Celebrating the heroes of grassroots football across Europe

Elite football could not exist without a thriving grassroots game, which in turn relies upon the passion of the thousands of everyday heroes who keep it going.

From players to coaches, administrators, volunteers, referees or anyone else who gives up their time and energy, these are the people we must thank for ensuring millions of people in our communities can enjoy access to the beautiful game.

As we celebrate UEFA Grassroots Week, we shine a light on a few of European football’s grassroots heroes, as nominated by their national associations.

Mariam Stepanyan – Armenia

Mariam Stepanyan has done just about everything in football.

After earning 25 caps for Armenia as a player, Mariam became a FIFA assistant referee before obtaining her UEFA B, A and Pro coaching licences.

She is currently the assistant coach for Armenia women, head coach for Armenia women U19, a grassroots instructor for the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) and a UEFA Football in Schools programme mentor and educator.

In her role for the FFA, Mariam promotes the grassroots game throughout Armenia, engaging with local communities, clubs and schools through tournaments, football festivals and other events, while creating development pathways for players who want to transition to more structured competitive environments.

"Grassroots football has value for both individuals and communities," says Mariam. "It is the backbone of all football, and shapes not just future athletes but also contributes to holistic growth."

Klemen Prelog – Slovenia

Klemen Prelog is the heart and soul of NK Komenda, a mostly amateur and grassroots club with programmes for children ranging from kindergarten age to teenagers.

Klemen, who has cerebral palsy, is always there to unlock the dressing rooms, set up the pitch for training, deal with equipment storage and assist the coaches with anything else they need. If a helping hand is needed anywhere in the club, Klemen is always there.

Loved by every member of his club, Klemen's involvement in grassroots football has not only allowed him to be seen as an equal member of the football family, but also to successfully integrate into local society.

When asked what grassroots football means to him, Klemen's answer is simple: "Grassroots football is life."

Ernestas Fedorčak – Lithuania

Ernestas Fedorčak's love of grassroots football started at a young age, when he played in Ežio golas, a school football project organised by the Lithuania Football Federation.

"I remember, as a child, eagerly awaiting Ežio golas all year long," he says. "When it finally began, it felt like a dream. For me personally, it was like my World Cup, offering priceless and unforgettable memories."

Now a coach, volunteer and event organiser, Ernestas helps children from a diverse range of backgrounds discover the same love of football, while learning important life lessons.

"Grassroots football is a fantastic way to engage kids with difficult temperaments or from socially disadvantaged families and help them discover a passion they enjoy," he explains.

"I like to develop the most important character traits in children and adolescents: respect for others, courage, determination, goal-setting, perseverance, and the willingness to get back up and keep fighting after a loss."

Terje Engen – Norway

As a disability football coach in the Buskerud district, Terje Engen has been making a meaningful difference for his players every week for the last 22 years.

As head coach at inclusive football team Sande SK – alongside his full-time job as a teacher – Terje's aim is to provide opportunities for everyone to play football in their own way.

Instilling values of fair play, team cohesion and consideration for others, Terje has been a central figure in the development of disability football in his local region.

He is now passing his knowledge along to other grassroots coaches, including hosting courses in conjunction with the Norwegian Football Federation.

Jafar Soldani – Sweden

When Jafar Soldani's wife Anneli passed away from cancer in 2021, his walking football team provided crucial support at a very tough time.

"Walking football became my salvation," he says. "I honestly don't know what I would have done without it."

Now an outspoken advocate for the game and its benefits – not only for physical and mental health, but for helping break social isolation – Jafar plays at least twice a week, travelling around Sweden and even abroad to take part in events.

"Walking football has given me so much. Especially the social part and the community between the players is something that I appreciate a lot. I've met some of my best friends here.

"I know there are a lot of elderly people who just sit at home doing nothing. To all of them I would like to say: Come out and try! I promise you that if you go to the pitch and play, you'll think it's great fun."

John Eystberg – Faroe Islands

Despite having a full-time job in insurance, John Eystberg spends 25 hours a week coaching and organising girls’ and women's football at under-11, under-16 and senior level for his club, HB Tórshavn.

John dedicates all his free time to improving training conditions and creating special memories for his players, including taking them to every home match played by the women's national team and getting the international players involved in grassroots training sessions.

He has organised several special events, including inviting 240 girls from across the capital to play in a tournament – some taking part in organised football for the very first time – before coming together to watch the national team later that evening.

"It is by showing commitment, enjoying the game of football and being well prepared for every training session that you are able to create the framework for girls to thrive," John says. "Children thrive when an environment is created that makes them eager to learn and have a desire to play football."

Jessica Freitag – Germany

Jessica Freitag is an integral part of two grassroots clubs: FC Redwitz and disability football team Heiner's Traumelf.

As captain of the FC Redwitz second XI, Jessica takes a leading role in club anniversaries, fundraising campaigns and other team events.

Her tireless efforts both on and off the field make Jessica, who has slight physical and speech impairments, an indispensable and inspiring figure, bringing joy to everyone with her positive energy.

"I hope that I can be a role model for other women in football," Jessica says. "Maybe it can even motivate you to start playing football yourself, or just to stay active. For me, all women in football are an inspiration.”

Eva Bredsdorff – Wales

Eva was the winner of a FAW Grassroots Football Award in 2023

Since becoming club secretary four years ago, Eva Bredsdorff has transformed Welshpool Town FC.

With 300 players across the junior and senior sections, Eva has overseen the adoption of a 'one-club approach' that ensures every single player receives the same treatment.

Eva's latest achievements include securing a grant for solar panels to be installed at the club, new pitches for the junior teams, and new equipment to last for years to come.

"I can’t help where we are in the league table, I can’t help how the players play," says Eva, "but what I can do is make sure this is a healthy, sound club with a good morale and good ethics where people are happy to play."

Daniele Cortis – Italy

When Italy and Cagliari legend Gigi Riva set up a football school in 1976, his aims were clear.

"My primary goal, as an active professional athlete, was more focused on technical and competitive aspects, essentially the idea of training soccer players."

That soon changed, however.

"I realised that this initiative needed to move beyond the search for champions and instead focus on supporting the growth of young people from an educational and social perspective.

"The slogan became 'to shape the person before the player.'"

Having served as ASD Gigi Riva's general manager for more than 10 years – following in the footsteps of his father, Ermanno – Daniele Cortis is turning Riva's vision into a reality, making it the club’s mission to create a healthy environment for every child to enjoy football alongside opportunities for personal and social growth.

Emirjeta Ndoci – Albania

When she was young, Emirjeta Ndoci would play football whenever and wherever she could, driven purely by a love for the game.

She has since used that passion to make a significant impact on grassroots football in Albania, starting with the establishment of the first girls' team at her local club.

To further open doors for more girls to play football, she has also been heavily involved in several projects with the Albanian Football Federation, breaking down even more barriers to female participation.

Now the head coach for Albania's under-15 women's national team, Emirjeta continues to nurture young talent through community engagement programmes and the creation of pathways for more girls to play competitive football.

Find out more about UEFA Grassroots Week 2024, the UEFA Grassroots Awards 2023/24, and grassroots football across Europe.