Through the Lidl Kids Team initiative, children from local partner organisations, Bonyan Organization and Kızlar Sahada, will step onto the pitch alongside the players, promoting inclusion, social cohesion, and gender equality on one of football’s biggest stages.

   

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to providing opportunities for children from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. By placing them at the heart of the final, the UEFA Foundation for Children and Lidl aim to inspire confidence, ambition, and a sense of belonging —demonstrating that football can be a powerful driver for positive change.

“Football has a unique ability to unite people and create lasting impact beyond the pitch. Through initiatives like the Lidl Kids Team, we are proud to give children from all backgrounds the opportunity to be part of unforgettable moments, while promoting inclusion, respect, and personal development,” said Carine NKoue, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.

As UEFA Europa League’s Official Fresh Food Partner, Lidl also supports the promotion of active lifestyles and conscious nutrition among young people. The Lidl Kids Team initiative highlights the importance of combining physical activity with healthy habits, encouraging families across Europe to adopt balanced lifestyles that support long-term wellbeing.

“At Lidl, we believe that healthy habits start early. By connecting children to the excitement of football while promoting conscious nutrition and active lifestyles, we aim to inspire a new generation to take care of their wellbeing both on and off the pitch,” said a Lidl spokesperson.

Spanning the entire UEFA Europa League season, the Lidl Kids Team initiative has brought children closer to the game from the group stages through to the final. With the support of host clubs and community organisations, it has created unforgettable experiences while placing young people at the centre of the action.

At the final in Istanbul, 22 children will accompany the players from SC Freiburg and Aston Villa, representing organisations that are making a difference through sport. Among them are Bonyan Organization, which supports refugee and vulnerable youth, and Türkiye’s Kızlar Sahada, a pioneer in advancing gender equality through football and life skills development.

The collaboration between the UEFA Foundation for Children and Lidl demonstrates how football can drive meaningful social impact. By leveraging the global reach of UEFA competitions, the partnership creates opportunities for young people, increases access to sport, and promotes the importance of an active lifestyle supported by conscious nutrition.

   

 

Since its creation in 2015, the UEFA Foundation for Children has supported 765 projects in 156 countries, reaching more than 4.9 million children worldwide. Together with partners like Lidl, it continues to harness football’s unique ability to promote education, inclusion, health, and personal development.

As the Foundation enters its next decade, its mission remains clear: to ensure that every child—regardless of their background—can dream, grow, and find their place through football.