News Archive - Page 3 of 14

Visa donates €50,000 to UEFA Foundation-backed charity selected by Amandine Henry

The Player of the Match in the 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League final has selected Sport dans la Ville to receive a €50,000 donation from Visa.

Olympique Lyonnais (OL) midfielder Amandine Henry has directed a €50,000 donation from Visa to Sport dans la Ville, a French charity supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children. An official award ceremony will be organised the 14th of September, on the OL campus in the presence of the association Sport dans la Ville.

Henry paved the way to OL’s 3-1 victory over FC Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final back in May when she scored the first goal of the game in the sixth minute. Named Player of the Match by Visa, which sponsors UEFA’s women’s football competitions, she was given the opportunity to choose one of the 245 charities supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children to receive the prize money.

Making a difference on and off the pitch

"I am very happy to have been awarded Player of the Match at the UEFA Women’s Champions League final," Henry said. "My contribution to my team's victory has been recognised, which gives me real satisfaction, but I am also delighted to be able to contribute off the pitch."

"Thanks to Visa's commitment, I was able to choose an organisation that I hold in high regard. Sport dans la Ville does great work in Lyon and throughout France. Giving them such a significant donation will improve the conditions of access to sport for many young people. Considering what sport has enabled me to achieve, it means a lot to me."

Sport dans la Ville, a long-standing partner of the UEFA Foundation, works with young and disadvantaged children in marginalised neighbourhoods across France to help them achieve a better life through sports by offering mentoring and entrepreneurship programmes. Founded in 1998, the charity currently operates in 46 urban areas and has supported more than 12,000 at-risk youths across the country.

Visa is also partnering with Sport dans la Ville in underserved areas of Seine-Saint-Denis on a programme promoting the practice of sports among young people to lead healthier lives and develop the tools they need to perform better academically.

Sports and football to empower girls

Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children, is delighted with Visa’s contribution, saying: “I thank VISA and Amandine for this donation. It is a nice link between women’s football and the foundation’s activity. It will not only make a difference to a meaningful project but will also promote our shared values, such as the passion for the game and equal opportunities.”

The UEFA Foundation for Children uses football as a springboard to empower children around the world. This is achieved by setting up sporting and educational projects that give children a safe place to learn and play, which ultimately improves their prospects.

"I want to thank Visa and Amandine on behalf of the entire Sport dans la Ville association for this very generous donation," said Nicholas Eschermann, president of Sport dans la Ville. "Visa is a trusted partner and we are very happy to have been able to count on their support for several years now."

Visa dedicated to women's football

“Visa's ongoing support for women's football provides a platform to recognise current athletes and inspire future ones and aims to make a small yet robust contribution to the globally growing movement for gender equality and women's empowerment. As partners of Sport dans la Ville, we are especially happy to see that they will receive this donation enabling them to keep supporting children through sports,” says Juan Herrera, Visa’s head of marketing for France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

In December 2018, UEFA announced a landmark seven-year partnership with Visa, who thus became the first ever UEFA sponsor dedicated to women's football.

The landmark agreement made Visa a main partner of the UEFA Women's Champions League, UEFA Women's EURO, European Women's Under-19 and Under-17 Championships and UEFA Women's Futsal EURO until 2025. Visa also collaborates on UEFA's Together #WePlayStrong marketing initiative, which is aimed at getting more girls and women to play football.

I am very happy to have been awarded Player of the Match at the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. My contribution to my team's victory has been recognised, which gives me real satisfaction, but I am also delighted to be able to contribute off the pitch. Thanks to Visa's commitment, I was able to choose an organisation that I hold in high regard. Sport dans la Ville does great work in Lyon and throughout France. Giving them such a significant donation will improve the conditions of access to sport for many young people. Considering what sport has enabled me to achieve, it means a lot to me.

- Amandine Henry, midfielder at Olympique Lyonnais

FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Women's Champions League Final 2021/22

Olympique Lyonnais Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Women's Champions League Final 2021/22

About Visa

Project partner

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.fr or visit our blog

Lionel Messi, Mastercard’s global football ambassador, launches new campaign to raise funds for children’s health and education

We partner with Mastercard to support Save the Children organisation ahead of UEFA Champions League Group Stage

5 September 2022, Nyon – Footballing legend Lionel Messi has kicked off a new fundraising campaign with Mastercard supporting Save the Children, that sees him in a new video reflect on how football gave him the opportunities that many children are deprived of.

Link to donate

The campaign will promote sports and educational activities as driving forces for change in UK, Italy and Spain. Messi will be joined by global Mastercard ambassadors Jordan Henderson, Giorgio Chiellini and Álvaro Morata.

This partnership will support Save the Children in the new initiative that aims to help children in poverty realise their potential through the power of football, other sports and educational activities, such as literacy and the arts.

Messi is joined by some of the best footballers from the UK, Italy and Spain to drive donations and support local children in each of their countries. Liverpool captain and England midfielder Jordan Henderson heads up the UK’s programme, which aims to help disadvantaged children under 16 access free activities throughout the 2023 summer holidays. Encouraging young people to build life skills and engage in ongoing learning and development is a core part of Save the Children’s work, and UK donations will help support 600 families and over 1,000 children in Manchester and North Tyneside.

Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini launches the campaign next week among his fans, aiming to raise funds to enable children and young adults in the country’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods to access Punti Luce education centres that promote free access to educational activities, a healthy diet and provide a broad range of sport and activity workshops, from football to volleyball and sailing – activities that would otherwise be completely inaccessible to those living in deprived and underserved neighborhoods.

