UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

UEFA Foundation activity report highlights the unifying power of football

The report demonstrates how the UEFA Foundation for Children supported disadvantaged communities and young people in Europe and beyond in 2023/24.

Children from the UEFA Foundation joined UEFA Foundation for Children ambassador Ivan Rakitić of Sevilla before the UEFA Super Cup 2023
Children from the UEFA Foundation joined UEFA Foundation for Children ambassador Ivan Rakitić of Sevilla before the UEFA Super Cup 2023 UEFA via Getty Images

The UEFA Foundation for Children helps children and defends their rights through sport and football. It provides support in the areas of health, education, access to sport, personal development, integration of minorities and employability. Since 2015, the foundation has invested €51 million in 500 projects in 135 countries worldwide, with more than 2.6 million children benefiting from its work.

The UEFA Foundation’s latest activity report, covering the 2023/24 season, highlights the projects supporting vulnerable children globally through an overall investment of more than €4.5 million. This included social inclusion project Football for Unity 2.0, co-funded by the European Commission, which uses football to empower young refugees and migrants across Europe, with events being held in Germany, Romania, Poland and Greece linked to UEFA EURO 2024.

In Europe, 28 projects were supported in 2023/24, but the UEFA Foundation’s reach extended far beyond the continent’s borders, with 36 other projects supported around the world from Yemen to Colombia.

Distribution of funds in 2023/24

- 28 projects in Europe: €2,318,835
- 11 projects in Africa: €723,858
- 15 projects in Asia: €842,965
- 5 projects in South America: €275,256
- 4 projects in Central America: €233,486
- 1 project in Oceania: €175,000
- 64 projects in total: €4,569,400

“For children in disadvantaged communities, football is not just a game – it’s a symbol of hope, a window to a future where today’s hardships make way for the dreams of tomorrow. This report highlights how the immense influence of [UEFA] events can positively impact lives globally, and it stands as a testament to this inclusive vision of the UEFA Foundation for Children.”

UEFA president and UEFA Foundation chairman Aleksander Čeferin

Click here to read the UEFA Foundation Activity Report 2023/24

Sharing the magic of EURO 2024

As the highlight of the UEFA calendar for 2023/24, EURO 2024 provided an opportunity for the UEFA Foundation to partner with local and international organisations to offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences to disadvantaged children.

In collaboration with the Kaizen Foundation, 10,000 tickets were donated to children and teenagers in all ten EURO 2024 host cities as part of the 10,000 Smiles initiative, giving young people the opportunity to experience the magic of the tournament.

Another campaign, called Faith in Young Champions, featured tournament partner Hisense and supplier Awabot, giving hospitalised children from 22 countries around the world the opportunity to remotely control robots behind the scenes on EURO 2024 matchdays and training days, meeting players and watching action on the pitch.

“When I saw the stadium and the field, it made me feel alive and I could feel the magic inside me," said Muhammad, age 10, Midvaal Hospital, South Africa. "Football teaches us to believe in ourselves and fight until the final whistle. It also teaches me to never give up.”

Making dreams come true

UEFA Foundation sponsors provided crucial input throughout the year. FedEx, Mastercard, Enterprise, Lay’s and JET all contributed to several initiatives in 2023/24 including sponsoring player mascots, supporting local charities and funding construction of mini-pitches at official UEFA tournament fan zones to encourage young people to play the game.

In addition, the wish-makers programme gave children with serious or long-term illnesses opportunities to fulfil their dreams of attending football matches and meeting their favourite players.

Read the UEFA Foundation Activity Report 2023/24