Aleksander Čeferin reflects on ten years of the UEFA Foundation
Thursday, April 24, 2025
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On its tenth birthday, UEFA president and UEFA Foundation for Children chair Aleksander Čeferin assesses the organisation's wide-reaching impact.
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Aleksander, what does the UEFA Foundation for Children mean to you?
The work of the UEFA Foundation for Children sends a strong message that millions of children around the world need help, and we must not leave them behind. It goes beyond UEFA's deep commitment to social responsibility – it is about standing up for the most vulnerable and using football as a catalyst to cheer up, inspire and empower them.
Reflecting on the past decade, what are some of the most significant achievements of the UEFA Foundation?
We've reached almost five million children living in difficult and precarious conditions in just ten years. Through 500 projects across nearly 140 countries, the Foundation has brought hope, joy, and real change to numerous communities that needed it most. We are proud of the global impact made, but we see it only as a beginning.
Can you share any memorable moments or projects that stand out to you personally?
Two will stay with me forever, both with tremendous emotional impact. One is the visit to the Zaatari refugee camp. Seeing those children there stripped of everything a child should have, including hope, yet lighting up in great joy and passion through football was astonishing.
Another striking memory is the visit to the Aliguma Foundation in Uganda - witnessing how local empathy and resilience take root through football was profoundly moving.
In both cases, it was a life-altering experience. These children have nothing in this world, yet they smile, they play, they sing, they dance. More importantly, they dream. Such sights are impossible to see in the more modern parts of the world today. It is a thoughtful reminder that happiness comes from within.
The UEFA Super Cup has become an annual celebration of the Foundation – over the years, you have met some truly inspirational young people…
Absolutely. I remember how Loukia, a visually impaired young girl we met at the Super Cup in Athens, showed extraordinary courage and grace. And Oliwia, a young amputee we met in Warsaw, inspired us all with her strength and determination.
I also remember Ali Turganbekov, a boy born without both legs from Kazakhstan, who was giving the medals alongside me in Istanbul. He told me he would win the Paralympic medal for his country in swimming, and from what I can hear, he is today on his way to accomplishing this. We can learn a lot from these children and their bravery.
Is there any plan to bring this activity into our other events and finals?
Yes, absolutely. We plan to expand these efforts to more events and finals, ensuring that the spirit of the Foundation continues to shine wherever football brings us together.
What did being involved in football do for you as a child?
Football gave me joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging during childhood. The game offered the same to everyone who grew up on the streets of Yugoslavia. We didn't have much, but a simple ball, often home-made, and two rocks on each side of the improvised pitch were all we needed for happiness. I learned a lot about teamwork, discipline, and morals. The game also introduced me to my competitive nature and how to use it for the greater good. Football remained the love of my life for all these years, and I am privileged to work for the game's well-being.
How important is it that the Foundation is giving opportunities and hope to children all over the world, and not just in Europe?
Football is a global language, and so is our commitment. The beautiful game knows no borders, and it makes perfect sense for the Foundation to support projects beyond Europe. We believe it's our responsibility to reach out and help every child we can; there are children in need in every part of the world. The world has never been as close and connected as it is today, yet people often feel very lonely. Football is a great way to remind them how fun it is to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
How crucial are the partnerships that the Foundation has forged, as well as support from other UEFA sponsors and partners?
Partnerships are essential to our impact, and I am truly grateful to our partners for their outstanding initiatives and collaboration over these ten years. Thanks to the unwavering support of sponsors like FedEx and Pepsi, who were with us from the beginning, and newer partners such as Kaizen Foundation and Lidl, the UEFA Foundation has grown and extended the reach of our projects. We will continue working hard to build more of these partnerships because we can do so much more together.
How should we measure the success and impact of the Foundation and its programmes?
Our motto is that every child can be a champion. Not necessarily in sports, but in life. I am delighted to hear the inspirational stories of our children who overcame everyday hardships and envision the future with more confidence and optimism than before. The road is still hard, but their success inspires millions of other children. And with happy children, communities are thriving. Success is also reflected in the growing interest from governments, partners, players, and institutions who see our work's true, lasting value.
How can the wider football community – national associations, clubs, players and fans – support the Foundation's work?
We are fortunate to have incredible support from the entire football family, including national associations, clubs, and players. The support grows daily, from players involved in Dreams projects to ambassadors like Ivan Rakitić and Eugénie Le Sommer. For our tenth anniversary, national associations have stepped up by organising additional social projects and events to support disadvantaged children in their respective countries. What I said for partners applies here, too - the more we work together, the more aligned our goals and actions are, the greater our impact is. Let's keep growing this movement together.
What advice would you give to other sports organisations looking to establish similar foundations?
Take a holistic approach. Start by listening to communities, involving all actors from the beginning - children, schools, governments, clubs, and national associations - and always think about long-term sustainability and impact. Many clubs already have foundations, and seeing even more sports organisations stepping into this field with purpose and passion would be wonderful.
What is next for the Foundation as it enters its second decade? Is there anything you are looking forward to?
Looking ahead, we want to grow our support for more projects, forge new partnerships, and create more awareness and positive energy across the sporting world to connect with even more children. We're excited to involve more sports entities and continue using football - and sport more broadly - as a force for positive change.
Finally, what would you like to talk about the Foundation on its 20th birthday?
Children are a mirror. They reflect the world we offer but a magnified one. On our 20th birthday, I hope we will talk about how the image of the world we see today has changed for the better and that both UEFA and its Foundation have grown - not just in size or reputation – but in heart, humanity and devotion to children everywhere. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future.