to be part of this project, because both Amigos and the love of sport are very close to me. For me, football is essential because of its ability to bring people together on and off the pitch, to strengthen our love of the game and to give us the opportunity to build friendships, while at the same time recognising the power and importance of a cohesive community.

-Csaba Szlovicsák, Amigos volunteer

Learn more about Amigos

Sport youth inspiring the future – Line Up, Live Up

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Chui, Naryn, Issyk-Kul and Talas oblasts, Kyrgyzstan

Start date 12/01/2022

End date 06/30/2023

Cost of the project €50 000

Foundation funding €50 000

Project identifier 20220786

Partners Institute for Youth Development

Categories

Access to Sport -

Healthy lifestyle -

Personal development

Context

According to the Kyrgyzstan National Statistical Committee, the country had 1.6 million young people aged 14–28 in 2018, of which 51% were men and 49% women.

The Kyrgyz Republic has a young population, with over a quarter between 14 and 28. Some 70% of young people live in rural districts. There is an urgent need for more extracurricular activities, mostly in rural regions. Getting children to try a broad range of sports at an early age with specialist coaching would boost the culture of sport in Kyrgyzstan.

Project goals

1) Improve the behaviour of young people through involvement in football and sport in general

2) Promote sport and healthy lifestyles among young people

3) Encourage marginalised and potentially antisocial young people to try sport

Project content

Our focus is on rural regions in northern Kyrgyzstan, for a target audience of young people aged 14–16 who are just finding their way in society, forming communities of interest and thinking about their futures.

1) Liaising with youth specialists from the regional education department to identify the schools and regions with the greatest need

2) Educating trainers to deliver the ‘Get into life’ programme in Bishkek

3) Recruiting 150–300 participants to form 16 football teams

4) Organising an inter-regional tournament in four locations

5) Holding a major tournament in Bishkek

Partners

KIFUMPA – Girls United

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Lubumbashi, Katanga region, Democratic Republic of Congo

Start date 01/09/2023

End date 06/30/2024

Cost of the project €138000

Foundation funding €75000

Project identifier 20220560

Partners Play for Change UK charitable trust

Categories

Access to Sport -

Employability -

Healthy lifestyle -

Infrastructure and equipment -

Personal development

Context

Lubumbashi is the second largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the country’s mining capital. Political instability, corruption and violence are rife, including widespread attacks against civilians, fighting between ethnic factions, sexual violence and murder. The country is also plagued by malnutrition, easily treatable but highly infectious, deadly diseases such as malaria and sleeping sickness, the world’s second highest rate of infant mortality and high maternal mortality.

Widely considered an economic resource, families tend to have many children (often more than ten) but lack the resources to support them. Many children are thus abandoned and find themselves living on the street, perpetuating cycles of theft, crime, drugs and violence.

Child brides, young mothers and sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women are commonplace.

Project goals

Educational inclusion: Increase participation in school activities and reduce school dropout rates

Gender equality: Break down gender barriers and develop mutual respect

Educational capacities: Train educators and coaches

Basic skills: Promote awareness of participants' own aptitudes, enhance their relational, emotional, motor and cognitive skills, and help girls in particular to better plan their futures

Health and well-being: Improve the health and well-being of minors through access to clean water, food, sanitation, education, etc.

Sport: Encourage participation in sport, in particular football, especially among girls

Safe spaces: Guarantee access to safe spaces and solutions tailored to the needs of minors

In numbers:

36 trained technical and educational staff
450 students
10 schools involved in workshops
40 girls involved in pre-academy activities
1,000 street children reached by awareness campaigns

Project content

Launched in January 2023, the KIFUMPA (=a Swahili word meaning ball of rugs) project comprises six activities in four categories.

Awareness campaigns

PROXIMITY/SCOUTING CAMPAIGNS: Five evening visits to neighbourhoods where street girls live, to promote the educational and sporting activities available.

COMMUNITY EVENT: Open access concerts and theatre in an area of the city frequented by street children to break down the cultural barriers and stereotypes surrounding activities typically considered to be “for men”.

Staff training

An introduction to values-based training and the importance of identifying and addressing children’s frailties and educational needs during sports activities, helping coaches to support young players’ holistic growth and teaching educators to promote gender equality, resilience and teamwork.

