UEFA Grassroots Awards to honour unsung heroes
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
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Awards will celebrate six national association and club programmes dedicated to developing a lifelong love of football.
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This week, the 2022/23 UEFA Grassroots Awards will pay tribute to six inspiring initiatives and clubs making a positive difference to the game.
UEFA believes that everybody, everywhere should be able to play football in a safe and enjoyable environment, regardless of their age, ability, gender or background.
Starting on Tuesday, we will celebrate some of the national associations and clubs from across Europe that are leading the way in ensuring that the beautiful game is accessible to as many people as possible.
Six categories of the UEFA Grassroots Awards
Best Amateur Club
Best Professional Club
Best Participation Initiative
Best Disability Initiative
Best Social Initiative
Special Award
Zvonimir Boban, UEFA technical director & chief of football:
"Every player we see on our screens in UEFA competitions began their journey on a local pitch with friends or family.
"The elite game relies on a strong grassroots base, and that is why it is imperative that we celebrate the lesser-known stars who are bringing the game to people of all ages and abilities across Europe.
"We look forward to announcing the winners this week and congratulate them all on their fantastic work."
About the UEFA Grassroots Awards
The UEFA Grassroots Awards have been celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements in the game since 2010. Focused on football outside the elite game, the awards turn the floodlights on some of the unsung heroes and inspiring initiatives that make football such a vital part of communities throughout Europe.
Candidates are nominated by Europe's national football associations, with award winners selected by UEFA's Development and Technical Assistance committee following recommendations made by the organisation's Grassroots Panel.
How UEFA develops grassroots football across Europe
UEFA is dedicated to ensuring that everybody, everywhere can play football in a safe and quality-controlled environment.
The grassroots game provides the broad base that allows elite football to thrive and is central to ensuring that football is the most played, trusted, competitive and engaging sport in Europe.
Grassroots football:
- Creates a solid foundation for the game
- Provides playing opportunities for all
- Promotes respect, inclusion and equality
- Serves as a vehicle for educational, sporting and social development
- Promotes lifelong participation
Last year, we finalised a framework to guide national associations in shaping their own vision for the development of grassroots clubs, unveiled at the UEFA Grassroots Conference in Madrid in September.
Additionally, we continue to set standards for the grassroots coaching community, with the UEFA C diploma offering an introduction to structured coaching for parents, teachers and volunteers keen to get involved in the game.
