Mastercard brings Girls4Football to Switzerland – the programme for young female footballers aged 6 to 16

Mastercard brings Girls4Football to Switzerland – the programme for young female footballers aged 6 to 16

    Girls4Football is an initiative by Mastercard in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for children that emp

    After a successful start in Germany, England, France, Italy and Spain, Girls4Football is now also coming to Switzerland.

    Partner of Girls4Football in Switzerland is the Northwestern Football Association.

Mastercard is launching Girls4Football in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for children in Switzerland. The programme aims to promote the physical and emotional well-being of girls and young women through sports and shared leisure activities.

Girls4Football is teaming up with the Northwestern Swiss Football Association (FVNWS) for this purpose. Between 6 and 15 young female footballers will gather at 9 locations across the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Aargau (see table below). Some of them are already part of the Northwestern Swiss Football Association and come from diverse backgrounds.

Girls4Football inspires and empowers girls and young women to unlock their potential and explore new opportunities through football – on the pitch and beyond. In addition to football training, the programme offers support from physiotherapists and educational workshops that equip participants with essential life skills – such as managing money and building self-confidence.

Daniel Schaub, President of the Northwestern Swiss Football Association, commented:
"The partnership with Girls4Football is a milestone for us in promoting women's soccer. The low barrier to entry and the social nature of the program are important and sustainable factors for success."

Almost 100 girls and young women make the start

As of now, almost 100 girls and young women will take part in the programme – some are already playing football, others are rediscovering the sport for themselves. This diversity is intended to enrich the training and strengthen the community. The participants come from the city of Basel or the surrounding communities and have learned about Girls4Football through friends, school projects or leisure activities. Parents, trainers, and teachers also played a crucial role in raising awareness of the programme.

 

Mastercard and "Bend it like Beckham" author publish companion book to Girls4Football

Girls4Football is rooted in Mastercard’s over 30-year sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League and was developed in collaboration with the UEFA Foundation for children. Launched in Germany, England, France, Italy, and Spain earlier this year, the programme partners with local organisations in each country to empower girls through football. In its first year alone, more than 1’000 young female footballers joined the initiative.

To mark the launch of Girls4Football, Mastercard has published the book "The Playbook: Mastering the Game" – written by British author Narinder Dhami, known for the cult classic "Bend it like Beckham". It tells the inspiring life stories of eleven of football's most impressive trailblazers – including that of Imke Wübbenhorst, who was the first woman in Germany to coach a men's team in a higher league and now leads the women's team of the BSC Young Boys in Bern.

Switzerland, the newest country to join the Girls4Football programme, now counts over 46’000 licensed female footballers – a record high that marks a remarkable 60% increase since 2020.

Daniela Massaro, Country Manager Switzerland and Liechtenstein at Mastercard, says: "At Mastercard, we believe in the power of sport to inspire and empower young people. The Girls4Football program is designed to give girls and young women the confidence they need to achieve their goals – on and off the field. With early financial education, we are laying the foundation for them to be successful in any professional field."

Carine N'koué, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for children, added: “It is impressive to see how fast the Girls4Football program is growing, reaching new countries, new girls around Europe. This time it is in Switzerland! Sport is one of the most powerful tools for social change. By empowering girls, giving them the opportunities to live their passion for football but also to be better equipped with resources to attend their goals outside the pitch, Girls4Football contributes to that change.”

 

Girls4Football, number of participants by city and canton

Training days: Tuesday and Wednesday

 

Place Canton Participants
Therwil BL 12
Rankhof BS 7
Binningen BL 10
Muttenz BL 8
Stein AG 6
Bachgraben BS 15
Erlenmatt BS 6
Lausen BL 15
Bubendorf BL 12
Planned: Riehen BS

 

For more information, see https://uefafoundation.org/action/girls4football

The partnership with Girls4Football is a milestone for us in promoting women's soccer. The low barrier to entry and the social nature of the program are important and sustainable factors for success."

- Daniel Schaub, President of the Northwestern Swiss Football Association

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Project partner

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Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Educating parents, leaders and young people: EPLAY project concludes at UEFA Foundation HQ

Educating parents, leaders and young people: EPLAY project concludes at UEFA Foundation HQ

The Final conference celebrates the impact of the ‘Educating Parents, Leaders And Young people’ (EPLAY) project, co-funded by the European Union to promote respect and tolerance.

For the past three years, the Erasmus+ EPLAY project has been promoting fair play among the parents and coaches of children aged between eight and 14 years old, using football as a vehicle to spread a positive message of respect.

Sixteen teams from Malta, Romania and Lithuania implemented activities designed by researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) to transform parents into role models and build more cohesive and welcoming club environments.

Celebrating the successes of the project at UEFA Foundation headquarters in Nyon, researchers presented their findings and were joined by some of the children and parents involved, together with representatives from the participating national associations and partner organisations Athletes Inspire Children, Formodena, UNIMORE and the European Union.

"Football should teach respect, equality and integrity – but unfortunately, that’s not always the case," said EPLAY project leader Loris Vezzali. "We’ve seen instances of disrespectful behaviour from parents, and while it’s a minority, it sends the wrong message to children. Our goal was to create a consistent message: parents must be role models."

 

EPLAY Projects - The numbers
3 Countries
41 Coaches
16 Teams
400 Participants
85% Gained crucial knowledge

 

Life lessons through football

A roundtable discussion featuring Switzerland women’s national team head coach Pia Sundhage, UEFA director of refereeing Roberto Rosetti and former France international Bruno Cheyrou raised ideas and solutions to foster fair and respectful football environments.

