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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

UEFA foundation ambassador Eugénie Le Sommer inspires youngsters at Sport dans la Ville campus in Lyon

Lyon, April 30 – The UEFA Foundation for Children brought joy and inspiration to young people at the Sport dans la Ville campus in Lyon with a memorable appearance by French football legend and foundation ambassador Eugénie Le Sommer.

Le Sommer, ambassador for the UEFA Foundation for Children since 2021, has long supported other women and girls in football, striving to make the game more inclusive and welcoming to all. Considered one of France’s best football players, she has always used her high profile to raise awareness of children’s rights and education issues around the world.

As she arrived on the Sport dans la Ville campus, excitement rippled through the crowd of young players. The Olympique Lyonnais forward joined the children on the pitch for a series of football exercises, offering guidance and encouragement and plenty of smiles. After playing for an hour, the group moved inside for a Q&A session where children had the opportunity to ask Le Sommer questions about her career, personal experiences and passion for the game.

She also took the time to sign autographs and have pictures taken with her young fans, creating lasting memories for all. Reflecting on the experience, Eugénie said:

“Many women and girls have told me they gave up football because they didn’t get the support they needed. I want to help change that, get the right messages across and try to spread some happiness too. Whether it’s through playing, talking or just being present, I hope to help them regain confidence. It may seem small to me, but it means a lot to them, and that’s why I keep doing this.”

Many women and girls have told me they gave up football because they didn’t get the support they needed. I want to help change that, get the right messages across and try to spread some happiness too. Whether it’s through playing, talking or just being present, I hope to help them regain confidence. It may seem small to me, but it means a lot to them, and that’s why I keep doing this.

- Eugénie Le Sommer, Football player and UEFA Foundation ambassador

Sport dans la Ville is a French association that helps young people navigate life through sport. For decades, it has successfully empowered many children with underprivileged backgrounds through programmes that promote respect, perseverance and teamwork. The organisation helps young people to integrate socially and professionally.

“Our mission is to guide youngsters from disadvantaged areas towards independence and employment. We use sport to engage young people and teach them essential values and social skills to thrive and achieve a better future,” said Delphine Teillard, Sport dans la Ville programme director responsible for L dans la Ville (Girls in the City) and Réussite dans la Ville (Success in the City).

Our mission is to guide youngsters from disadvantaged areas towards independence and employment. We use sport to engage young people and teach them essential values and social skills to thrive and achieve a better future

- Delphine Teillard, Sport dans la Ville programme director for L dans la Ville and Réussite dans la Ville

The long-term impact of Sport dans la Ville is exemplified by Tahiratou, a former participant who now works with organisations focusing on diversity and inclusion, including women’s and LGBTQI+ rights.

“I started coming to Sport dans la Ville when I was about 15,” she recalled. “Thanks to the programme I’ve travelled to Brazil, which is not something everyone gets to do at 16! I’ve also been to India on a humanitarian trip, as well as England for professional purposes – experiences that shaped my personal and professional journey. I met many of my best friends here, and it has opened lots of doors for me internationally.”

I started coming to Sport dans la Ville when I was about 15.Thanks to the programme I’ve travelled to Brazil, which is not something everyone gets to do at 16! I’ve also been to India on a humanitarian trip, as well as England for professional purposes – experiences that shaped my personal and professional journey. I met many of my best friends here, and it has opened lots of doors for me internationally.

- Tahiratou, Sport dans la Ville beneficiary

This visit by Eugénie Le Sommer not only highlighted the power of sport to inspire and uplift but also reinforced the UEFA foundation’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for young people across Europe and beyond.

About Sport dans la Ville

Project partner

10 year anniversary interview from Carine N’koué, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

10 Year Anniversary interview from Carine N'koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Carine N'koué, the new general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children, shares her humanitarian experience, her work and her vision for the future.

Carine N'koué has dedicated over a decade to visiting and supporting various humanitarian projects, gaining invaluable insights into the diverse challenges faced by vulnerable children and communities all over the world. Her hands-on experience with the UEFA Foundation for Children and unwavering commitment to humanitarian work led to her appointment as general secretary last June. In this interview, Carine reflects on her journey, the impact of the foundation's initiatives and her aspirations for fostering positive change through the power of football.

Carine, congratulations on your new role! How did you first come across the foundation, and what has been your experience with its projects?

I witnessed the creation of the foundation from the inside. My involvement began in Jordan in 2013, working with UEFA and the Asian Football Development Programme during the Syrian refugee crisis. When the UEFA Foundation for Children was established in 2015, I continued my work under its umbrella. I spent over four years in Jordan, implementing projects in refugee camps like Za'atari and Azraq, focusing on integrating refugee children and fostering social cohesion while using football, and sports in general, as a fantastic tool to do good.

How has your first-hand experience with the Foundation's work, especially in refugee camps, shaped your perspective and the Foundation's mission?