In Spain, international and Atlético Madrid striker Álvaro Morata is driving donations to support 220 children in poverty and at risk of social exclusion. The holistic programme will see them given psychological support while providing opportunities to play sport and study values and creativity.

Giancarla Pancione Marketing and Fundraising Director at Save the Children Italy, said “The number of children and teenagers in poverty throughout Europe dramatically rose in the last decade. This amplifies educational inequalities and penalises the future of the most disadvantaged girls, boys and teenagers, who are paying the heaviest price. This partnership is a way of joining forces and putting our best resources at their service, in order to fulfill their potential and built a brighter future.”

Mastercard is supporting the programmes by providing the technology to allow people to donate to the cause, and matching donations up to €300,000. The campaign forms part of Mastercard’s Cause Enablement work, in which it is transforming the digital donation world to make it easier for charities to connect donors to causes, and make seamless giving possible for everyone, everywhere. The donation widgets will be accessible through links from the ambassador, Mastercard, and partner social media channels as well as through ad banners on UEFA.com and Priceless.com editorial.

“At Mastercard, we have long believed in using our business for good. It’s hugely important to us that our technology and networks can power giving for sustainable impact,” said Jeannette Liendo, Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Europe. “We’re so proud of this campaign and hope it, and our brilliant global ambassadors will help to drive home the message that any child can aim for the stars as long as they have the right resources behind them.”

Urs Kluser, General Secretary at the UEFA Foundation for Children, said “This generous support from Mastercard will make a big difference to the programme beneficiaries. It will allow more children in need to grow up healthy, to have access to education and sport, and get a chance for a better future.”

At Mastercard, we have long believed in using our business for good. It’s hugely important to us that our technology and networks can power giving for sustainable impact, We’re so proud of this campaign and hope it, and our brilliant global ambassadors will help to drive home the message that any child can aim for the stars as long as they have the right resources behind them.

- Jeannette Liendo, Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Europe

Donations can be made via the ambassador posts, on the official UEFA Club Competitions Online Store on UEFA.com, or by clicking on the links through Mastercard and Save The Children social media channels plus Priceless.com

About Mastercard

Project partner

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

About Save the Children

Project Partner

At Save the Children, we want every child to have a future. We work every day with passion, determination and professionality in Italy and around the world to give children the opportunity to be born and grow up healthy, receive an education and be protected. When an emergency breaks out, we are among the first to arrive and the last to leave. We work with local realities and partners to create a network that helps us to meet the needs of children, guarantee their rights and listen to their voices. We concretely improve the lives of millions of children, including those most difficult to reach. For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting to save children at risk and guarantee them a future.

Young Cerebral Palsy players shine at the UEFA Super Cup

Local children joined the UEFA Foundation ahead of Wednesday's curtain-raiser in Helsinki for a specially organised session alongside stars from HJK Helsinki and the Finland national team.

Local children with cerebral palsy (CP) were guests of the UEFA Foundation for a unique Super Cup training session in Helsinki on Tuesday.

16 kids from the local area joined specially trained CP football coaches, as well as male and female players from HJK Helsinki at the club's Bolt Arena, just metres from the Olympic Stadium which will stage Wednesday night's Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.

The young players are all linked to the The Finnish Cerebral Palsy (CP) Association and enjoyed individual and team drills before mini matches and one final game, with the entire HJK Helsinki women's team joining in the fun alongside men's players , Paulus Arajuuri, Santeri Väänänen and Miro Tenho. As well as being one of Finland's leading clubs, HJK is also a fantastic pioneer for disability football, with CP and powerchair teams for both children and adults.

Maisa Fraser, 13, is one of the young players who could showcase her skills on the stadium pitch. "Events like today are important to show there are people like me that have cerebral palsy, which sometimes makes it harder to move physically," she said. "There are different kinds of people and it's important to show people that. One thing I love about playing football is the friendship and the team - I love my team-mates," she continued. "The team is like a second family, you have to appreciate every single one of them. It's a life lesson – you have to appreciate everyone in your life."

Paulus Arajuuri, HJK and former Finland defender

"Football is for everyone and I'm really pleased to see some happy kids here today. Events like this are very important, and if there is the slight chance I can make someone else's day nicer, then it's important to be a part of it. Football is a global sport, the number one in the world, and everyone should be able to enjoy it."

Among the coaches was Finland CP national team player, Mikael Jukarainen, who hopes the event can help to attract more players to the game.

"I started to play football in 1995, and always had lots of fun training and being in a team," he said. "As a coach, you can teach kids to have fun playing football and they can learn teamwork.

"Events like this are very useful, and give young kids a chance to play football. It's really hard, often impossible, to go and play in a 'normal' team, so this is the place. We have always been a marginal sport and had difficulties to find players, so sharing the knowledge that we exist will help us grow."

Essi Sainio, HJK and Finland midfielder

"We have many kinds of people in the world. Everybody should have the chance to play football and be themselves and this is one way to do it. It is amazing to see the joy in the kids, to play with them and see how much they enjoy playing football, you cannot name a price for that. Football is a language we can all talk – it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are. You can go everywhere in the world, be whoever you want to be and you can always play football."

Lasse Keski-Loppi is a grassroots football expert at the Football Association of Finland (FAF), which has organised specialised disability football programmes for 25 years.

"We are proud to have our grassroots programme showcased at the 2022 UEFA Super Cup," he said. "This year our association launched its own CP football programme to promote football for all in Finland. This CP programme for youngsters and young talents helps many new young players to participate in football and follow their football dreams. We all do share the same game."

Four of the young players have also been selected to be Mastercard player mascots lined up next to the Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt players at Wednesday's match.