School workshops

A four-hour educational and recreational workshop for 10 schools, using football and art to promote gender equality, inclusion, teamwork and sport among 10 to 14-year-olds.

Education and sport

SUMMER CAMPS: Three weeks of educational and recreational sports activities at the end of the school year, in June and July 2023, as an introduction to the pre-academy.

PRE-ACADEMY: Educational and football courses from September 2023 (5hrs of language classes, 5hrs of maths, 15hrs of general culture and 5hrs of football each week) on the premises of the Futuka men's academy (pending completion of the Msichana Football Academy).

Partner

Lay’s RePlay sustainable pitch opens in Egypt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo North Africa

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

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

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

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

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

About Lay's Replay

Project partner

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

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

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

Refugee Youth Empowerment

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Penang, Malaysia

Start date 01/01/2023

End date 12/31/2024

Cost of the project €23,839

Foundation funding €23,839

Project identifier 20220154

Partners Persatuan Komuniti Berdikari (also known as ASPIRE Penang and Penang Stop Human Trafficking Campaign)

Categories

Access to Sport -

Conflict victims -

Infrastructure and equipment -

Personal development

Context

In Malaysia, young refugees often live in an environment that offers few opportunities for recreation, education or social interaction. The Malaysian government provides no legal or administrative framework to protect or support refugees. Instead, it has invited the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to verify, register and resettle refugees, based on the concept that refugees are simply in transit. However, the severe lack of resettlement places means that refugees end up staying in Malaysia for decades, without access to mainstream education and protection at work and few safeguards against extortion, harassment, arrest and detention. Consequently, women, men and young people often feel helpless and without hope, as their opportunities in Malaysia are very limited and the chances of resettlement slim.

Project goals

1. Significantly increase opportunities for young refugees to learn about and engage in organised activities, including sports and other recreation, and to acquire life skills

2. Build teamwork, responsibility, decision-making and leadership skills through participants’ ‘ownership’ of project planning and management

3. Improve prospects by learning vocational and life skills

Project content

Over a two-year period, this project will offer young refugees in Penang greater opportunities to engage in activities that bring hope and positivity: an organised football project for boys, other culturally appropriate recreational activities for girls, and life skills classes in language and computer literacy. These are skills the young refugees themselves have identified as critical for their future. In the football programmes, the players themselves will be responsible for all aspects of team management, which will build a sense of ownership, leadership and responsibility. In the other parts of the project, the young people will play a key role in initiating and directing activities.

ACTIVITY	FREQUENCY
U14 football programme boys	One practice session + one match a week
U19 football programme boys	One practice session + one match a week
Girls’ recreational activity	Frequency to be determined
Computer classes	Once a week at weekends (note: young refugees are only available for classes at weekends)
English classes	Once a week at weekends (note: young refugees are only available for classes at weekends)

Partners

Reintegration to school through sport

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Batticaloa, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Start date 02/01/2023

End date 07/31/2023

Cost of the project €20,285,00

Foundation funding €20,300

Project identifier 20220861

Partners Street Child

Categories

Access to Sport -

Healthy lifestyle -

Infrastructure and equipment -

Personal development

Context

In Sri Lanka, many children have endured the negative effects of isolation and a lack of social interaction over the last three years due to COVID-19 school closures and now the severe economic crisis. These events will have a long-term impact on the country, with the effect that many children will be left behind. It is difficult for children to acquire essential life skills without spending significant amounts of time with their peers. The well-being of young people is a major concern. Students with irregular school attendance fall far behind in class and often drop out.

Project goals

Active participation in sport develops both cognitive and non-cognitive skills, offering students a holistic learning experience and producing well-rounded individuals. The objectives of the project are to: (i) reintegrate students into school with a positive attitude, in classroom settings that encourage student retention, and (ii) introduce regular sporting activity in schools to encourage consistent social interaction.

Project content

In total, 900 students will benefit from improved PE classes with football lessons.

Some 18 teachers at six schools will receive two months of training from experienced educators in active learning practices, in particular how to create, manage and deliver sports-based learning in the classroom.