Being in the camps and interacting daily with the children in need and their families profoundly impacted who I am and how I see things. Working on the ground has given me invaluable insights into the different realities and challenges people face, making my work at the UEFA Foundation more efficient.

"Working on the ground has given me invaluable insights into the different realities and challenges people face." Carine N'koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Working on the ground has given me invaluable insights into the different realities and challenges people face.

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

These experiences reminded me that our beneficiaries are not just numbers; they are individuals with dreams and struggles. I strongly believe it is crucial to regularly visit our projects and speak to people on the ground to help us better understand and respond to children's needs, ensuring we stay connected to their realities and tailor our support in the best way possible.

How does it feel to lead the UEFA Foundation, especially as we prepared to celebrate its tenth anniversary?

It's an exciting and significant responsibility, especially after ten years of impactful work. We aim to continue developing our activities while strengthening the foundation's legitimacy. We want to engage our members, federations, clubs, players and sponsors even more in social responsibility projects to create a bigger impact for communities and children worldwide. There is still a lot of work to do, but I am confident and hopeful for the future. Again, football has a great role to play in this. It is the universal game that connects everyone globally and it can have a tremendous impact on everyone's life, especially children!

What challenges do you foresee for the foundation in the coming years and how do you see its role evolving?

The foundation will continue to act as a catalyst, bringing partners together for the common goal of helping vulnerable kids across the globe through the uniting power of football and sports.

"Our role is to give a voice to the most vulnerable children and leverage our strategic position to unite different sectors for greater impact." Carine N'koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Our role is to give a voice to the most vulnerable children and leverage our strategic position to unite different sectors for greater impact.

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

We must remain focused on the needs of our beneficiaries and keep them at the centre of everything we do. Our role is to give a voice to the most vulnerable children and leverage our strategic position to unite different sectors for greater impact.

How can football and other sports contribute to the development and well-being of vulnerable children globally?

Sports, especially football, have the power to bring communities together, promote health and teach valuable life skills. Our projects use football to promote personal development and encourage healthy lifestyles, but also gender equality, inclusion of children with disabilities or social integration.

This year, we allocated €5m to 72 impactful projects across 80 countries. We also leverage UEFA competitions to give kids the opportunity to attend games, meet players or raise awareness of charities' work.

For example, at EURO 2024 last summer, we donated 10,000 tickets to disadvantaged children and teenagers in all ten host cities as part of the 10,000 Smiles project.

What are some of the foundation's key achievements over the past ten years?

It's hard to choose, but one key achievement is the positive impact on children in refugee camps in Jordan, such as the Za'atari camp, where organised sports activities have provided a safe environment and helped children heal from trauma. The project began with a few children, including only three girls due to cultural reasons, playing on the desert sand. Today it benefits around 2,800 boys and 1,800 girls. The project has been incredibly successful, achieving exactly the kind of impact we aim for when we support charities.

After ten years, the project continues to thrive. With the evolving situation in Syria, we are committed to supporting refugees who choose to return to their country.

Another great example is the Mpira Fursa project in Tanzania aimed at empowering girls by providing access to education. In many regions, education for girls is not prioritised.

Our partner offers football and educational opportunities to girls while working with the community and parents to highlight the importance of girls' education. Initially, the percentage of girls attending school was very low, with high dropout rates. After three years, the project achieved equal school attendance rates for boys and girls, and the dropout rate among girls was even lower than for boys. This demonstrates the significant impact of combining education with engaging activities like football.

Last but not least, a key achievement is the recognition the foundation has received in the sport-for-good sector from international organisations such as UNHCR, IOM, and ITC, as well as NGOs and other institutions like the European Commission. For example, we were awarded Foundation of the Year at the Peace and Sport Awards, which honour organisations promoting sustainable peace through sport. We are proud to have successfully engaged sponsors in our initiatives, creating a movement to provide unique opportunities for children, whether it is by acting as player mascots during matches or supporting projects that positively impact their daily lives and futures.

Carine N'Koué speaks at the 2024 UEFA CongressUEFA — Carine N'Koué speaks at the 2024 UEFA Congress
UEFA

Are there any particular moments from your journey with the foundation that stand out to you?

Meeting people is at the heart of our work. We encounter people from diverse cultures, sharing their joys and challenges. For instance, during a visit to one of our projects in Lesbos, Greece, amidst an overcrowded reception centre where UNHCR was working hard to respond to the basic needs of a huge number of refugees, a young boy offered me half of his meal when he saw I had none. It was a touching moment of generosity despite having so little.

I remember some of the emotional meet-and-greets we organised with players. Last year at the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw, a 15-year-old with disabilities was moved to tears after meeting his idol Kylian Mbappé.

I also recall a discussion with a UEFA sponsor manager about funding allocation. It can be challenging to explain the need to follow community-driven solutions rather than imposing external ideas. However, the sponsor's openness and willingness to listen and support community solutions were truly inspiring.

