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Introduction: Grassroots

UEFA's mission as the parent body of European football includes helping to ensure that the sport maintains a healthy grassroots – the foundation on which the élite game can thrive.

UEFA has been reinforcing its grassroots activities in recent times – spreading its message throughout Europe to include sectors such as football for the disabled. Of course, children are also being targeted in the campaign to show the joy of football.

Why play football? "Watch children playing the game and the reasons will be self-evident," says UEFA Technical Director Andy Roxburgh. "You will see a fascination for the ball, fluid movement, playfulness, co-operation, competition, challenge, commitment, celebrations, commiserations, enjoyment and an abundance of energy. Children love to play; to experience, through football, a joyous way of life.”

"Football is not a sport for the élite," Roxburgh adds. "It is available for everyone, irrespective of size, shape, colour or faith. It is a real sporting democracy, which offers educational values, health benefits, social opportunities, and sporting worth. The game is a wonderful vehicle for personal and sporting development. At the base of the football pyramid, grassroots football benefits all levels of the game."

UEFA's Football Development division under Andy Roxburgh is responsible for grassroots activities.