Furthermore, 180 students will benefit from a two-month training programme for six community football teams. This will feature football training, after-school football sessions and weekly inter-school matches.

The data gathered during the impact assessment process will be used by Street Child to produce reports to be distributed both locally (to schools, partners and stakeholders) and internationally. Street Child will share the results with its offices in other countries and local partners, identifying the strengths of the model and promoting its replication where appropriate.

Partners

Play to prevent

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Oruro, Bolivia

Start date 01/15/2023

End date 01/15/2024

Cost of the project €97,192,00

Foundation funding €80,000

Project identifier 20221105

Partners ChildFund Bolivia

Categories

Access to Sport -

Gender Equality -

Infrastructure and equipment -

Personal development

Context

Oruro in Bolivia has a population of over half a million, mainly in its eponymous capital city. Bolivia is one of South America's poorest countries and, as the urban population of Oruro has grown due to internal migration, there has not been universal access to basic services such as health, education and decent housing. The city also suffers from distressing levels of domestic violence.

The children who take part in the project are highly vulnerable and come from deprived backgrounds. Many are from single-parent families and are often subject to physical, psychological and sexual abuse. In general, there are few opportunities for young people to do sport and engage in personal development.

Project goals

Improve life skills and enhance violence prevention for 1,000 girls and 500 boys
Train female and male teachers and coaches to promote violence prevention and gender equality through sport
Introduce the Jugar para Prevenir methodology that offers a clear gender focus
Support the city of Oruro’s football schools for both girls and boys through inclusion and equity methodologies

Project content

The project promotes ChildFund’s Jugar para Prevenir (Play to Prevent) method to improve the violence prevention skills of girls and boys and their coaches and teachers through sports. The project is introducing the methodology to ten schools including the Quirquincho Feliz football school for boys. The project also partners with the first football school for girls in Bolivia, Las Super Poderosas, implementing the Jugar para Prevenir methodology through specific activities for girls and female sports teachers.

The project will reach 1,000 girls, 500 boys and 20 football coaches in 10 schools.

Partners

Facing crisis through football in Colombia & Venezuela

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Colombia (Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Vichada) and Venezuela (Caracas)

Start date 01/31/2023

End date 12/31/2023

Cost of the project €212,864

Foundation funding €99,864

Project identifier 20220558

Partners Inter Campus

Categories

Access to Sport -

Employability -

Gender Equality -

Healthy lifestyle -

Personal development -

Strengthening partnerships

Context

Colombia and Venezuela are experiencing unprecedented economic crises, affecting in particular the most vulnerable: children, women and minorities. Thousands of young people and their families are facing food shortages, resulting in limited physical development and possibly also irreversible mental damage. This economic and social crisis is linked to acute political disorder, giving rise to insecurity, violence and corruption.

Project goals

The objective is to support children’s physical, mental and social health, providing them with cultural elements and a psychological structure to face threats prevalent in their communities.

Two main priorities have been identified:

1. Bridging a nutritional gap affecting children’s development

2. Countering a wave of violence caused by the socio-economic crisis, mainly as a result of drug production, distribution and consumption

Project content

There are three approaches:

1. Teach local coaches how to teach children team values: respect for the coaches, rules and referees; seeing opponents not as enemies but as partners; cooperating with other children; learning to make the most of their time in training and school activities; growing their skills and gaining self-confidence; getting stronger against adversities by learning how to deal with winning and losing; and how to fulfil their dreams by working hard; training even in bad weather; and learning how to overcome stress or aggressive instincts in a positive way.

2. Promote integration among people with different languages, cultures, and religions; reducing violence; gender equality and confidence-building.

3. The mere presence of the Inter brand will attract attention from volunteers, sponsors, local authorities, other social offices or NGOs and inspire them to help.

The project will last 24 months, based on weekly training sessions and periodical weekend matches, and involve 530 vulnerable children from 6 to 13 years old living in 11 different rural and urban contexts in Colombia and Venezuela.

The training will be run by local educators applying an innovative socio-sports methodology according to local needs. Weekly nutritional support will be given, by providing healthy, good-quality food normally not available to these children.

Local partners, the Fundación Crecer Jugando in Colombia and the Fundación Magallanes in Venezuela, will select and run the activities.