Meeting community members who dedicate themselves to improving their communities and fighting for their rights is incredibly motivating. These individuals are the true leaders, and we strive to support them in every way we can.

How important is the support of partners to the foundation's work?

The support of UEFA, football federations, partners, and ambassadors is vital to the foundation's work. All partners are drivers of our actions, making it a collective effort. Their commitment and engagement are crucial in helping us achieve our goals. The UEFA president, federations, clubs, players, and ambassadors like Eugénie Le Sommer and Ivan Rakitić play significant roles in raising awareness and supporting our projects. Their profile and wider reach amplify our impact.

"The support of UEFA, football federations, partners, and ambassadors is vital to the foundation's work." Carine N'koué, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children

Whether through charity matches, meet-and-greets, or participating in ceremonies, they help make children's dreams come true and act as role models, while shining a light on our work.

The support of UEFA, football federations, partners, and ambassadors is vital to the foundation's work

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

Kaizen Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children send strong message on inclusion through continued partnership

The Kaizen Foundation participates in UEFA Foundation for Children's 10th Anniversary celebration, supporting amputee football and raising awareness about inclusion through sport. The partnership will expand into the summer through the "Legacy for the Future" project.

Athens, Nyon, April 25th, 2025 – Kaizen Foundation, the Social Purpose Foundation funded exclusively by Kaizen Gaming, is announcing its participation in the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the UEFA Foundation for Children. During the celebrations, the Kaizen Foundation will be sponsoring a showcase match of two amputee teams with players from Greece, England and Poland at the Colovray Stadium in Nyon on April 28^th at 15:30-16:45 CEST. This will be followed by a dedicated cup ceremony.

The focus of the celebrations - held in collaboration with the UEFA Foundation’s partners Football Is More and the European Amputee Football Federation - is inclusion in sports. The amputee football match offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible spirit and talent of amputee athletes as they compete for the trophy. Highlighting the importance of inclusion in football, the game is guaranteed to captivate the audience and showcase football's unifying power.

In addition, the Kaizen Foundation will be supporting a Conference on Inclusion to discuss football’s role in social responsibility and inclusion. Happening at the Chateau de Bossey, scheduled to take place earlier on the same day at 11.00 - 12.30 CEST, the conference will feature high-profile guests, including Prof. Dr. Jürgen Buschmann from the German Sports University of Cologne.

Kaizen Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children expand their partnership into the “Legacy for the Future” project

Excitingly, the Kaizen Foundation is also announcing the expansion of its successful partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children by supporting the “Legacy for the Future” project, aiming to leave a lasting legacy which fosters the empowerment of girls and women in countries from the UEFA participating national associations.

Within the framework of this partnership, Kaizen Foundation shall support initiatives undertaken by Τhe UEFA Foundation for Children across Portugal, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. The initiatives aim to empower girls and women to dismantle barriers in football and beyond, namely in education, legal rights and access to sport. Said initiatives will be associated with the respective women’s national teams, in order to enhance visibility and promote collective social responsibility.

This builds on the Kaizen Foundation’s inaugural partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children to support the "10,000 Smiles" project, which provided 10,000 UEFA EURO 2024™ match tickets to associations working with vulnerable children. As part of the expansion of this partnership, Kaizen Foundation shall donate €300,000 to further aid the UEFA Foundation for Children’s aims and ambitions.

“It’s a great honour to be part of the UEFA Foundation for Children’s 10th Anniversary celebrations,” said Panos Konstantopoulos, President of the Kaizen Foundation. “By championing inclusion through the amputee match, we hope to inspire clubs and communities across Europe and the globe to take meaningful steps toward breaking down barriers. The UEFA Foundation for Children does extraordinary work, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership into the Legacy for the Future project, supporting local charities with the mission to dismantle barriers for girls in and out of sports. Our joint initiatives are a powerful reminder that nothing should stand in the way of what people can achieve, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”

“Football has an extraordinary power to bring everybody together. Partnering with organisations like the Kaizen Foundation is key to building a movement that drives real impact and leaves a lasting legacy,” said Carine N'koué, General Secretary of UEFA Foundation for Children. “Not only are we celebrating our 10th Anniversary together, but by deepening our collaboration with the Legacy for the Future project, we can continue to build on our mission to use the power of football to unite and bring joy to millions of disadvantaged children around the world.”

It’s a great honour to be part of the UEFA Foundation for Children’s 10th Anniversary celebrations. By championing inclusion through the amputee match, we hope to inspire clubs and communities across Europe and the globe to take meaningful steps toward breaking down barriers. The UEFA Foundation for Children does extraordinary work, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership into the Legacy for the Future project, supporting local charities with the mission to dismantle barriers for girls in and out of sports. Our joint initiatives are a powerful reminder that nothing should stand in the way of what people can achieve, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

- Panos Konstantopoulos, President of the Kaizen Foundation

About the Kaizen Foundation

Project partner

The Kaizen Foundation is a Social Purpose Foundation, funded exclusively by Kaizen Gaming, one of the biggest GameTech companies in the world. It envisions to serve as a catalyst for positive change on a global scale in partnership with local communities, NGOs, private and public institutions. The Kaizen Foundation’s mission is to deliver initiatives with long-term impact that foster innovation and improve all aspects of people’s lives with a focus on Society, Education and the Environment.