Meanwhile, 20 youngsters from the Icehearts association will play a key role in the opening ceremony, acting as central circle carriers. Icehearts prevents social exclusion, enhances social skills and promotes the well-being of vulnerable children.

Events like today are important to show there are people like me that have cerebral palsy, which sometimes makes it harder to move physically. There are different kinds of people and it's important to show people that.

- Maisa Fraser, 13, one of the young players

Football is for everyone and I'm really pleased to see some happy kids here today. Events like this are very important, and if there is the slight chance I can make someone else's day nicer, then it's important to be a part of it. Football is a global sport, the number one in the world, and everyone should be able to enjoy it.

- Paulus Arajuuri, HJK and former Finland defender

UEFA Foundation will assist 15 ECA member clubs retained to receive assistance from the ECA relief programme

ECA partners with UEFA Foundation to implement this humanitarian initiative to help Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict

The ECA Ukraine Relief Committee has approved applications for financial assistance from 15 member clubs for projects they are conducting to assist children and families displaced by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The ECA Ukraine Relief Committee was set up to review applications from member clubs who are implementing concrete and effective humanitarian actions to support the integration and development of those affected by the war in Ukraine. ECA chairman Nasser AlKhelaifi first announced the availability of the €1m ECA relief fund during his speech on 28 March at the at the 27th ECA General Assembly in Vienna.

Having been approved first by the Ukraine Relief Committee and then by the UEFA Foundation for Children, the 15 projects received the sums requested from the foundation. Donations were granted at an amont between €25,000 and €50,000 per club.

The value of the donations allocated to the 15 clubs comes to a combined total of €680,000, leaving €320,000 available in the relief fund for distribution in the future. An update will be given at the forthcoming ECA General Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, and a second-round call for projects from member clubs is expected to follow soon.

Commenting on the allocation of funds to the 15 clubs, Dariusz Mioduski, ECA vice-chairman and chairman of the Ukraine Relief Committee, said:

“At ECA we were all extremely concerned by the realities of hardship being suffered by the many refugees fleeing the tragic situation in Ukraine. I am very pleased, therefore, that our Ukraine Relief Committee was able to approve a total of 15 projects proposed by our member clubs, who will now receive the requested financial donations. This assistance will allow them to continue their good work supporting displaced Ukrainian children and families, bringing them much-needed assistance, human interaction and hope for the future. There is still a substantial amount left in the ECA Relief Fund and we expect a second call for projects from member clubs to be made in the near future.”

The 15 member clubs whose projects were approved are: AC Sparta Praha, Athletic Club, Celtic FC, FC Chikhura Sachkhere, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, FC Slovan Liberec, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Heart of Midlothian FC, Legia Warszawa, Maccabi Haifa F.C., Nõmme Kalju FC, SJK Seinäjoki, SK Slavia Praha, ŠK Slovan Bratislava, Trabzonspor AŞ.

At ECA we were all extremely concerned by the realities of hardship being suffered by the many refugees fleeing the tragic situation in Ukraine. I am very pleased, therefore, that our Ukraine Relief Committee was able to approve a total of 15 projects proposed by our member clubs, who will now receive the requested financial donations.

This assistance will allow them to continue their good work supporting displaced Ukrainian children and families, bringing them much-needed assistance, human interaction and hope for the future. There is still a substantial amount left in the ECA Relief Fund and we expect a second call for projects from member clubs to be made in the near future.”

- Dariusz Mioduski, ECA vice-chairman and chairman of the Ukraine Relief Committee

Football for everyone at UEFA Super Cup

UEFA Foundation for Children joins forces with cerebral palsy football in Finland and charity Icehearts to involve local children in the Super Cup opening ceremony

For the UEFA Foundation for Children, the UEFA Super Cup is much more than the result on the pitch. It is an opportunity to support some inspirational local projects and give the children involved an evening they will never forget.

The match also provides a platform for messages of inclusion and hope that demonstrate football’s positive influence and how it gives even the most vulnerable children a brighter outlook on life.

"The UEFA Super Cup does not only offer football fans across Europe the chance to watch the world's biggest stars in the spectacular season opener. It also allows UEFA and its Foundation for Children to engage directly with local youth projects. Using the power of our beautiful sport, together we will remain a driving force for positive and lasting changes across Europe, raising awareness about children's problems and overcoming them", UEFA President and Chairman of UEFA Foundation for Children Aleksander Čeferin said. "Our Foundation looks forward to working alongside the Football Association of Finland on vital local grassroots projects focused on children's well-being, simultaneously offering the local youngsters beautiful memories and opportunities to enjoy football."

” We are very proud and happy that the UEFA Super Cup will be held in Finland and to see local children take part in this event. Together with UEFA and its Foundation for Children we will offer a unique lifetime experience to the young players and raise awareness of disability football”, Ari Lahti, President of the Football Association of Finland added.

The 2022 UEFA Super Cup will shine a spotlight on the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Football Association of Finland that is developing its youth section. Four children will be selected to be Mastercard player mascots lined up next to the Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt players. This unique opportunity means a lot to these youngsters and motivates them to aim higher and follow their dreams.

“The children selected for the Super Cup made an impression with their enthusiasm and skill in the first youth cerebral palsy football event held in May,” says CP football project coordinator Ville Sallinen. “They are very honoured, excited and a little bit nervous – but in a good way!”

To raise awareness ahead of the UEFA Super Cup night, the Football Association of Finland (SPL) and the CP Football Association will host a football event for young players with cerebral palsy and professional football players with and without cerebral palsy. There will be workshops and a demonstration of CP football.

