UEFA helps give kids the football bug

Thursday's UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship final in Nyon provided a perfect opportunity to promote the game and give local schoolchildren a chance to witness a major football event.

Visit to UEFA HQ
Some 400 children from local schools came to UEFA's Nyon headquarters for a presentation which gave them an insight into the organisation and its activities. The youngsters – many wearing Women's U17 competition T-shirts – heard about how UEFA functions, as well as its social responsibility activities, competitions, and in particular the important Respect campaign that promotes fair play, diversity and tolerance.

Photos with trophies
The youngsters then had the chance to have their photo taken with European football's major silverware, including the UEFA Champions League trophy, coveted by the world's top players. They then moved across to the Colovray Stadium opposite UEFA's headquarters to watch the Women's U17 final between Spain and Germany, and the third-place play-off between Norway and France.

Autograph sessions
Tournament ambassador Reto Ziegler, the Swiss international midfielder and local football product, made an important contribution to the day, signing autographs for fans and participating in the trophy and medal ceremony after the final. Football skills sessions for the school classes, involving former Swiss top-flight players and members of the Swiss women's national team, were also laid on. UEFA's social responsibility partner in the field of the environment, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), staged an exhibition at the Nyon stadium, sending important messages to young spectators.

Football questions
A special competition for fans took place over the two matchdays. Spectators were asked to answer questions on football and the environment. A draw determined the winners and a number of prizes were on offer, such as the Eat for Goals! children's cookery book in which star players give recipes for their favourite dishes (click here for details).