For more information about the Kaizen Foundation please visit: https://kaizen-foundation.org/

Aleksander Čeferin reflects on ten years of the UEFA Foundation

On its tenth birthday, UEFA president and UEFA Foundation for Children chair Aleksander Čeferin assesses the organisation's wide-reaching impact.

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 cheer up, inspire and empower them.

Reflecting on the past decade, what are some of the most significant achievements of the UEFA Foundation?

We've reached almost five million children living in difficult and precarious conditions in just ten years. Through 500 projects across nearly 140 countries, the Foundation has brought hope, joy, and real change to numerous communities that needed it most. We are proud of the global impact made, but we see it only as a beginning.

Can you share any memorable moments or projects that stand out to you personally?

Two will stay with me forever, both with tremendous emotional impact. One is the visit to the Zaatari refugee camp. Seeing those children there stripped of everything a child should have, including hope, yet lighting up in great joy and passion through football was astonishing.

Another striking memory is the visit to the Aliguma Foundation in Uganda - witnessing how local empathy and resilience take root through football was profoundly moving.

In both cases, it was a life-altering experience. These children have nothing in this world, yet they smile, they play, they sing, they dance. More importantly, they dream. Such sights are impossible to see in the more modern parts of the world today. It is a thoughtful reminder that happiness comes from within.

Watch: Aleksander Čeferin visits the Aliguma Foundation in Uganda

The UEFA Super Cup has become an annual celebration of the Foundation – over the years, you have met some truly inspirational young people…

Absolutely. I remember how Loukia, a visually impaired young girl we met at the Super Cup in Athens, showed extraordinary courage and grace. And Oliwia, a young amputee we met in Warsaw, inspired us all with her strength and determination.

I also remember Ali Turganbekov, a boy born without both legs from Kazakhstan, who was giving the medals alongside me in Istanbul. He told me he would win the Paralympic medal for his country in swimming, and from what I can hear, he is today on his way to accomplishing this. We can learn a lot from these children and their bravery.

Is there any plan to bring this activity into our other events and finals?

Yes, absolutely. We plan to expand these efforts to more events and finals, ensuring that the spirit of the Foundation continues to shine wherever football brings us together.

Aleksander Čeferin with Loukia at the 2023 UEFA Super Cup

What did being involved in football do for you as a child?

Football gave me joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging during childhood. The game offered the same to everyone who grew up on the streets of Yugoslavia. We didn't have much, but a simple ball, often home-made, and two rocks on each side of the improvised pitch were all we needed for happiness. I learned a lot about teamwork, discipline, and morals. The game also introduced me to my competitive nature and how to use it for the greater good. Football remained the love of my life for all these years, and I am privileged to work for the game's well-being.

How important is it that the Foundation is giving opportunities and hope to children all over the world, and not just in Europe?

Football is a global language, and so is our commitment. The beautiful game knows no borders, and it makes perfect sense for the Foundation to support projects beyond Europe. We believe it's our responsibility to reach out and help every child we can; there are children in need in every part of the world. The world has never been as close and connected as it is today, yet people often feel very lonely. Football is a great way to remind them how fun it is to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

How crucial are the partnerships that the Foundation has forged, as well as support from other UEFA sponsors and partners?

Partnerships are essential to our impact, and I am truly grateful to our partners for their outstanding initiatives and collaboration over these ten years. Thanks to the unwavering support of sponsors like FedEx and Pepsi, who were with us from the beginning, and newer partners such as Kaizen Foundation and Lidl, the UEFA Foundation has grown and extended the reach of our projects. We will continue working hard to build more of these partnerships because we can do so much more together.

Working with Lay's and PepsiCo, the Foundation has been able to open community pitches like this one in the USA

How should we measure the success and impact of the Foundation and its programmes?

Our motto is that every child can be a champion. Not necessarily in sports, but in life. I am delighted to hear the inspirational stories of our children who overcame everyday hardships and envision the future with more confidence and optimism than before. The road is still hard, but their success inspires millions of other children. And with happy children, communities are thriving. Success is also reflected in the growing interest from governments, partners, players, and institutions who see our work's true, lasting value.

How can the wider football community – national associations, clubs, players and fans – support the Foundation's work?

We are fortunate to have incredible support from the entire football family, including national associations, clubs, and players. The support grows daily, from players involved in Dreams projects to ambassadors like Ivan Rakitić and Eugénie Le Sommer. For our tenth anniversary, national associations have stepped up by organising additional social projects and events to support disadvantaged children in their respective countries. What I said for partners applies here, too - the more we work together, the more aligned our goals and actions are, the greater our impact is. Let's keep growing this movement together.