“Disability football has been an important part of Finnish grassroots football for more than 25 years,” said Lasse Keski-Loppi, a grassroots expert at the SPL. “We are proud to have our grassroots programme showcased at the 2022 UEFA Super Cup. This year our association launched its own CP football programme to promote football for all in Finland. I am sure that the Super Cup will give the programme the visibility it needs at all levels. This CP programme for youngsters and young talents helps many new young players to participate in football and follow their football dreams. We all do share the same game.”

Meanwhile, 20 youngsters from the Icehearts association will play a key role in the opening ceremony, acting as central circle carriers. Icehearts prevents social exclusion, enhances social skills, and promotes the well-being of vulnerable children.

“When selecting the children to take part in the Super Cup, we wanted to reward those who have made special efforts in their studies and share a true passion for football,” says Karo Koivunen of Icehearts. “They are excited to be part of this magical moment – football is their life!”

The UEFA Super Cup does not only offer football fans across Europe the chance to watch the world's biggest stars in the spectacular season opener. It also allows UEFA and its Foundation for Children to engage directly with local youth projects. Using the power of our beautiful sport, together we will remain a driving force for positive and lasting changes across Europe, raising awareness about children's problems and overcoming them. Our Foundation looks forward to working alongside the Football Association of Finland on vital local grassroots projects focused on children's well-being, simultaneously offering the local youngsters beautiful memories and opportunities to enjoy football.

- Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President and Chairman of UEFA Foundation for Children

Tournament for Solidarity in Lesvos

Legends 2004 and UEFA Foundation for Children promote social integration through football

The Champions For Life NPC Legends 2004 football team and the UEFA Foundation for Children are gearing up to promote the values of football on and off the pitch on the Greek island of Lesvos.

#UnitedWePlay

On 9 July, the Mytilene municipal stadium will host local Under-12 football academies and young refugees for a football tournament in an atmosphere free from discrimination.

Legends 2004 is a Greek football team promoting the message that children can integrate through football, and sport in general, without discrimination, whether based on social background, gender, disabilities, race, religion, etc. In this particular event, local football academies will welcome young refugees into their teams and then compete against each other under the guidance and mentorship of the Legends, all champions from EURO 2004.

#WeStandForHope

Each of the Legends will take a team under his wing to inspire the young athletes and provide knowledge, experience, and advice, and then guide them and their coaches through a series of games, which will culminate in a small and a big final.

#UnitedTogether

This is a social event inspired by love, humanity, and solidarity, in which football unites the children and helps to ease the integration of people that have survived the harshest life circumstances.

#WeCanDoBetter

UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis, European Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas and UEFA Foundation for Children general secretary Urs Kluser will all be attending the tournament, sending a strong message of support for integration and solidarity through the dynamics of football.

#MakeADifference

**********

Media representatives who wish to attend the event on 9 July must register here: legends2004@legends2004.com

For additional questions please contact Apostolis Lampos, press officer : Lampostolis@hotmail.gr

Call for projects 2022

ON 27 JUNE 2022 THE UEFA FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN LAUNCHes ITS CALL FOR PROJECTS which SEEK TO PROMOTE CHILDREN’S FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ACROSS THE world.

This call for projects is aimed at any organisation that shares the values of the UEFA foundation and proposes practical measures to help children, in the areas of access to sport, health, education, employment, personal development and supporting vulnerable children.

Applications are invited from organisations anywhere in the world. Support is not limited to projects within Europe.

Eligibility criteria

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

The final decision on the selection of projects will be taken by the board of trustees in accordance with the foundation’s statutes and ethics code.

Specific conditions relating to funding are provided in the project criteria.

Apply now

To submit your project, click here. The application deadline is 31 July 2022 midnight.

Candidates will be notified of the progress of their application by the end of 2022.

ECA partners with UEFA Foundation to invite club applications for Ukrainian Relief Fund

The UEFA Foundation for Children will help ECA implement this humanitarian initiative by allocating donations to fund charitable projects

The European Club Association (ECA), in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children, has formally opened the process for member clubs to apply for donations from a €1m fund to help Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. This Ukrainian Relief Fund was announced by ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi during his opening address to the recent ECA General Assembly in Vienna on 28 March.

Until 17 June, each ECA member club can apply for a donation of between €25,000 and €50,000 to support humanitarian initiatives helping Ukrainian people who continue to be affected by the tragic circumstances in their country.

These funds will enable clubs to take meaningful, concrete action providing opportunities for the integration and development of displaced children and their families affected by the war. Many clubs in regions with a high influx of refugees have already invested considerable resources in various projects.

ECA is partnering with the UEFA Foundation for Children to manage this humanitarian project. The applications will first be shortlisted by the newly established ECA Ukrainian Relief Committee, before the foundation makes the final decision based on its own assessment and procedures. ECA will then transfer the funds to the foundation, which will be responsible for allocating the money to the successful clubs.

“This generous support from ECA confirms football's solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine,” said Urs Kluser, the general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “It is a great help to the clubs that have selflessly taken in families with children or supported them through football activities over the last four months.”

Announcing the launch of the Ukrainian Relief Fund to ECA General Assembly, Al-Khelaifi remarked on the action already taken by many of its members:

I am very proud to announce that ECA will make an initial €1m available to support our members’ efforts to help the Ukrainian people. Many of our clubs have also offered to find a safe place for Ukrainian youth academy players, and we thank them for this.

FedEx and UEFA Foundation invite Sport Dans Le Ville to put forward referee mascots at UEFA Champions League final in Paris

Once-in-a-lifetime experience for children from Sport Dans la Ville

Paris, 27 May 2022. -UEFA Champions League sponsor and express transportation company, FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), continues its tradition of collaborating with UEFA Foundation for Children to offer memorable experiences to children enrolled in sporting programmes of local non-profit organisations.

