The Start
The UEFA Foundation for Children was established on the initiative of the former UEFA president, Michel Platini, reflecting UEFA’s desire to play a more active role in society and communities.
For many years, UEFA had been working with numerous partners to develop projects and programmes designed to help children living in difficult circumstances in Europe and beyond.
Keen to step up its activities and target them appropriately, UEFA decided to create an independent foundation that uses sport to support humanitarian projects promoting children’s rights in the following areas:
Access to sport
Personal development
Healthy lifestyle
Disabled children
Conflict victims
Gender equality
Gender equality
Environmental protection
Employability
Infrastructure and equipment
Strengthening partnerships
The UEFA Foundation will help us to preserve the magic of football and give hope to the children who need it most. This is truly a great project and a cause that is particularly close to my heart.
Michel Platini
The foundation was formally established as a charitable organisation governed by Swiss law on 22 January 2015 and started operating in April 2015.