What advice would you give to other sports organisations looking to establish similar foundations?

Take a holistic approach. Start by listening to communities, involving all actors from the beginning - children, schools, governments, clubs, and national associations - and always think about long-term sustainability and impact. Many clubs already have foundations, and seeing even more sports organisations stepping into this field with purpose and passion would be wonderful.

Ali Turganbekov presents Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson with the trophy at the 2019 UEFA Super CupUEFA via Getty Images — Ali Turganbekov presents Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson with the trophy at the 2019 UEFA Super Cup UEFA via Getty Images

What is next for the Foundation as it enters its second decade? Is there anything you are looking forward to?

Looking ahead, we want to grow our support for more projects, forge new partnerships, and create more awareness and positive energy across the sporting world to connect with even more children. We're excited to involve more sports entities and continue using football - and sport more broadly - as a force for positive change.

Finally, what would you like to talk about the Foundation on its 20th birthday?

Children are a mirror. They reflect the world we offer but a magnified one. On our 20th birthday, I hope we will talk about how the image of the world we see today has changed for the better and that both UEFA and its Foundation have grown - not just in size or reputation – but in heart, humanity and devotion to children everywhere. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future.

UEFA Foundation celebrates tenth anniversary with special inclusion events at 2025 UEFA Youth League

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the UEFA Foundation for Children is proud to announce a special match featuring amputee players, in partnership with Football Is More and supported by the Kaizen Foundation, ahead of the UEFA Youth League final in Nyon on Monday 28 April.

The match, taking place at the Colovray Sports Centre and free to attend, will feature two amputee teams made up of players from England, Greece and Poland. The players will be on-site throughout the final tournament, engaging with the public and Youth League players through a walking football experience leading up to the special match on Monday. The match is scheduled to start at 15:30, followed by a trophy ceremony at 17:00, allowing spectators to watch both this match and the Youth League final at 18:00.

This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible spirit and talent of amputee athletes as they compete for their trophy. Highlighting the importance of inclusion in football, the game is guaranteed to captivate the audience and showcase football's unifying power.

The Kaizen Foundation is partnering with the UEFA Foundation for Children to drive positive changes in communities through football. By creating an inclusive space for all players, this partnership enhances the sport's quality and appreciation and empowers individuals globally. The charity Football Is More, which promotes inclusion and access to sport for disabled people, has also been instrumental in organising the selection of the amputee players and arranging their travel.

Conference on Inclusion

At 11:00 on Monday 28 April, a special conference will be held at the Château de Bossey to discuss football's role in social responsibility and inclusion for Children. Prof. Dr Jürgen Buschmann from German Sport University Cologne and other high-profile speakers will provide insights into football's current state, the obstacles to ensuring inclusion, and the future of the sport.

UEFA Foundation at the UEFA Youth League

Throughout the tournament, the UEFA Foundation for Children will have a stand at the Youth Plaza where the public can try walking football – an exciting game in which running is not allowed. Athletes from the amputee teams and Johan Djourou, UEFA ambassador, will also take part alongside members of the public.

About Football Is More

Project partner

A decade of hope, unity and opportunity

UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates its tenth anniversary with a new initiative involving European national associations

The UEFA Foundation for Children is deeply grateful to be celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of working hand-in-hand with communities to support children facing difficult circumstances. Since its creation in 2015, the foundation has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children across Europe and beyond.

Over the past ten years, the foundation has supported 577 projects in 138 countries, helping around 4.9 million children. By working with trusted partners, it has harnessed the unifying power of football to promote children's rights and foster progress in areas such as health, education, personal growth, inclusion and career opportunities.

To mark this special milestone, UEFA and the foundation are inviting all UEFA member associations to take part in a brand-new initiative. A total of €1m will be distributed equally among participating associations so they can develop social projects or events to support disadvantaged children in their own communities, possibly in collaboration with local NGOs.

This initiative is a sincere expression of unity and solidarity. It reflects the generosity and shared purpose of the European football community and a belief that, together, we can offer hope and opportunity to those who need it most. It's also a celebration of the values that define football at its best – fair play, inclusion and community spirit.

Aleksander Čeferin, chair of the board of trustees, said: “The foundation is dedicated to bringing the magic of football to every child, creating a safe and joyful space where they can dream, play and grow. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future. This initiative is another beautiful reflection of the compassion, solidarity and shared commitment that lives within the European football community.”

As we celebrate the decade behind us, we must also continue looking ahead. The UEFA Foundation for Children remains dedicated to supporting future generations on a journey of hope and empowerment for many years to come.

The foundation is dedicated to bringing the magic of football to every child, creating a safe and joyful space where they can dream, play and grow. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future. This initiative is another beautiful reflection of the compassion, solidarity and shared commitment that lives within the European football community.

- Aleksander Čeferin, chair of the board of trustees

UEFA Foundation for Children grants awarded to 72 projects

A total of €5m distributed to help children in need around the world.

