Youth tournaments get makeover

UEFA has launched new logos and brand identities for its four national youth competitions. The new logos are designed to reflect a fresh identity and image for the four competitions – the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, UEFA European Under-19 Championship, UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship and UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Contemporary look
The newly designed logos are aimed at providing a contemporary look and personality for each of the four competitions, while maintaining a common link and consistency between them. The logos have been designed with a star graphic device to promote a player's progression and sense of achievement through each of the age levels – U17 to U19 to U21.

Media and commercial promotion
Another objective of the new logos is to encourage media and commercial partner promotion for the competitions, which are seen as providing vital international experience for young players with dreams of making their mark at the highest level. The logos have been produced by the Geneva-based Blue Infinity design agency, whose task was to provide as much flexibility and graphic support as possible for on-site and broadcast promotional applications.

Young and dynamic feel
The footballer icons in each of the four competition logos are captured in a distinct pose, promoting the attributes of youth, spirit, enthusiasm and competitiveness. They are designed to provide the competitions with a young and dynamic feel in terms of image and profile.

Player images
"The development of the new logos began last July, and have been designed in close collaboration with each of the UEFA competition product managers, who chose the player images which they best felt encapsulated their competition," said UEFA brand manager Dan O’Toole.

Positive reaction
Initial reaction to the new logos has been positive. "Feedback has been very good, from the people working in the competitions for UEFA and also outside of the organisation - including several of the host countries of future UEFA youth competitions, who will be promoting the new UEFA youth brands," O'Toole added. "We hope they give extra impetus to these important European football events and build a higher profile, both at the games and on TV."