EURO 2004™ benefits grassroots

Reinvesting in the game
In a brochure outlining the aims of the programme, launched last year, UEFA President Lennart Johansson emphasises the view of European football's governing body that income from money-spinning tournaments such as EURO 2004™ must be reinvested in the game.

Magnificent stadiums
"This has never been more important as UEFA celebrates its Golden Jubilee year in 2004. While the world's eyes will be upon Portugal this summer for the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals, millions of Europeans of all ages and all abilities will continue to play the game throughout Europe," said Mr Johansson. "Those in Portugal will be privileged to watch some of the world's greatest players in magnificent stadiums, but it is as important to me that football continues to flourish in every country, at every level.

'Solidarity principle'
"However, I am more than aware that finances are tight for many at both professional and amateur level. Fortunately, with the income from EURO 2004™, UEFA has been able to launch the HatTrick assistance programme," the UEFA President added. "By pledging over 400 million Swiss Francs [approximately €250m], to this new scheme ... the solidarity principle which ensures that UEFA's funds benefit all levels of football in every UEFA member association is maintained and strengthened."

HatTrick scheme
The HatTrick scheme consists of three elements: a financial aid package split into a one-off payment in the form of a grant of up to €1.65m, and a solidarity funding to a maximum of €660,000 per year.

Four-year period
UEFA as also launched an incentive scheme for the European football family. Available over a four-year period, beginning on 1 August 2004, the scheme supplies a minimum amount of €330,000 per association - up to a maximum of €660,000 per year, meaning a total of a maximum €2.6m for each association over four years.

Common standards
The extra money above the minimum amount is in two slices of up to €165,000. The first slice is funding for the running of the club licensing scheme, which UEFA has introduced to ensure all teams competing in European competitions from the 2004/05 season meet common standards in areas such as financial solvency, spectator facilities and youth development.

Costs of participation
Meanwhile, the second €165,000 slice is to cover the costs of participation in UEFA's non-top competitions. This is to encourage the development of football at all levels within UEFA's member associations. As a Jubilee gift, UEFA has launched a scheme to assist its 52 member associations to construct mini-pitches. UEFA is contributing up to €660,000 to each association. Each of the 52 countries has been encouraged to build one mini-pitch in urban areas, villages or schools before the end of 2004.

Future health
"It is always a delight to see the magnificent new stadiums built throughout the continent, providing perfect settings for UEFA Champions League or UEFA European Championship matches," Mr Johansson added. "But it is as important to me that these great events are used to nourish the health of football’s grassroots. With our new UEFA HatTrick programme, I am convinced that we can continue our good work at this level and ensure the future health of European football."