The UEFA Foundation for Children’s board of trustees held its meeting of the year at UEFA headquarters on Wednesday 27 November. Chaired by Aleksander Čeferin, the members made a decisive move, voting to allocate €5m to 72 impactful projects working across 80 countries. The decision follows a call for projects issued this summer and demonstrates the foundation's firm commitment to making a difference. By investing in these projects, the foundation is championing and safeguarding the fundamental rights of vulnerable children around the globe, ensuring a brighter future for those who need it most.

During the meeting, the board members acknowledged the departure of Kevin Lamour, who had served as a member for seven years and was a strong advocate for the foundation’s values. The assembly also welcomed Michele Uva, UEFA Social and Environmental Sustainability Director, as a new member.

A review of the previous season was also performed, both from a financial point of view and in terms of the many activities carried out. The full activity report for the 2023/24 season will be published on uefafoundation.org shortly.

2024 call for projects

Number of projects per region (funds allocated as a percentage of total)

31 Europe (47.8%)

21 Africa (26.6%)

10 Asia (12.8%)

1 Oceania (3%)

6 Central America (5.5%)

3 South America (4.3%)

NGOs selected to receive funding following the 2024 call for projects

PARTNERS	COUNTRIES
Save the Children Switzerland	Albania
Bridge of Hope	Armenia
Breaking Grounds	Austria
Impala performance ASBL	Belgium
Association for Sport, Recreation and Education	Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia
Fair Play Point	Czechia
Children of Prisoners Europe	Europe
European Amputee Football Federation	Europe
Paris Saint-Germain endowment fund	France
Orama Neon YOUTHORAMA	Greece
Oltalom Sport Association	Hungary
Sport Against Racism Ireland	Ireland
Peres Center for Peace and Innovation	Israel
ASD Centro Olimpia Giarratana	Italy
KFV Prishtina	Kosovo
Vilnius Social Club	Lithuania
Stichting Het Gehandicapte Kind	Netherlands
KNVB WorldCoaches	Netherlands
Rio Ferdinand Foundation	Northern Ireland
Trenuj Bycie Dobrym	Poland
Samusocial International	Romania
Big Hearts Community Trust	Scotland
Development Center for Youth	Serbia
Federació Esportiva Catalana de Paralítics Cerebrals	Spain
Asociación Alacrán 1997	Spain
En Frisk Generation	Sweden
Fondation IdéeSport	Switzerland
Swiss Academy for Development	Switzerland
Shakhtar Social	Ukraine
Klitschko Foundation	Ukraine
Bloomsbury Football Foundation	United Kingdom
Association Kenskoazell Afrika	Benin
Grandir Dignement	Cameroon, Madagascar, Niger
CABO VERDE Stiftung für Bildung	Cape Verde
iACT	Central African Republic
INTERSOS	Chad
Georges Malaika Foundation	Democratic Republic of Congo
Water4Wildlife Maasai Mara	Kenya
Mathare Youth Sports Association	Kenya
Aletha's Legacy	Liberia
Association Humanitaire AKAMASOA	Madagascar
Our Aim Foundation	Malawi
Association Libre Vue	Mali
Tibu Africa	Morocco
Futebol dá força foundation	Mozambique
Cross Cultures Project Association	Nigeria
Grootbos Foundation	South Africa
Badgers Football Academy	South Africa
Sports Charity Mwanza	Tanzania
Aliguma Foundation	Uganda
Game Rangers International	Zambia
African Wildlife Conservation Fund	Zimbabwe
Right to Learn Afghanistan	Afghanistan
Action for Development (Switzerland)	Afghanistan
Children's Future International	Cambodia
ASA Foundation	Indonesia
Al-Mesalla organisation for human resources development	Iraq
Association Football Development Programme (AFDP) Global	Jordan
Tawazon Initiative for Development	Lebanon
Childreach Nepal	Nepal
FundLife International	Philippines
Football Association of Norway (Football for All in Vietnam project)	Vietnam
This is How We Football	14 Pacific islands
Fútbol por mi País	Costa Rica
GOALS Haiti (Global Outreach and Love of Soccer)	Haiti
educate.	Honduras
Fight for Peace International	Jamaica
Street Child United	Mexico
Soccer in the Streets	United States
River Plate Foundation	Argentina
Ankla Foundation	Colombia
Sinkumunchis	Peru

After her first meeting in her new role, Carine N'koué, general secretary of the foundation, said:

“I am very pleased to announce that our board members have decided to support 72 projects through the Foundation in 2025. We all know how powerful sport and especially football can be. Those projects use that incredible power to impact the lives of countless children around the world for a better life.”

The next board meeting will be held in Lisbon on Saturday 24 May 2025.

The next call for projects is scheduled for June/July 2025.

I am very pleased to announce that our board members have decided to support 72 projects through the Foundation in 2025. We all know how powerful sport and especially football can be. Those projects use that incredible power to impact the lives of countless children around the world for a better life.”