Twelve coaches will take part in a working group and learn to use the scientific tools used to asses children’s personality, as well as basic sports-related skills on social, emotional, cognitive issues.

Partners

Festival 23

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location Sydney, Australia

Start date 01/15/2023

End date 12/31/2023

Cost of the project €600,000

Foundation funding €80,000

Project identifier 20220520

Partners University of New South Wales, Football United programme

Categories

Access to Sport -

Employability -

Environmental protection -

Gender Equality -

Personal development -

Strengthening partnerships

Context

Football United is a member of the Common Goal movement that unites 200 grassroots organisations that use football to promote social change, in areas such as gender equity, climate action, social inclusion and poverty reduction. An essential part of these organisations’ sustainability efforts is training and empowering youth to become leaders in the football for good (F4G) space, providing organisational sustainability, enabling the global movement to further develop and improving the impact of the F4G sector. F4G festivals enable such training opportunities.

Project goals

Festival 23 will build youth leader capacity to create positive social change in 25 communities throughout Australia with immediate practical engagement during the festival. Training from global experts will focus on the UN’s Global Goals to enhance the capacity of F4G organisations to achieve the objectives in health; education; access to sport; personal development; integration of minorities; and the protection of children’s rights.

Project content

Festival 23 will provide the social legacy for the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup. F4G festivals have been a way to build youth leadership capacity at every FIFA World Cup since 2006. Evaluations indicate participants increased their capacity to take on leadership roles in their respective communities after the event.

Festival 23 will bring up to 120 youth leaders from around the world together for ten days of capacity-building through F4G themed training alongside community engagement mechanisms and activities. Festival 23 is therefore a catalyst for progressive leadership development in F4G organisations, leveraging the immense power of mass football events.

1. Four days of capacity-building workshops by global experts in F4G, Global Goals themes relating to climate action, gender empowerment, health, education, employability, advocacy

2. Application of training as youth leaders will engage with 25 diverse, low socio-economic communities in football gala days

3. Fair-play tournament between teams comprising the youth leaders and Common Goal footballers

4. Increased engagement and application of acquired competencies in the participants’ home countries following Festival 23

Partners

This is How We Football

Location and general information

Ongoing

Location American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga and Vanuatu

Start date 01/01/2023

End date 01/01/2024

Cost of the project €1,088,500

Foundation funding €190,000

Project identifier 20220628

Partners Oceania Football Confederation

Categories

Context

Girls in the Pacific experience the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. They also face discrimination and exclusion, with inequalities in education, decision-making processes, access to health services and opportunities to play sport. Some 70% of women and girls in the Pacific are insufficiently physically active, resulting in health issues and exclusion from the benefits of sport, including peer support, accessing new networks, leadership and other skills.

A co-design process was initiated with OFC member associations to develop female participation programmes that would meet the needs of girls and create a safe, sustainable environment to develop female footballers.

Project goals

Change perceptions among boys, girls, women and men involved in football
Empower young people to be leaders and advocates for broad social change
Train young people and coaches on gender-based violence and ensure they have access to services
Guarantee that strategies, systems and training are in place to support non-discrimination and reduce the risks of harm

Project content

This is How We Football was launched in 2022 as part of the OFC’s commitment to a long-term women’s football strategy to ensure that girls throughout the region have the opportunity to take part in football in a safe, supportive environment.

This is How We Football focuses on creating supportive environments through regional and national communication campaigns, policy and strategy development, training and delivering programmes focused on safe female participation. We are partnering with UN Women and national women’s and children’s crisis centres to offer support and education to women and girls in our region, promoting gender equality, leadership, responses to gender-based violence and training on health and hygiene. The programme includes:

Youth football programmes that provide opportunities for boys and girls to interact and change perceptions around gender roles
A girls’ (13-18) football participation programme integrating messages of gender empowerment, life skills, health and responses to gender-based violence
Regional and national communications campaigns and festivals to promote awareness of gender equality
Gender equality training and capacity building workshops for coaches across 11 member association countries
Bespoke safeguarding training for all instructors across the Pacific
Long-term gender inclusion and safeguarding action plans developed in 11 countries in respect of EVWAG (the elimination of violence against women and girls)