French organisation Sport dans la Ville (SDLV) has been invited to put forward three children, two boys and one girl aged 7-10, who will have the opportunity to accompany UEFA officials onto the field in front of more than 75,000 people at Stade de France in Paris this weekend.

“This is a great opportunity to be able to offer young people in our programs – it’s an experience unlike any other and one unlikely to ever come around again. For these children, this moment will help them feel visible as individuals alongside admired professional players and respected footballing officials. It’s a global stage for them, one that makes them feel appropriately equal, and a confidence-building memory they can take forward in their lives,” said Hélène Blondel, Director of partnerships at Sport Dans Le Ville.

The selected children will have the rare chance to watch the players from Liverpool and Real Madrid warm-up on the pitch and opportunity to savour the atmosphere of a live tournament in a football stadium that is local to them, but which the three chosen children have never been inside.

“The UEFA Foundation for Children is delighted that our collaboration continues as it began when FedEx became a sponsor of UEFA tournaments back in 2015. These apparently simple gestures, of donating opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them, has an immeasurable impact on the individuals themselves, and lends a platform for local charities, like SDLV, who are utilising football to support children’s rights and needs,” said Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

“The donation of referee mascot places at the UEFA Champions League Final is only one initiative, but notably the most visible, in our social responsibility collaboration between FedEx and the UEFA Foundation for Children. Throughout our sponsorship cycle we will continue as we have always intended – to utilise our position as a sponsor of professional football to fund charitable organisations working to advance social issues, such as diversity and inclusion, that affect the opportunities and sense of optimism among young people,” said Wouter Roels, SVP Marketing International, FedEx Express Europe.

The donation of referee mascot places to local non-profit organisations will continue throughout FedEx three-year sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League, offering similar opportunities to children in Istanbul, Turkey and London, UK via football-focused charities when the time rolls around.

A three-year social responsibility grant from FedEx to the UEFA Foundation will shortly be announced. The co-developed programme, Championing the Future, will provide financial support to charities in host-countries of the UEFA Champions League Finals, promoting diversity and equality among children and empowering them to become champions of a more inclusive future.

The donation of referee mascot places at the UEFA Champions League Final is only one initiative, but notably the most visible, in our social responsibility collaboration between FedEx and the UEFA Foundation for Children. Throughout our sponsorship cycle we will continue as we have always intended – to utilise our position as a sponsor of professional football to fund charitable organisations working to advance social issues, such as diversity and inclusion, that affect the opportunities and sense of optimism among young people.

- Wouter Roels, SVP Marketing International, FedEx Express Europe

About FedEx Corp.

Project partner

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

To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

About Sport dans la Ville

Project Partner

Founded in 1998, Sport dans la Ville is the main organisation in France promoting social and professional integration through sport. The organisation sets up and operates sports centres in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Its programmes help 8,500 young people find their place in society and enter the world of work.

Sport dans la Ville has created the following programmes to ensure every young person finds a route into employment:

L dans la Ville – a programme aimed at empowering and enhancing the employability of 2,000 young women.
Job dans la Ville – a programme that provides career guidance and employability training to 2,085 young people aged 15 and over.
Entrepreneurs dans la Ville – a start-up support programme that has led to the creation of 310 businesses since 2007.

https://www.sportdanslaville.com/

Mastercard player mascots take the centre stage at UEFA Champions League Final

After two years of virtual activation, the Mastercard player mascots will join the Champions League finalists on the pitch in Paris

Paris, 27 May 2022: Mastercard’s player mascot initiative will return in-person for the UEFA Champions League Final at the Stade de France, Paris, on May 28.

Mastercard Player Mascots initiative provides 22 young football fans with Priceless access to the UEFA Champions League Final. The children will fulfil their dreams by running onto the pitch and will be joined by some of the world’s best football players – from finalists Liverpool and Real Madrid – before watching the pinnacle of club football live.

This year, Mastercard is partnering with the UEFA Foundation to select the mascots that will take part in this year’s final. The UEFA Foundation will in turn work with Libraries Without Borders – an international NGO that supports vulnerable people through education, culture, and information – to offer this opportunity to children from vulnerable communities and young refugees that have recently arrived in France.

“We are delighted that Mastercard Player Mascots will be returning as an in-person experience for UEFA Champions League Final in Paris,” said Jeanette Liendo, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Europe. “Since we first sponsored the competition in 1994, its popularity continues to grow and the Final is now one of the most prestigious events on the global sporting calendar. We cannot wait to provide our chosen mascots with the matchday experience of a lifetime and the chance to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best players.”

“It is a pride for the foundation to bring children to this prestigious final” said Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children. “It is a unique lifetime experience that we can offer to children from our partners which will have a big impact on their future”.

"Libraries Without Borders is very proud to contribute to this operation, and glad to have the possibility to allow girls and boys with difficult backgrounds to dream. This moment will remain forever engraved in the memory of the children." said Edouard Delbende, BSF’s Director of Development & Communications.

Libraries Without Borders is very proud to contribute to this operation, and glad to have the possibility to allow girls and boys with difficult backgrounds to dream. This moment will remain forever engraved in the memory of the children.