- Carine Nkoue, general secretary of the foundation

UEFA EURO 2024 review

UEFA EURO 2024 was a fantastic opportunity to deliver on the UEFA Foundation for Children’s mission, to use the power of football to unite and bring joy to vulnerable children across the world

Inside and outside stadiums across Germany, we teamed up with charity organisations and tournament sponsors to provide a series of unforgettable moments and activities for children, as well as helping raise awareness of sustainability topics such as inclusivity, the fight against racism, children’s rights, and accessibility.

10,000 smiles

In collaboration with EURO 2024 sponsor the Kaizen Foundation, we donated 10,000 tickets to disadvantaged children and teenagers in all ten host cities as part of the 10,000 Smiles project. This campaign benefited 200 charitable organisations, and 250 tickets were set aside for the first four matches in each host city.

Thomas Pollak, EURO 2024 project manager for the host city of Stuttgart, said:

"Football stands for diversity and connects all groups and social classes. The 10,000 Smiles project is a prime example. We are delighted that these children and teenagers, accompanied by their parents and guardians, were able to enjoy an unforgettable experience at our arena during the group stage. It shows once again that football is more than just sport and can build bridges between people – regardless of their background or circumstances."

Robot

Together with the global home appliance and consumer electronics brand Hisense, we also launched Faith In Young Champions, a public welfare initiative, during EURO 2024. The supplier Awabot implemented the programme, providing robots to hospitalised children for whom attending the tournament would be a dream come true.

The football-loving children could use the robots to enter exclusive areas such as the warm-up zone, the dressing rooms and the VIP areas, and get closer to their beloved players or teams.

Key figures

8 telepresence robots
4 stadiums, in Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt, and Munich
23 games
nearly 50 ill or disabled youngsters in 25 European countries and other parts of the world

Lidl player mascots

In collaboration with EURO sponsor Lidl, children from the organisations SOS Children’s Villages and In Safe Hands had the chance to be player mascots for Türkiye vs Georgia match on 18 June.

Fan festivals

Activities promoting foundation projects were organised at all the EURO fan festivals staged in each city. For example, A Ball for All organized matches for visually impaired children using a special jingling football. Anyone could get involved to discover first-hand what it’s like to play the game without being able to see. Football for Unity 2.0, meanwhile, created a series of initiatives focusing on equality, including a video shown in fan zones encouraging fans to fight racism.

Frankfurt, GERMANY - JUNE 23: (L-R) Barbara Doumanidou, Elias Mastoras, Loukia Kasamaki, Nikos Kasamakis, Constantinos Kasamakis, Pinelopi Karavida and Xrisostomos Kasamakis pose during a The Ball For All campaign at the official UEFA Fan Zone during the UEFA EURO 2024 Group A match between Germany and Switzerland on June 23, 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.(Photo by Neil Baynes - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Second Life

UEFA’s sustainability drive continued after the tournament, with the Second Life project redistributing leftover materials and equipment. Local organisations benefited from a diverse range of recycled goods, including adidas tournament uniforms and unsold official merchandise as well as office equipment (tables, printers, monitors, and even refrigerators) and stadium dressing material. Anything that could be reused was found a new home.

Auction

The ball kicked by Mikel Oyarzabal to score the winning goal in the EURO 2024 final raised €20,000 for the UEFA Foundation for Children. It was identified using adidas Connected Ball technology and auctioned on Catawiki. All proceeds went to the foundation.

FC Miracles – giving hope to Rome’s ghetto neighbourhood

FC Miracles – giving hope to Rome's ghetto neighbourhood

Supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children, a revolutionary variant of football called calciosociale, or social football, has allowed an entire unprivileged neighbourhood to find hope and purpose again.

Il Serpentone. The big serpent.

Less than half an hour away from Rome’s city centre, one giant grey building, one kilometre long, lies in one of Rome’s most famous ghetto areas: Corviale. There, over 5,000 people live in poverty, amid drug deals, school dropouts, violence and misery. An entire village crowded into a single concrete building.

Built in the 1970s, the original idea behind Corviale was to create a place where people could live, do their grocery shopping, go to the post office or take their children to school all in one place. Fifty years later, the concept has never seen the light of day and the shops and services that should have populated the fourth floor have now been replaced by illegal and overcrowded housing conditions and drug trafficking. With a lack of maintenance and broken infrastructure (lifts not working, shortage of hot water, and much more), many inhabitants, many of whom are retired, are struggling to live in such conditions.

In 2009, one visionary man, Massimo Vallati, came up with a crazy idea: to build a joyful community centre in Corviale called Campo dei Miracoli, or 'the pitch of miracles'. Supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children, Massimo built a place where children could grow up in peace, in a safe and healthy environment built around football. But not any kind of football: il calciosociale, an inclusive version of the game, where everyone is welcome, with no discrimination.

From an empty and disused area, Massimo and the community created a structure, poles apart from the cold, grey and austere Corviale: a colourful, warm sports centre equipped with all the necessary facilities to play football.