Sundhage highlighted three traits that are key to the development of young players: "Understanding. Acceptance. Respect," she said. "If we can paint that picture for everyone, football becomes much more than training and matches – it becomes about togetherness. Always remember: today’s young player is tomorrow’s human being."

For Cheyrou, allowing children to make mistakes is important. "As you grow in football, the higher you go, the fewer mistakes you can afford – but as a young player, making mistakes is part of the journey,” he said. “You have to accept them and keep moving forward."

 

 

The conference concluded with an informal question-and-answer session, during which participating children and parents shared their opinions about the project and the importance of its values.

"The programme has taught me that you just need to stay quiet," explained Andrius, who took part in the project in Lithuania with his son, Tauras. "It’s not about you, it’s about your child having fun, learning new things and evolving as a human being.

"One of the most important lessons is that body language is super important – they see and hear everything, even if you think they don’t."

 

Everyone has a role to play

Together with a review of psychological scientific literature on fair play in sports, EPLAY project leaders Vezzali and Alice Lucarini surveyed 195 coaches on the frequency of positive and negative behaviour in parents, as well as its impact.

Nearly half of respondents reported that parents’ aggression and insults made players’ performance worse, with 91% of coaches saying they believed they could play a role in altering parental conduct.

 

 

From their findings, Lucarini and Vezzali devised a wide-ranging EPLAY programme involving all parties – players, coaches and parents – featuring seminars and group dance sessions which aimed to empower parents to be positive role models, reframe thinking surrounding the outcomes of sport, and create a team environment which is cohesive and motivational.

Of the more than 400 participants tested, over 85% reported that EPLAY had given them vital knowledge of fair play and inclusion within sport.

"This project goes beyond our usual role of organising competitions and events – it allows us to make a real impact," explained Greta Valikoniené, project leader in Lithuania. "I want to thank UEFA for always connecting us, the national associations, and for supporting our partners who did an excellent job. I truly believe we’ve achieved something meaningful together."

Understanding. Acceptance. Respect," she said. "If we can paint that picture for everyone, football becomes much more than training and matches – it becomes about togetherness. Always remember: today’s young player is tomorrow’s human being."

- Pia Sundhage, Switzerland women’s national team head coach

Celebrating 10 Years of Inclusion: Loukia’s Journey with “A Ball For All”

Celebrating 10 Years of Inclusion: Loukia’s Journey with “A Ball For All”

Yesterday at UEFA HQ, we celebrated more than just the annual Interdivisional Tournament — we marked a decade of impact through the UEFA Foundation for Children. This 10th anniversary was not just a milestone; it was a powerful reminder of how sport can transform lives and foster true inclusion.

One of the most inspiring moments came from 12-year-old Loukia, a beneficiary of the A Ball For All programme. Speaking in the UEFA Auditorium, Loukia shared her personal journey with courage and authenticity.

Born totally blind, Loukia discovered the specially designed mini blind football in 2021 — a moment she described as life-changing.

“Until that moment, I felt isolated. But with this ball, I could play with my brothers, with friends, and then at school. It was my first step into inclusion.”

Thanks to the support of the UEFA Foundation for Children and the NGO Youthorama (recently renamed GRIIIS), Loukia’s journey continued to flourish. She participated in the 2023 Super Cup as a player mascot and accompanied the UEFA President at the closing ceremony, the UEFA EURO in Frankfurt in 2024, and even the Paralympics in Paris, representing blind football.

“Football is one sport. The only difference in blind football is the ball — the rules, the goals, the penalties, the spirit — they’re all the same.”

Her words reminded us that inclusion is not just about access — it’s about recognition, equality, and belonging.

We were also honoured to hear from Elias Mastoras, President of GRIIIS, who shared the incredible journey of A Ball For All — from a spark of inspiration to a global movement now present in 215 countries and territories. Beyond donating mini blind balls in schools, the project is deeply rooted in education and awareness around inclusion.

 

Inclusion in Action

In the afternoon, during the Interdivisional Tournament, UEFA staff had the chance to experience inclusion firsthand through:

  • Blindfolded experiences that offered a glimpse into the world of blind football.
  • Inclusive game using the mini blind ball.

 

To close the day, Loukia was invited to assist in the medal and cup distribution ceremony, a symbolic moment that highlighted her journey from isolation to empowerment.

“I felt promoted as an equal child, like all the others of my age — and it all started with this mini blind ball.”

 

This celebration was more than an event. It was a call to continue building a world where every child feels seen, heard, and included.

A big thanks to UEFA for supporting the UEFA Foundation for Children and inviting our partner GRIIIS to the Interdivisional Tournament.

Football is one sport. The only difference in blind football is the ball — the rules, the goals, the penalties, the spirit — they’re all the same.

- Loukia

UEFA Foundation expands its support for the humanitarian efforts for children in conflict zones

Latest funding partnerships established with Medecins du Monde and Handicap International to relieve the suffering of children in Gaza.

Action follows work with children in and around Ukraine, as well as in Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan.

The UEFA Foundation for Children has announced its latest initiative to help children affected by war in different parts of the world. The new commitments follow action, announced in March 2022, with charities and FAs in and around Ukraine to finance initiatives from UEFA member associations and charities focusing on children’s rights and their well-being. Other previous projects include initiatives in numerous conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and Yemen supporting projects in favour of children affected by the war.

The latest fundings and partnerships have been set up with three charities providing vital humanitarian help for the children of Gaza, who are enduring what UN Secretary General António Guterres has described as, “a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions.”

The organisations are Medecins du Monde and Handicap International, each working in different ways to help children caught up in the current conflict.