- Edouard Delbende, BSF’s Director of Development & Communications.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: During the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Liverpool and Villarreal at Anfield on April 27, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - MAY 03: UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

About Mastercard

Project partner

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

www.mastercard.com

About Bibliothèques Sans Frontières

Project Partner

Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders) is a NGO that strengthens the capacity of people in vulnerable situations by facilitating access to education, culture, and information. In more than 50 countries, we create innovative cultural and learning spaces that allow those affected by crisis or precarity to learn, to play, to build communities, and to construct their futures.

https://www.bibliosansfrontieres.org/

Seville children given a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Hankook Tire gives back to Seville’s ‘local heroes’

After its first successful cooperation with the UEFA Foundation for Children at the UEFA Europa League final in Gdansk in 2021, Hankook Tire continues to bring smiles back to children’s faces. UEFA’s long-standing partner once again donated 50 tickets for the UEFA Europa League final and acquired the sole and exclusive rights for referee mascots. As the final was in Seville this year, the two partners decided to work with the Fundación Alalá to provide all participants with a unique and exciting final matchday.

“Thanks to the success of our cooperation with UEFA and Hankook Tire, we are bringing smiles to children’s face again,” said Urs Kluser, the Foundation for Children’s general secretary. “We will make sure we give them and their coaches an unforgettable experience.”

As part of its charity work, in the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League season, Hankook Tire launched the Local Heroes Challenge, a digital campaign for local football clubs throughout Europe, to promote grassroots football culture. On each Europa League tournament matchday, participant clubs have been able to win a full set of premium football kits. The campaign has also highlighted the work of the coaches who put so much of their time and effort into helping these children.

Since 2012 Hankook Tire has been an Official Partner of the UEFA Europa League and is very pleased not only to be continuing the successful partnership with the UEFA Foundation but also to be contributing once again to a great corporate social responsibility project through its involvement in this major event.

Hankook Tire surprised the children with a visit from the official UEFA Europa League final ambassador and former Spanish football goalkeeper Andrés Palop who took part in a football training session with the Alalá children and handed out the tickets for the UEFA Europa League final in Seville.

About Alalá – Fundación arte y cultura por la integración

Alalá supports social integration through education for youngsters at risk of social exclusion in Polígono Sur, a part of Seville known for its poor living conditions. Culture, art, and sport are used as a motivational tool. Children can take part in music and dance activities (drums, singing and theatre) to experience different cultures, or can join a football team that competes in a local league.

Thanks to the success of our cooperation with UEFA and Hankook Tire, we are bringing smiles to children’s face again. We will make sure we give them and their coaches an unforgettable experience.

- Urs Kluser, the Foundation for Children’s general secretary

SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 18: Youth Programme children Players and referee mascots and OMBC carrier. Ivan Rakitic and Andres Palop. BUEFA Europa League final match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 18: Engelbert Strauss Player Mascots are seen during the UEFA Europa League final match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 18: Players and Referee Mascots and OMBC Arrivala prior tothe UEFA Europa League final match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Hankook Tire

Project partner

Hankook Tire manufactures innovative and award-winning radial tyres of proven superior quality for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, RVs, trucks and buses as well as motorsports. Hankook Tire employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide and sells its products in over 180 countries. Hankook Tire has been represented in the renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Index World (DJSI World) since 2016. For more information, please visit http://www.hankooktire-mediacenter.com or www.hankooktire.com

Sustainable and inclusive football pitch inaugurated in Italy

First Lay's RePlay five-a-side pitch in the European Union inaugurated, in collaboration with the UEFA Foundation for Children and streetfootballworld

This new five-a-side football pitch is part of the Lay's RePlay project that brings joy to deserving communities around the world by playing sport more accessible, transforming empty packets into sustainable football pitches, with a net zero carbon footprint. This pitch was donated to Balon Mundial, an anti-discrimination association in Turin.

The inauguration at the Casa Del Quartiere was attended by Claudio Marchisio, in the role of UEFA Legend, who shared his viewpoint on the social importance of sport; Nadine Kessler, UEFA Chief of Women's Football and UEFA Foundation for Children ambassador, who highlighted how football can change a life and expand young people’s potential; and Lay’s brand ambassador, The Jackal, who took part in the field activities.

The freshly laid pitch was immediately put to good use the next day for the national Italian final of the Gatorade 5v5 tournament for amateur girls’ teams aged 14 to 16. The tournament highlighted women's football ahead of the UEFA Women’s Champions League between Olympique Lyonnais and Barcelona FC at the Juventus stadium.

Balon Mundial A.S.D. ONLUS is a non-profit sports association based in Turin that uses sport and football to create social impact and promote an open society free of discrimination. Known for organising the ‘World Cup of Migrant Communities’ in Turin, which involves 1,000 players every year, the association will oversee pitch maintenance and organise activities for the community.

This is the fourth pitch donated by Lay’s after South Africa, the UK and Brazil.

Inclusion in the world of sport is fundamental and it is a value in which I personally believe in a lot. I have been able to experience first-hand the impact that sport and football can have on everyone's life and thanks to the synergy between the UEFA Foundation and Lay's RePlay, we are having a positive impact on thousands of people who otherwise could not have a place where to play.

In my opinion, the importance of this project is therefore fundamental for young people both as a place to meet, play and share, and for talent and inclusiveness.

- Nadine Kessler, UEFA chief of womens' football

Lay's unveils its latest RePlay pitch today in Turin ahead of the Women's UEFA Champions League final at the weekend

About PepsiCo

Project partner

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than 1bn times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

Guiding PepsiCo is its vision to ‘be the global leader in beverages and convenient foods by winning with PepsiCo positive’ (pep +). Pep + is the group’s strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability at the centre of how it creates value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

Clarence Seedorf joins the UEFA Foundation for Children board

The football legend brings a global profile and more than 20 years' experience of working with charitable projects.

