Spotlight on two Austrian NGOs changing children’s lives through football
Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg will shine a light on the year-round work of two local programmes supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children.
Delivered by Austrian organisations Mentor – Association for Education and Integration and Breaking Grounds respectively, Tore für meine Zukunft (Goals for My Future) and Life Goals use sport to help disadvantaged young people build confidence, develop practical skills and access new opportunities.
Before Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain take to the field at Stadion Salzburg, groups of young people from both programmes will take part in special meet-and-greets with players and referees, act as player mascots and flag carriers, and take seats in the stands to watch the match.
These activities will give participants truly memorable experiences while shining a light on the year-round work of the two programmes.
Find out how the young participants will be involved in the UEFA Super Cup
Goals for My Future: Career guidance for youngsters
Goals for My Future is a project organised by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Mentor. It combines football with educational and career guidance for young people in Vienna, where a high proportion of 15–24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training. Many face significant social, educational and personal challenges.
Alongside regular football training sessions and weekly league matches, participants receive one-to-one support and career mentoring, while other sporting and social activities offer new experiences and opportunities to build relationships. Psychological and social work services are also available according to each participant’s needs.
Working alongside the Austrian Football Association and the Austrian government’s AusBildung bis 18 (Education Until 18) initiative, the programme helps participants develop the resilience and practical skills needed to progress into education or work. Ninety per cent of participants have continued into education or secured an apprenticeship.
“Many of the children don’t have parents here in Austria, so we are their family. We see them every day and we work together to solve their problems,” said project manager Herwig Fermüller.
“Around ten years ago, we found a boy who was only playing football in the park and not going to school. Now he’s studying to be a vet. Seeing the kids grow and develop self-belief is so special.”
Mentor also runs Dynamic Force, an initiative supporting young people who are not in employment, education or training and who face complex psychosocial difficulties. Rather than concentrating on immediate job placement, the programme prioritises long-term personal development and preparation for the future.
Around ten years ago, we found a boy who was only playing football in the park and not going to school. Now he’s studying to be a vet. Seeing the kids grow and develop self-belief is so special.”
- Herwig Fermüller, Goals for My Future project manager
Life Goals: Building self confidence
Life Goals – run by NGO Breaking Grounds – also uses sport as a catalyst for social change. It aims to help disadvantaged young people recognise their strengths, develop self-confidence and build meaningful social connections.
Teachers and sports club staff are trained to implement the programme, through which situations encountered on the football pitch become opportunities to develop skills for everyday life. Sporting activities and guided reflection help participants practise communication, cooperation, perseverance and problem-solving.
Since 2021, more than 2,700 children have felt the benefits of the Life Goals methodology: 85% of participants report greater self-efficacy and 90% see improvements in their self-confidence.
“It makes you braver,” said Reyhan, from Vienna, who took part in one of Breaking Grounds’ football programmes and is now training as a dental assistant. “When playing football, I don't just want to have fun, I also want to be successful. I am actually very shy, but not so much anymore.”
Both Goals for My Future and Life Goals are supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children. Wednesday’s Super Cup will be a memorable moment for the young people involved, but the impact of the two programmes will continue long after the final whistle.