Médecins du Monde has been present in the region since 1995, where the organisation works to improve access to healthcare for civilians. They provide humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza, particularly by preparing healthcare facilities for emergency situations and improving their coordination. In the West Bank, Médecins du Monde also provides psychosocial support to victims of violence with their mobile clinics. They also distribute food kits for children..

Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion has a total of 133 national staff members and more than 500 community workers operating in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Egypt. The organisation specifically helps in:

  • Distribution of first aid kits
  • Emergency aid and rehabilitation: care and medical equipment for the seriously injured and disabled
  • Psychosocial support
  • Education on the risk of explosive remnants

Announcing the initiative, the chairman of the UEFA Foundation, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:

Whatever the adults waging wars think they are doing, the children are innocent. But, in all conflicts, they are dying every single day and we must do what we can to help those who are trying to make life more tolerable and normal for them.

Through the UEFA Foundation for Children, we strive to support those who are working to ease the burdens the children carry - helping them find moments of peace and hope, even in the hardest of circumstances.

It's our duty - as adults, as parents, as neighbours, as human beings - to stand beside children when they need us. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture can remind them they are not alone, that they are not forgotten and that they are valued. We can't change the world on our own - but children can and will, if we provide them with safety, love and hope they need to grow

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President

UEFA Super Cup 2025: Dreams bigger than the pitch

UEFA Super Cup 2025: Dreams bigger than the pitch 

Football’s greatest power lies in its ability to bring people together and change lives of local children of Udine 

On the occasion of the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Foundation for Children is placing inclusion and solidarity at the heart of the celebration. Nearly 100 vulnerable children and teenagers will experience an unforgettable evening filled with emotion, connection and hope – right alongside some of football’s biggest stars. This event is more than just a match; it’s a symbol of hope, unity and social commitment. 

The Stadio Friuli in Udine will host this year’s UEFA Super Cup, a thrilling encounter between Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the UEFA Champions League, and Tottenham Hotspur, winners of the UEFA Europa League. 

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the event offers a unique opportunity for the UEFA Foundation for Children to highlight the power of sport to inspire, unite and uplift. Staying true to its mission, the foundation is inviting 90 vulnerable children and teenagers to take part in this extraordinary experience. 

A celebration of inclusion  

This 11th edition of the Super Cup is part of the foundation’s tenth anniversary celebrations and carries a powerful message of hope and inclusion. The young participants come from two local associations: 

  • La Nostra Famiglia, a non-profit organisation specialising in the care and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with serious illnesses or disabilities. La Nostra Famiglia operates 28 facilities across Italy, including one in Udine. 
  • Associazione San Luigi Scrosoppi ETS, which provides a safe, family-like environment for mothers and their children, as well as minors in difficult situations 

These young people, who are often marginalised due to health or social challenges, will be placed in the spotlight throughout the event. 

Moments of magic 

Teenagers from the Associazione San Luigi Scrosoppi and the Udinese youth football academy will also take part in the opening ceremony as performers. Those not on stage will have the chance to meet the players during training the day before the match. 

In addition, the 22 Mastercard player mascots, most of whom are patients at the diabetology and oncology departments of Udine hospital, will walk onto the pitch hand in hand with football stars, and one of them will accompany the UEFA president for the medal ceremony. 

Finally, in partnership with the PSG Foundation, a dream evening will be organised for one young PSG fan who will be invited to attend the final. 

A legacy beyond the game 

“These initiatives reflect UEFA’s broader commitment to using football as a tool for positive change, especially during major events like the Super Cup,” said Carine Nkoué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “The UEFA Super Cup is not just a celebration of elite football – it’s also a platform to inspire and empower the next generation. Through our presence in Udine, we hope to leave a lasting legacy that goes far beyond the pitch.” 

To commemorate a decade of impact supporting over 577 projects in 138 countries and reaching nearly 4.9 million children, the foundation’s anniversary logo will be prominently featured, including on the official adidas match balls. 

 

‘I helped hand out the medals!’ – 12-year-old Greta shines at the Women’s EURO 2025 final

'I helped hand out the medals!' – 12-year-old Greta shines at the Women’s EURO 2025 final

At every UEFA final this year, a child invited by the UEFA Foundation walks on the pitch alongside the UEFA President at the winner’s ceremony.

For most kids, watching a football final is exciting enough. But for Greta, a 12-year-old living with Dravet Syndrome, a form of epilepsy, the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final was something else entirely. She didn’t just watch the match; she walked onto the pitch with the UEFA president and handed out medals to the winning team.

“I was nervous at first, but then I saw the players smiling at me. It felt like I was part of their team,” said Greta, still beaming after the ceremony.

Greta was diagnosed with a genetically caused form of epilepsy when she was six months old. Born in Portugal and living in Switzerland, she is very enthusiastic about sports, especially football and basketball. She is a member of the PluSport association, which organises sporting opportunities for disabled people throughout Switzerland.

A tournament full of firsts

The players of Norway line up for the national anthems prior to the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

UEFA Women's EURO 2025 hasn't just been about football. It has given kids across Europe and beyond a chance to feel seen, included, and inspired. Thanks to the UEFA Foundation, 66 children were invited to act as player mascots on the pitch, while over 2,000 more received match tickets across the eight host cities—many of them experiencing a live match for the first time.

From hospital rooms to the heart of the action

Players interact with the Foundation robots as they arrive at the stadium prior to the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Group B match between Italy and Spain on July 11, 2025 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Not every child could sample the excitement in person, but thanks to a partnership with Awabot, a total of eight telepresence robots were placed across four stadiums – Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich.

