We have helped nearly five million children in just ten years
UEFINA Foundation for Helping Children celebrated the tenth anniversary on Thursday, Uefa’s leading man Alexander Cheferin However, he praised the work of the organization so far. The Foundation was founded at the initiative of former Uefa President Michel Platini to provide help to children around the world.
« It is primarily about supporting children from vulnerable groups and using football to promote tolerance and joy, » he told Uefa.
The Foundation for Children’s Assistance has currently open 128 projects, since 2015 they have rearranged and built hundreds of playgrounds and a total of 577 projects in 138 countries. Slovenia was included in two projects, in 2024 and 2025, when it hosted youth sports games with Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia.
Ambassador of the Foundation for Assistance to Children Ivan Rakitić. Photo: Peter Cziborra/Reuters
“In just ten years, we have helped nearly five million children living in difficult and dangerous conditions. With 500 projects in almost 140 countries, the Foundation has brought hope, joy and a real change of many communities that need it most. We are already proud of our influence, although we only see it as the beginning, « added the first man of Uefa.
UEFA will distribute one million euros to celebrate the anniversary among the football partner organizations, which will be able to spend them on the development of new projects in cooperation with NGOs.
“The kids are a mirror. They reflect the world we offer. I hope that on our 20th birthday 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 only in size or reputation – but also in heart and humanity. With hope and the right tools, children can and will build a brighter future, « Cheferin concluded.
