UEFA launches ‘Take Care’, a game-changing initiative for health and well-being

UEFA is proud to announce the launch of Take Care, a game-changing programme designed to help football use its unique position as an intrinsic part of society to promote health and well-being, particularly among children and young people.

Designed to provide a variety of tools to support national associations, leagues, clubs, football stakeholders and schools in promoting health and well-being, Take Care is tailored for key influential figures such as parents or caregivers, teachers, coaches and staff to encourage healthier lifestyles and more positive habits. Formulated as part of UEFA’s health and well-being policy, one of the 11 pillars set out in the UEFA Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, UEFA aims to mobilise the football community to promote better health, encourage active lifestyles and widen the engagement of players across all age groups.

The Take Care programme is comprised of six modules, each addressing interconnected topics of daily life, that will be released across 2025: physical activity, nutrition, mental health, digital addiction, substance awareness and road safety. The toolkit for each module contains a scientific white paper providing in-depth information on the topic, posters, a podcast, documentary and educational session. Material for the first module, physical activity, will be available on the dedicated Take Care web page from 12 February 2025.

To mark the occasion, a high-level panel discussion featuring UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO 2016 winner Nani, head coach of the Swiss women’s national team Pia Sundhage, and Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance and Science at Aspire Academy and the Qatar Football Association. Pedro Pinto will moderate the discussion, which will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, that same day.

“In today’s fast-paced world, our physical and mental well-being face numerous challenges and risks on a daily basis that can have a harmful impact on both ourselves and those around us. Football can serve as an antidote, offering a unique way to help restore balance both on and off the pitch by promoting and encouraging healthier lifestyles. UEFA believes in the power and responsibility of football to inform and raise awareness, and the Take Care programme is a key part of that,” said Michele Uva, UEFA social and environmental sustainability director.

Note to media: Registration (in-person and virtual) for the launch on 12 February can be done via this link.

The programme trailer can be viewed and downloaded through the UEFA Media Channel here.