This allowed children in hospitals to virtually attend matches, meet players, and feel the energy of the crowd. With the robots present at 19 matches throughout Women's EURO 2025, nearly 200 children were able to have this experience.

“I was in my hospital bed, but it felt like I was right there with the team,” said one young fan who joined via robot.

2025 free tickets for all

The UEFA Foundation and its partners also handed out thousands of free tickets to local associations, making sure that as many kids as possible could be part of the celebration.

Leaving a legacy after the tournament

The end of the tournament doesn’t mean the end of the impact. Together with the adidas Foundation, the UEFA Foundation is also supporting long-term projects across Europe that encourage children to play football and use sport as a tool to improve their lives. Some of the associations involved were even invited to meet players, attend training sessions, and take part in special events during the tournament – moments that will stay with them long after the final whistle.

 

UEFA Foundation for Children becomes member of United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative

UEFA Foundation for Children becomes member of United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative

On July 3 2025, the UEFA Foundation for Children joined the United Nations’ initiative Football for the Goals, strengthening its commitment to driving positive change across the world.

Football for the Goals, launched by the United Nations in 2022, provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative taps into the power of football not only to raise awareness of the SDGs, but also to bring about positive behavioural change and sustainable practices in the football industry.

By joining this initiative, the UEFA Foundation for Children becomes part of a growing network that uses the power of football to advocate for meaningful change. The foundation is looking forward to working with the initiative’s joint members and contributing to global efforts by promoting values enshrined in the SDGs, such as gender equality, environmental protection and peacebuilding through sport.

About Football for the Goals

Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that encourages stakeholders across the global football ecosystem to promote and implement the SDGs. It provides a platform for collaboration and accountability, while helping to highlight sustainability efforts in football.

 

About United Nations

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

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

Building on UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 to create a lasting movement of equity, empowerment and opportunity in sport 

Legacy for the Future is a collaborative project initiated and funded by the UEFA Foundation for Children and the adidas Foundation, involving national football associations and local organisations. Each team competing in UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 has selected a gender equity project to champion in their home country, ensuring financial support but also visibility, inspiration, networking and capacity building. 

The aim is to create a legacy that empowers girls and women, not only in football but across all areas of life – a groundbreaking initiative aligned with UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. 

As Switzerland prepares to host the largest women’s sporting event in its history, Legacy for the Future will harness the power of women’s football to dismantle barriers and open doors for girls and women across Europe. The project is rooted in the belief that sport can be a powerful catalyst for social change, inclusion and equality. 

A shortlist of project partners was drawn up by the UEFA and adidas foundations and the final selection made by the national teams.  

 National team   Partner 
 Belgium   BX Brussels 
 Denmark   Girl Power 
 Finland   Louhento Foundation 
 England    Rio Ferdinand Foundation 
 France   Kabubu 
 Germany   Safe Hub
 Iceland   Bergið headspace 
 Italy   ASD Balon Mundial 
 Netherlands   Klabu Foundation 
 Norway   Rosa Sko 
 Poland   Trenuj Bycie Dobrym 
 Portugal   Integrated Dreams 
 Spain   Fútbol Más 
 Sweden   En Frisk Generation 
 Switzerland   Swiss Academy for Development 
 Wales     Cymru Football Foundation 

A total of €800,000 will be available to shared among 16 non-profit organisations selected by the teams participating in UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. In addition, the national teams have all committed to meeting the project beneficiaries with a view to creating memorable exchanges and using their positions as role models to guide and inspire young girls to dream, play and shine in football and beyond. By giving the teams the opportunity to meet and greet young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the message of inclusion and equality is being reinforced. 

Melissa Kaar, managing director of the adidas Foundation, underlined the importance of the project in improving access to sport for women and girls in Europe:

We hope that with this project, we can leverage the attention and joy of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 to further strengthen gender equity and access to sport for women and girls in Europe. 

- Melissa Kaar, managing director of the Adidas Foundation

The project is already up and running in some countries. In Portugal, for example, the women’s national team met the charity organisation Integrated Dreams and invited youngsters selected by the NGO to attend a training session and spend some time with the players.  

After the session, Dolores Silva, captain of the Portuguese national team, highlighted the importance of the visit and the Legacy for the Future project:

It was a privilege to share our work with the young people who visited us. Their affection and support for the Navegadoras, just before we set off for another UEFA Women's EURO, meant a great deal. A true Legacy for the Future!

- Dolores Silva, captain of the Portuguese national team

Carine N’koué, general secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children, added: 

With Legacy for the Future, we are not just supporting projects – we are investing in the dreams and potential of girls and women across Europe. This initiative is about more than football; it’s about creating lasting change through the power of sport. By connecting national teams with grassroots organisations, we are building bridges of opportunity, inclusion and inspiration that will endure far beyond the final whistle of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. 

- Carine N'koué, general secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children

About Adidas Foundation

Project partner

The adidas Foundation is a legally independent non-profit organisation established by adidas in 2023. The adidas Foundation’s vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sport, fostering a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Working through partnership development, evaluation and research, advocacy and community engagement, the adidas Foundation strives to achieve its mission of uniting communities through sport, for people and the planet. Learn more at www.adidasfoundation.org  

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Championing children’s dreams with the UEFA Foundation

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Championing children’s dreams with the UEFA Foundation

As the UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates ten years of global impact, this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 becomes a powerful platform for supporting vulnerable children.

 

During the past decade, the foundation has made significant contributions to improving conditions for disadvantaged children across the world. Established in 2015, it has supported 577 projects across 138 countries and reached nearly 5 million people.

These efforts have promoted children’s rights and used football as a positive catalyst for improvement in areas such as health, education, personal development, inclusion and employability.