Seedorf, who remains the only player to have lifted the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs, has dedicated himself to social projects both during and after his playing career, using the power of sport to inspire positive change.

"We are delighted Clarence is joining the UEFA Foundation for Children family," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who is also chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

"Not only does he carry an inspirational story as one of the most successful footballers of his generation, he has continually used his experiences to help make the world a better place for others. Having Clarence on our team will be a huge benefit to the Foundation as we work together to improve the lives of disadvantaged children all over the world."

Giving back to communities

Seedorf, who speaks six languages and represented the Netherlands 87 times, added: "It's an honour and a pleasure to join the UEFA Foundation for Children. I have followed its activities closely and am very happy to join in support of its work.

"I have spoken with President Čeferin for some time and appreciate that he has embraced the idea of me joining the team. I hope we can enjoy this relationship for a long time, do some great things and give back to communities around the world."

Clarence, welcome to the UEFA Foundation for Children. How do you see your role on the board of trustees developing?

"I think joining the Foundation is a nice evolution of my relationship with UEFA which has been in place for some time, and together we understand the importance that football has in society and in the lives of kids.

"I’ve been involved in foundations for over 25 years, and that has given me great insight into what it takes to make an impact and create projects that make a difference.

"But first, I want to understand much better and learn from where the Foundation stands now and how I can bring my knowledge and experience on board in order to achieve the goals of the Foundation, and eventually, improve upon what is there now and bring added value as a team member. I really look forward to this and I am very proud of this appointment."

How important is it that players and sportspeople use their influence as a force for good?

"Well, many players actually are involved in charitable organisations, either their own or lending their name to other institutions or organisations.

"It's something very personal and some are more involved than others, some are visionary in what they do and involved in decision-making processes where others prefer to be more behind the scenes or low-key.

"Nobody has an obligation to run in front, but I think we all have an obligation to add value to all those who have given us so much over the years.

"I’ve always seen a lot of goodwill from players to participate in good causes and I’m just happy to continue my part in that without comparing or having expectations of others. I believe we should start with ourselves and try to put as much in as we can."

Who have been your own inspirations and role models through the course of your life?

"The first people are my parents, of course. They’ve always been very positive role models in my life. I would also say some of the teachers I had from school and in my football youth.

"Nelson Mandela, particularly, has always played and still plays a very central role in the core of my mission - enduring situations and starting a path for us to follow and to keep on pushing for those who are less privileged and for a more peaceful world.

"My belief is that peace comes through education, and education has to have, as a backbone, sports, especially in the early stages of life. These are the key elements I believe will change the world. And we have the capacity and the means to, as a team, make that difference.

"Having role models in life – and this is where we go back a little bit to players – I think that the role that players have today, even more than 20 years ago, is to be a positive role model and to be aware that kids are looking up to you and follow your actions and behaviours.

"Those role models have always continued to keep me on the right path – that spiritual path, actually, of giving and adding value where we can."

Mandela talked about the power of sport to inspire change in the world. How important can it be as a social tool?

"He was able to change the face of a whole country and the understanding of unity through sport. So, it’s just a very, very strong, efficient and effective tool when it’s used properly.

"That’s what I believe we should be aiming for: to create and embrace very strong and sustainable projects that use sport as a fundamental tool to improve the overall development and lives of young kids.

"Playing sport between the ages of five and 12 is scientifically proven to help with cognitive and creative development in kids – it should be a right for every child to have."

ATHENS, GREECE - MAY 23: Clarence Seedorf of Milan runs with the trophy in celebration following his teams 2-1 victory during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Liverpool and AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium on May 23, 2007 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty Images)

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 12: UEFA Global Ambassador for Diversity and Change Clarence Seedorf attends the Fare 2015 Barcelona Conference at Camp Nou on June 12, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Clarence Seedorf

UEFA Champions League Semi Final - Barcelona v AC Milan (2)

Sport, Football, UEFA Champions League Final, Athens, 23rd May 2007, AC Milan 2 v Liverpool 1, AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf celebrates with the trophy (Photo by Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

Clarence Seedorf joins UEFA Foundation for Children board

2022 awards reallocated to support Ukrainian children

Ahead of the UEFA Europa League final on 18 May, the UEFA Foundation for Children Board of Trustees met in Seville on the premises of Fundación Grandes Valores, an NGO supported by the foundation since January 2022.

Chaired by Aleksander Čeferin, this first session of the year opened with the election of a new board member, the most decorated Dutch player of all time, Clarence Seedorf, who has won domestic and continental titles while playing for clubs in the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Brazil. Clarence has been heavily involved in several social development projects over the past 20 years.

“It is a great honour for me to take a seat on the UEFA Foundation for Children Board of Trustees,” said Clarence Seedorf, four-time UEFA Champions League winner. “I look forward to being involved in decisions that make such a positive impact on the lives our future generation using sport and football.”

Meanwhile, Elkhan Mammadov, the general secretary of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, has decided to step down from his role as trustee. The board took the opportunity to thank him for his excellent work and support over the past five years.

2022 UEFA Foundation for Children awards

Due to the crisis in Ukraine, on 28 February, the Board of Trustees decided to allocate the 2022 UEFA Foundation for Children award funding to support for Ukrainian children displaced to neighbouring countries and internally. Initial assistance for Ukrainian children’s hospitals had been forwarded through the Moldovan Football Association on 2 March. The award money – €1 million – is currently being channelled to the neighbouring countries via the UEFA member associations in Moldova, Poland Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. In other years, these awards are a recognition for European children’s charities recommended by UEFA member associations.