A holistic approach to an inclusive and sustainable project

The contrast is striking. The wooden campus and the green of the three synthetic pitches stand out in the middle of Corviale’s concrete jungle. Inaugurated in February 2014, during the FIFA World Cup trophy tour, the structure has won many awards in bioarchitecture for its use of natural materials and sustainability.

“Calciosociale wants to create change inside our society. Campo dei Miracoli belongs to the community and is a safe place where kids can come to do their homework, study, receive psychological support and play a type of football based on social rules that encourage social and civil conscience, both at a society and individual level.”

Massimo Vallati, founder

Supported by local companies and associations, the campus is also equipped with a spacious indoor arena, dressing rooms, showers, a welcome desk, a meeting room and even a professional kitchen. Next to the main pitch, Massimo also planned a garden where organic fruits and vegetables are picked and cooked for the children. The garden is taken care of and handled by Vermiglia Desideri, the nonna of Corviale. She is also helped by other mothers in the neighbourhood, who all work together to serve the community.

In this small haven of peace, everyone is welcome and everyone can play: children, parents, and people with disabilities or psychological problems. The whole project has been designed to accompany Corviale’s community in their daily lives.

The reality of children living in Corviale is not the reality of every citizen of Rome. Many have lost their parents to drug abuse or gang deals and are living with their ageing grandparents. Campo dei Miracoli has become their second home and a family for those who are not fortunate enough to have one. They come after school and receive help from two teachers to do their homework twice a week. Every Tuesday, girls can attend the 'social sofa', an evening dedicated to discussions with a psychologist, followed by a shared meal, home-cooked by Massimo and the cook, made from the garden’s produce. On Thursdays, the younger ones aged 5-8 can play while their mothers can attend a Pilates class in the indoor arena. All provided by Campo dei Miracoli.

“We help children study Italian, maths or science, but also to follow the rules, listen and help others. Many of these kids do not have a traditional, safe family model at home, so we try to be an additional adult figure and example for them.”

Giovanna, teacher

Calciosociale – the one who wins is the one who cares

Vince solo chi custodisce. Invented by Massimo, the social football rules are simple: everyone is welcome, and you can only win if you take care of your teammates, on and off the pitch. The game is not only an experiment; it’s a true research topic, followed by several renowned Italian universities, which are studying the impact of such a game on disadvantaged communities.

Teams are composed of a mix of players, all with varying physical abilities, without distinction. Each player is given a coefficient based on sporting abilities, and teams are formed with players with different coefficients to ensure fairness and equality. Each team bears the name of an important life value: humanity, empathy, respect, and so on. Why, you ask? Because the winner is the team that scores the most goals, not only on the pitch but also off it: by writing a song for the team, picking up litter in the adjacent streets or planting vegetables.

There is no referee, and each team’s coach must agree on decisions. One player cannot score more than three goals during a match. Once they have scored a hat-trick, they cannot take another shot at goal but must pass the ball to a team-mate.

“Football has the potential to be a tool of social cohesion, and calciosociale is what this is about. There is nothing like football that has this kind of reach and power,” explains Massimo.

A parent explains: “The good thing about calciosociale is that it shows everyone that you might not be an expert in everything, but everyone can contribute to the game and help the team win.”

“I love playing calciosociale. The rules are hard but fair. We play with different people, of different ages, genders etc but in the end, we are all the same.”

Siria, 12 years old

“I’m always coming here. I come straight after school and play football, do my homework or meet with my friends. I love playing football and I feel safe here."

Denise, 14 years old

The rules of calciosociale

Value your differences
Discover your hidden potential
We grow together and win together
We take decisions together
Help your teammates
Everyone can be a champion
We are all first-team players
Listen and share
The game doesn’t end after 90 minutes
Champions on the pitch. Champions in life.

What the future holds

Massimo’s vision is to bring calciosociale to professional football academies in Italy and beyond, including it alongside traditional training sessions. Recently, calciosociale's methodology has been tested in a football academy in Slovenia, with more to come in the future.

The objective behind scaling the project up is to change the development of players at a macro level, to help them become thoughtful human beings with a strong sense of justice and international values.

This summer, Massimo and the children headed North: the team organised a summer camp in Coverciano, Italy’s national training centre. A rare occasion for the children to get out of Corviale and see another part of their country, meet with women's and men’s national team players and even train under their guidance, before enjoying a well-deserved break.

The UEFA Foundation for Children is supporting the calciosociale project with €100,000. This funding is used to pay for the children's football training over the year, buy equipment, and hire coaches and educators.

Calciosociale wants to create change inside our society. Campo dei Miracoli belongs to the community and is a safe place where kids can come to do their homework, study, receive psychological support and play a type of football based on social rules that encourage social and civil conscience, both at a society and individual level.”

- Massimo Vallati, founder

About Calciosocial

Project partner

learn more about the project supported by the foundation here