The work of the UEFA Foundation for Children sends a strong message that millions of children around the world need help, and we must not leave them behind. It goes beyond UEFA’s deep commitment to social responsibility – it is about standing up for the most vulnerable and using football as a catalyst to inspire and empower them. We’ve reached almost five million children living in difficult and precarious conditions in just ten years. We are proud of the global impact made, but we see it only as a beginning.

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president

Bringing the game to vulnerable children

To mark its milestone birthday, the foundation has launched a range of initiatives around this summer's UEFA Women’s EURO.

The 2025 Smiles programme sees a total of 2025 match tickets given to associations working with vulnerable children in the host cities. The player mascots and ball carriers for the group stage matches in Sion, St. Gallen and Thun are a mix of disabled children, orphans from Ukraine and children from disadvantaged social backgrounds in Switzerland.

Furthermore, matches in Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich will feature robots that allow children in hospital to see and interact with players as they arrive at the stadium. After the final ball has been kicked, the Foundation will provide long-term support for organisations promoting gender equality through sport, working in cooperation with the adidas Foundation, the Kaizen Foundation, the FIA Foundation and NGOs in the 16 participating countries.

Involving children in the final is just one of the many ways the UEFA Foundation for Children puts young people at the heart of its work.

We must remain focused on the needs of our beneficiaries and keep them at the centre of everything we do. Sports, especially football, have the power to bring communities together, promote health and teach valuable life skills.

- Carine N'koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Ivan Rakitić interview for Champions Journal

Ivan Rakitić interview with Champions Journal

AS THE UEFA FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY, AMBASSADOR IVAN RAKITIĆ TELLS ELVIR ISLAMOVIĆ WHY GIVING BACK AS A FOOTBALLER MEANS SO MUCH

It is ten years since Ivan Rakitić swept home Andres Iniesta’s pass to put Barcelona in front against Juventus in the 2015 Champions League final. That will seem like a lifetime to some Barça fans, accustomed to Champions League glory in the early part of this century. It literally is a lifetime for some of the kids he has been helping in his role as ambassador for the UEFA Foundation for Children, which celebrated its tenth birthday on 24 April. Rakitić is now back in his native Croatia and in the middle of a tight race for the title with Hajduk Split. But he was happy to take some time off to explain the responsibility he feels off the pitch as much as on it.

I know how much influence we footballers can have. Footballers can effect change. With only small things, we can make a big difference. Even the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone. As a kid, the chance to meet a famous footballer would have meant more than anything else in the world. So, to be in a position where I can bring joy to children is one of the greatest honours of my life. We have this unique ability as footballers to do something small, and yet it can make an enormous impact. That’s my biggest motivation and my greatest joy.

- Ivan Rakitić, ambassador of the UEFA Foundation for Children

The Foundation supports charities across the word and, since it was established in 2015, it has partnered with 577 projects in 138 countries, reaching nearly five million people. It works to promote children’s rights and uses football as a positive catalyst for improvement in areas such as health, education, personal development, the integration of minorities and employability.

Rakitić recalls one ten-year-old girl in particular leaving a lasting impression. Loukia is fluent in Greek, English, Italian and French and has become a minor celebrity in her own right for her work with the A Ball for All association, supporting blind and visually impaired people. At the Paris Olympics last summer, she became the first person to test out the touch2see tactile tablet, which enables visibly impaired people to feel movements of the ball through vibrations on the tablet. Before that, she had impressed Rakitić with her intelligence and eloquence during a long conversation at the 2023 UEFA Super Cup.

“Meeting Loukia was one of the most beautiful moments for me. Amid the intensity of a major final, that one encounter stood out more than anything else. I had the chance to sit with her, talk and give her a hug – to feel her warmth. It made everything feel meaningful. I think I got more from that moment than she did. A football career lasts 15, 16 or 17 years, depending on the player, but these moments stay with you for life. They remind you why you do what you do. The passion, the drive – it all comes back to something simple: sharing happiness. Being there for your family and for others. I think when you have that perspective, everything else falls into place. Being part of something bigger than football is what gives meaning beyond the pitch. This anniversary is a reminder of how much has been done, and how much more is possible. I’m excited for the future.”

The Foundation also supports work at the Za’atari refugee camp in the Jordanian desert, which is home to nearly 80,000 Syrian refugees, 57% of whom are children. Sports activities such as football give children the opportunity to play even in a situation of war.

Projects like that are incredibly important, those children have talent and dreams, but they also face huge challenges. We can help give them motivation and energy. The Foundation doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach – it finds different ways to help kids, no matter the circumstances. There’s no better feeling than seeing the impact, helping children feel like children again. To play, laugh, connect, that’s the real win. Seeing them find joy in the middle of such difficulty is inspiring. It reminds us that hope is powerful, and that with just a little support,  these kids can thrive. And if we can help even a few of them believe in a better future, then it’s all worth it.

- Ivan Rakitić, ambassador of the UEFA Foundation for Children

© 2025 Champions Journal. All rights reserved.

 

Champions League final: helping children take centre stage with Paris and Inter

Champions League final: helping children take centre stage with Paris and Inter

Vulnerable young people from the UEFA Foundation for Children’s partner organisations will have their moments in the spotlight when the UEFA Champions League final kicks off on Saturday in Munich.

The Champions League final is a career-defining moment for many players, but also an occasion that UEFA seeks to make a truly memorable, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.

That’s the principle behind the UEFA Foundation for Children’s activities at our club competition finals. The Foundation has already provided hundreds of vulnerable children unforgettable occasions at this year’s Europa League, Women’s Champions League, and Conference League finals, and is set to do the same for this weekend’s showpiece.