2022 call for projects

Applicants for this year’s awards will be able to submit their projects between 27 June and 31 July. The criteria will be announced in due course and the selected projects will be unveiled at the next Board of Trustees meeting on 16 November.

The meeting ended with a presentation and a guided tour of the Grandes Valores project, a football programme for migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and children from vulnerable communities that aims to improve these youngsters’ physical and mental well-being, reduce inequalities and break down prejudice towards them.

It is a great honour for me to take a seat on the UEFA Foundation for Children Board of Trustees. I look forward to being involved in decisions that make such a positive impact on the lives our future generation using sport and football.

- Clarence Seedorf, board member of UEFA Founation for Children

Sevilla, Spain - MAY 18th: President and UEFA visit at the IES Albert Einstein Secondary School before the Europa League final 2022 on May 18 2022, in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

UEFA Europa League player mascots dressed by Engelbert Strauss

Kits made in the new Engelbert Strauss factory in Bangladesh

For the 2021/22 football season, Strauss became the official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League. Europe’s leading workwear brand is preparing to unveil the new player mascot kits at the UEFA Europa League final in Seville on 18 May.

Engelbert Strauss donated the 22 player mascot kits to German and Spanish children from Fundación Grande Valores to celebrate European diversity. Support from UEFA competition partners makes a big difference to the foundation’s work and includes exclusive events and opportunities.

“We’re delighted that Strauss is partnering with us to support the work of the UEFA Foundation for Children,“ says UEFA Foundation general secretary Urs Kluser. “We’re using the magic of football to bring hope to children all around the world.”

Guided by the same belief that nothing sustains more than education, the company is strongly committed to helping children and teenagers.

“Football brings joy and unites people, says Strauss CEO and brand director Henning Strauss. “And football kicks off positive change worldwide. We’re highlighting this with the UEFA Foundation for Children logo on our new finals kit – turning the strip into a statement.”

There are plans for more joint initiatives between the foundation and Strauss in the future, with a particular focus on Bangladesh, where the workwear company’s new CI factory is located and where Strauss supports local communities as it has done in manufacturing countries outside Germany for several years.

New production technology

As official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, Strauss will equip the player mascots with football kits created using cutting-edge clothing technology. One of the most ambitious aspects of the kit is its use of ‘energy waves’, the Europa League‘s iconic graphic motif. Thanks to brand new techniques pioneered in Bangladesh, these will be printed across seams without breaks, by welding and taping invisible seams, creating digital prototypes for 3D printing and composing new textile materials.

Football brings joy and unites people, and football kicks off positive change worldwide. We’re highlighting this with the UEFA Foundation for Children logo on our new finals kit – turning the strip into a statement.”

- Henning Strauss, Strauss CEO and brand director

For all pictures (c)Engelbert Strauss

STRAUSxUEFA_youtube-thumbnail_1280x720_E

About Engelbert Strauss

Project partner

Engelbert Strauss is Europe's leading work and utility brand. Headquartered 50 km north-west of Frankfurt/Main the company employs around 1600 people and manufactures in 26 countries worldwide. Strauss has been a leader in customizing and branding for decades and is one of the top online retailers in Germany. Strauss has already caused a sensation with extraordinary partnerships in sports and entertainment – including collaborations with global stars such as the rock band Metallica and the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Association. The company’s strategic direction in sports sponsorship focuses on the premium sector: Strauss is official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Conference League and official partner of the German national football team. The iconic Strauss ostrich also supports the esports player foundation as a kit supplier and promoter of young talent.

UEFA Foundation for Children to Partner with ORIGYN Foundation on ‘NFTs for Good’

Swiss non-profit to provide access to unique pairings of collectibles and NFTs of historic football memorabilia

The UEFA Foundation for Children has partnered with the Swiss non-profit ORIGYN Foundation to mint and sell NFTs created from a collection of historic football memorabilia. Proceeds from the sale of the physical objects and their corresponding NFTs will directly benefit UEFA Foundation for Children’s mission to support children’s rights through funding for health, education and integration projects.

As part of ORIGYN’s ‘NFTs for Good’ initiative, the UEFA Foundation for Children will offer football fans the world over the opportunity to purchase items from a limited collection of physical collectibles. A digital Twin' NFT will be created for each of the one-of-a-kind memorabilia items, which include one of the toss coins that helped determine the outcome of the UEFA EURO 2020 final between England and Italy.

This series of unique sports collectibles donated by the UEFA Foundation for Children, together with the Digital Twin NFTs, will appear exclusively on the ORIGYN-powered NFT marketplace, Impossible Things.

We are thrilled to partner with ORIGYN to bring these important items to the world stage for the benefit of The UEFA Foundation for Children,” said Urs Kluser, the general secretary for the UEFA Foundation for Children. “We share a vision of leveraging next-generation technology such as NFTs to raise money for children and communities around the world. There is no better collective mission.”

About the ORIGYN Foundation:

Project partner

ORIGYN_Foundation_horizontal_black_RGB-3

The Swiss non-profit foundation ORIGYN uses intelligent technologies, including computer vision and artificial intelligence, on decentralized computing to identify, authenticate and unlock the powers of ownership for objects of value. As the first digital certification platform built on the Internet Computer (IC), ORIGYN and its verticals generate new forms of value for some of the largest consumer asset classes in the world, including art, collectibles, digital media and luxury goods. Founded in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in October of 2020, ORIGYN operates globally in major technology and blockchain hubs around the world. Its utility token, OGY, is set to become publicly tradable in the second quarter of 2022.

ORIGYN Foundation: Website Twitter Telegram LinkedIn Facebook Medium Instagram

For more information about Impossible Things, see here.