 

Giving vulnerable children their chance to shine

The day before the match, 30 local children from Háwar and Girls4Football will visit the iconic Munich Football Arena for an exclusive chance to meet the stars from Paris and Inter. At the fan festival, meanwhile, 18 kids from Stiftung Ambulantes Kinderhospiz München children’s hospice are being invited to play in a football match with football legends.

On matchday, 10 lucky youngsters from Girls4Football will experience walking out under the lights of a Champions League final as player mascots, and three from Háwar will do the same as referee mascots. A further 50 local children have been given tickets to watch the match, in partnership with Sport dans la Ville and Rêves, while the two finalists’ own foundations – Paris Saint-Germain Foundation and Inter Campus – are each giving a child they work with an opportunity to meet the players before kick-off.

The initiatives build on the UEFA Foundation’s work with local associations in Munich during UEFA EURO 2024, which aimed to empower underprivileged children.

The final will be an extra-special night for one of the children from Girls4Football. Joining the UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, to hand out the medals on the pitch is Laura, from the Asociación Alacrán 1997 – one of the partner organisations of the Girls4Football – which uses football as a tool for social transformation and the development of children and young adults.

Laura has a deep passion for football, living the game with incredible enthusiasm and dedication. She has taken on the role of captain for her age group, demonstrating natural leadership and teamwork.

 

About Háwar

Project partner

 

Háwar is a human-rights organisation operating in Afghanistan, Germany, and Iraq, alongside international awareness-raising initiatives. Through its SCORING GIRLS programme, it offers young girls from refugee, migrant and socially disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to play team sport and provides educational and career guidance.

Set up in 2016 by former professional footballer and Frauen-Bundesliga player Tuğba Tekkal, the initiative aims to leverage football as a springboard for integration and empowerment, especially important in Germany’s culturally diverse cities. To date, the UEFA Foundation has supported Hawar’s SCORING GIRLS initiative with €266,000.

About Girls4Football

Project Partner

 

Girls4Football is a social impact initiative launched by Mastercard, a long-term sponsor of the Champions League, in partnership with the UEFA Foundation. It provides inclusive, empowering opportunities for young girls through sport, particularly football, recognising it as a powerful vehicle for personal development, social inclusion and gender equality.

Launched in March of this year, the three-year project is being rolled out in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, working with partner organisations in each of the five countries. It aims to reach more than 1,000 girls aged eight to 16 in its first 12 months.

 

An unforgettable day for local children in Wrocław

An unforgettable day for local children in Wrocław

At the UEFA Conference League final in Wrocław, the UEFA Foundation for Children will partner with Polish organisations to give young children from disadvantaged communities a day they will never forget.

 

Local children have been invited by the UEFA Foundation to watch the final between Chelsea and Real Betis at Stadion Wrocław and meet its stars up close.

Partnering with charities Trenujbyciedobrym, Hope for Mundial, and the European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF), the UEFA Foundation will ensure young people from local areas at risk of social and economic exclusion, and with limited access to sport, will be able to join the celebrations.

In total, 50 match tickets will be made available for vulnerable young people to experience a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the day, with many also set to meet the players ahead of kick-off.

The match officials will be accompanied by three mascots, two of which are from the EAFF. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin will also be joined by nine-year-old player mascot Julia, a beneficiary of Trenujbyciedobrym’s 'Football3' programme, to hand out the medals at the end of the final.

Isco of Real Betis takes photos with young beneficiaries from the UEFA Foundation UEFA via Getty Images

"Being chosen is an incredible honour – I was so happy and excited," Julia said. "I can't wait to walk onto the pitch and see the players I look up to so closely. It's my first time in a big stadium, and it feels like something magical.

"I've been playing football for two years with Trenujbyciedobrym, and Football3 taught me that boys and girls can play together and be just as important. This is the biggest moment of my life, and I'll never forget it."

In the decade since the launch of the UEFA Foundation, partnerships with Polish NGOs have provided once-in-a-lifetime experiences for vulnerable children through the beautiful game.

In August 2024, children from Trenujbyciedobrym, Hope for Mundial, and the EAFF were invited to meet stars like Kylian Mbappé and attend training sessions ahead of the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw.

Trenujbyciedobrym

A longstanding partner of the UEFA Foundation and a member of the international Common Goal movement, Trenujbyciedobrym places sporting interactions at the heart of its mission for social change.

Through community projects, partnerships with over 90 primary schools and collaboration with the Polish Football Association, their ‘football3’ methodology supports the personal development of children across Poland.

The programme is also providing access to football for girls, including player mascot Julia.

Trenujbyciedobrym has received €48,700 of funding from the UEFA Foundation over the past year.

European Amputee Football Federation

Established in 2015, the EAFF supports people with amputations and limb defects, using over 80 established clubs in 18 countries to improve their quality of life through football.

The EAFF’s Junior Camp project has helped to develop national programmes for young people in Poland and across Europe to play regularly after amputations.

The UEFA Foundation has supported the EAFF’s mission with €100,000 over the past year.

Hope for Mundial

Having initially invited 25 care and educational institutions to a competition 15 years ago, Hope for Mundial has grown into the world’s first-ever football tournament for children from orphanages.

To date, over 11,000 players from 45 countries have participated, including from 60 educational centres within Poland, to develop Hope for Mundial's mission of helping vulnerable young people achieve better futures.

Participants of the 16th Polish Championship of Children from Care Homes in Football, organised by Hope for Mundial in Warsaw in April, are among those attending the UEFA Conference League final.

 

Championing children in Lisbon

Championing children in Lisbon

The 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final provided a perfect backdrop for the UEFA Foundation for Children’s efforts to give vulnerable young people life-long memories, true to the organisation’s guiding principle that every child is a champion.

 

The UEFA Foundation for Children gave 40 children from the CAIS Association (Associação de Solidariedade Social) the opportunity to experience a European club final, as they watched Arsenal and Barcelona’s thrilling encounter at the Estádio José Alvalade. A day earlier, the children also had the chance to get autographs from and take pictures with stars like Alessia Russo and Alexia Putellas during an unforgettable meet-and-greet session at the stadium.

Continuing the foundation’s efforts to use UEFA’s showpiece occasions to provide memorable moments for vulnerable children, match tickets were provided to another 10 young people from Sports dans la Ville – a French sport-for-social-change organisation that is part of the UEFA Foundation’s Dreams programme.

Alice with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin (photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

As the dust began to settle on Arsenal’s victory, six-year-old Alice Pecheco from the CAIS Association took centre stage, joining UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin to hand out the players’ medals. Alice lives in Beja, where the CAIS Association has supported her family for many years. Her father, Fabio, is not only a former beneficiary of its work but now gives back as head coach of the association’s football programme in Beja.

 

About CAIS

Project partner

The CAIS Association is an NGO operating in Portugal that is dedicated to improving the lives of people facing social and economic exclusion.

Founded in 1994, it focuses on improving employability and access to employment, inspiring confidence and combatting homelessness. It uses football as one of its vehicles of change, and has previously won a UEFA Foundation for Children Award.

The CAIS Association was instrumental in the opening of Portugal’s first Lay’s RePlay pitch – an ongoing UEFA Foundation-supported initiative that transforms empty crisp packets into sustainable football pitches. The pitch was inaugurated in the lead up to the Women’s Champions League final, aided with €150,000 contributed by the UEFA Foundation towards the pitch’s construction.

About Sport dans la Ville

Project Partner

A long-standing partner of the UEFA Foundation, Sport dans la Ville is one of France’s leading non-profit associations. It promotes integration and access to employment through sport and running programmes for thousands of young people living in underserved areas.

The organisation reaches out to children and young adults through sport, providing not only opportunities for physical activity but access to employability programmes, professional development training and mentoring to help them enter the job market.

 

Recipients of the 2025 UEFA Foundation for Children Award announced

Recipients of the 2025 UEFA Foundation for Children Award announced

26 organisations honoured for their daily support of vulnerable children

The board of trustees of the UEFA Foundation for Children met on 24 May in Lisbon, Portugal, chaired by UEFA president and UEFA Foundation for Children chairman Aleksander Čeferin. The meeting focused on the foundation’s ongoing projects, with particular attention given to initiatives marking its tenth anniversary.

The foundation’s spring meeting also marks the occasion for selecting the winners of the annual UEFA Foundation for Children Award, which recognises charities and organisations nominated by UEFA member associations for their outstanding work promoting children’s rights. This year, the board decided to distribute the total award fund of €1m equally among 26 organisations, each receiving €38,500.

UEFA Member Association Nominee
Armenia Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS)
Austria Dynamic Force
Azerbaijan Football Development Foundation
Belgium Jan Vertonghen Foundation
Bulgaria Sports Club Champion Sport
Croatia Krapina Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Czechia Special Olympics Czech Republic
Denmark Brobold (‘bridgeball’)
England Make-A-Wish UK
Estonia Special Olympics Estonia
Germany AMANDLA EduFootball
Greece Eleven Campaign
Italy Soleterre
Hungary Hungarian Charity Service of the order of Malta
Lithuania Futbolo klubas Vilkija
Malta The Malta Trust Foundation
Moldova IMSP Republican Rehabilitation Center for Children
Northern Ireland Irish FA Foundation
North Macedonia Idnina primary school and resource centre
Norway Advisory foundation in support of Football for the Goals
Republic of Ireland Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Russia Krylia mechty children’s football club and project
Serbia Angelina
Spain Babies Uganda
Sweden Min Stora Dag (My Special Day)
Switzerland Swiss Academy for Development

Following the meeting, the board visited a local partner organisation, the CAIS Association, which works to improve the lives of socially and economically vulnerable young people facing deprivation and exclusion.

 

CAIS will oversee the maintenance of the new Lay’s RePlay pitch opened in Lisbon just two days earlier by UEFA Women’s Champions League sponsor Lay’s. This marks the 12th Lay’s RePlay pitch, part of a long-standing initiative that turns empty crisp packets into safe and sustainable football fields, bringing joy to communities worldwide while promoting environmental and social impact. CAIS, with the support of Lay’s, will lead educational football sessions for the local community on this new pitch.

This partnership with the UEFA Foundation helps us turn forgotten spaces into safe, inclusive environments where vulnerable young people can play, connect and grow. This support is not just about football—it’s about dignity, hope and building a stronger community.

- Paul Jones, PepsiCo Country Manager Portugal

This partnership with the UEFA Foundation helps us turn forgotten spaces into safe, inclusive environments where vulnerable young people can play, connect and grow. This support is not just about football—it’s about dignity, hope and building a stronger community.

- Gonçalo Santos, head coordinator of CAIS

2025 call for projects

The UEFA Foundation for Children’s next call for projects will be open from 30 June to 1 August 2025. Applicants from around the world are invited to submit their proposals via the foundation’s website, where full details and the selection criteria can be found. The selected projects will be announced following the board’s next meeting in November 2025.

 

You can follow our activities on our website and our official social media channels:

Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; LinkedIn; YouTube; Tik Tok

Please send any questions to: contact@uefafoundation.org

 

Game changer: Lay’s RePlay pitch brings hope and opportunity to Chelas

Game changer: Lay’s RePlay pitch brings hope and opportunity to Chelas 

22 May 2025 - Chelas, in eastern Lisbon, is now home to Portugal’s first Lay’s RePlay football pitch – a vibrant new community space designed to empower local young people through the transformative power of sport.  

The initiative is part of a global programme led by PepsiCo and Lay's in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children, the NGO Common Goal, Lisbon City Council and a local partner, the CAIS Association, which implemented the project on the ground. The inauguration event will take place at an exciting moment for football, in the context of the UEFA Women's Champions League final, which will be held in Lisbon on Saturday, 24 May.  

This space for unity and social transformation created by Lay’s seeks to make a valuable impact and drive positive change for future generations on a global scale. Partially built using Lay’s packaging waste, the environmentally friendly pitch will serve as a meeting point for the community, promoting moments of joy and providing a safe and sustainable place to play. The pitch in Portugal will be the 12th Lay's RePlay pitch, joining 11 others around the world. 

Lay's RePlay is much more than just a football pitch  

Empowering young people and adults alike, Lay’s RePlay is more than a football programme. It offers ongoing educational and vocational support aimed at fostering inclusion and preparing participants for future success. 

  • For young people: The programme focuses on developing social and emotional skills, teamwork, respect and resilience through sport. 
  • For adults: It provides career guidance, empowerment workshops and access to job opportunities. 

The initiative aims to reach 1,000 community members and deliver over 1,000 hours of activities to create a lasting impact in Chelas. 

It is with great pride that we bring Lay's RePlay to Portugal, a project that reflects our vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future. We want this pitch in Chelas to be a meeting point for the community; a place where young people can learn, grow and build a better future for themselves and for the country.

- Paul Jones, PepsiCo Country Manager, Portugal. 

Local leadership: CAIS Association 

The CAIS Association, a Lisbon-based NGO, plays a key role in the project. Dedicated to improving the lives of people facing social and economic exclusion, CAIS brings its expertise in employability and homelessness to the initiative. 

The partnership with Lay's RePlay is a unique opportunity for CAIS to strengthen its work in Chelas, offering young people a safe and inspiring space to grow and develop their potential. Together, we believe that we can build a stronger, more inclusive community with more opportunities for everyone.

- Conceição Zagalo, General Assembly President of CAIS

Photo by Angel Martinez - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

UEFA Foundation for Children: board visit 

On 24 May, the UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees, including the president of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, and the general secretary of the foundation, Carine N’koué, will visit the pitch to show their support for grassroots football and community development. 

The UEFA Foundation for Children joins Lay's RePlay to create a positive impact on the lives of children in Chelas. We believe that by providing a safe space to play football, we are promoting their holistic development, social inclusion and access to educational opportunities

- Carine N'koué, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

About PepsiCo

Project partner

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary portfolio of beverages and convenient foods that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.pt

 

About CAIS

Project Partner

Founded in 1994, CAIS is a non-profit Social Solidarity Association, recognized as a legal entity of public utility. Its main objective is to contribute to improving the living conditions of citizens at risk of social exclusion, through human dignity, training and employability. CAIS promotes training and employability programs, training and integrating people into the workplace through training, empowerment, autonomy, education and expansion of personal, social and professional skills. https://www.cais.pt/

Creating moments of magic for children in Bilbao

Creating moments of magic for children in Bilbao

The 2025 UEFA Europa League final was a truly memorable occasion for local children thanks to the work of the UEFA Foundation for Children and its partners.

 

The UEFA Foundation for Children uses the unique occasions offered by UEFA’s competitions to deliver unforgettable memories for vulnerable children, and the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, was no different.

The day before the match, the Athletic Club Foundation – a UEFA Foundation partner – brought 30 local children to the San Mamés Stadium for a special meet-and-greet session with the players from eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur.

When the action kicked off in Bilbao, a further 80 local children were watching from the stands thanks to our partnership with Hankook, a long-standing UEFA Europe League partner. Fourteen youngsters had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only to attend the game but to walk out onto the pitch with the teams as players mascots, through our partnership with Lidl, while a further three acted as referee mascots.

One was also chosen to join UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin in handing out the medals after the final whistle. Ruth Noemí Gamarra is supported by the Athletic Club Foundation’s Fidias project, which aims to use sport to provide safe and nurturing environments for children at risk of social exclusion. Originally from Argentina, after her father passed away Ruth and her family moved to Spain, where she loves dancing and crafts. Football runs in her family, too, with her mother being a referee.

We must remain focused on the needs of our beneficiaries and keep them at the centre of everything we do. Sports, especially football, have the power to bring communities together, promote health and teach valuable life skills.

- Carine N’koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Thirty local children met the stars of the final at a special meet-and-greet session
Alex Pantling/UEFA via Getty Images

Athletic Club Foundation

The Athletic Club Foundation supports vulnerable children in Bilbao from low-income backgrounds, leveraging the power of football and Athletic Club’s strong community connections to deliver projects that foster inclusion, inspiration and access to culture.

The shared sense of belonging is fundamental value of the foundation and the club – every one of Athletic Club’s players was either born or brought up in Bilbao and the surrounding Basque Country.

Since it was formed in 2002, the foundation can count more than 300,000 beneficiaries and has worked with numerous partners. In 2024 it was one of the organisations that supported the construction of a Lay’s RePlay pitch in Bilbao ahead of the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

The UEFA Foundation for Children has supported the Athletic Foundation with €47,000 this year.