UEFA Football in Schools: Seven million victories for the beautiful game
Thursday, September 11, 2025
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One hundred Albanian schoolchildren teamed up with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and footballing legends in Tirana to celebrate the success of the Europe-wide grassroots initiative.
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Since 2020, our UEFA Football in Schools initiative has been introducing young people across Europe to the beautiful game – with incredible impact.
More than seven million children have now enjoyed specialised coaching sessions as part of the grassroots programme, with 111,000 teachers trained to deliver safe and effective football practices.
Football in Schools underlines our commitment to ensuring that everybody, everywhere can enjoy the game and develop their skills in a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.
"Grassroots initiatives like UEFA Football in Schools are the lifeblood of the game."
That is exactly what was on show at a special event in Albania on Thursday morning, as UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and a team of international legends joined over 100 local schoolchildren and grassroots leaders for a special tournament alongside the Albanian Football Association (FSHF) in capital city Tirana ahead of the UEFA Executive Committee meeting later in the day.
Friendly fun for kids and legends alike
President Čeferin showcased his own skills alongside former Ballon d'Or winner Luís Figo, Albania men's national team coach Sylvinho and his assistants Pablo Zabaleta and Doriva, as well as Croatian legend Aljoša Asanović and ex-Albania international Jahmir Hyka and Lucije Gjini, but the real stars on show were the children, who had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test themselves against their heroes.
"Football is an inclusive sport and has the power to unite us all, and this event is the perfect example of the joy and positivity that it can spread," President Čeferin said.
"Grassroots initiatives like UEFA Football in Schools are the lifeblood of the game and we are delighted that we can continue to provide these vital opportunities for millions of children across Europe."
One of those youngsters is Medinia, who turns 12 later this month, and was delighted to take part in an unforgettable experience.
"Today is a very special day, we are very honoured to have such important people with us," she said. "Football is my life and I'm very glad that UEFA and the FSHF organised this event for us. I hope we can do it again next year!"
"It's the best thing as a public person to give back to children – sports can show us a great example."
It was not just the children, however, that were having fun. A UEFA Champions League winner as a player, Sylvinho led Albania at EURO 2024 last year, but was just as thrilled to be at the centre of the action in Tirana on Thursday morning.
"It's the best thing as a public person to give back to children, it's amazing, and I've enjoyed the morning a lot – sports can show us a great example, and I love to be involved in this kind of thing that helps the children develop," said the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City left-back. "I've been in Albania for almost three years, and I really enjoy seeing the people's passion for football here."
UEFA Football in Schools: the match-winning stats
Between its launch in 2020 and the end of its first cycle in September 2024, the Football in Schools programme achieved some incredible numbers across Europe.
7.2 million children introduced to football
111,000 teachers trained
41,500 schools engaged
15,500 volunteers participated
4,400 festivals and events
830 school-to-club links created
55 national associations distributing funding
By 2028, we will have invested €22 million into the initiative, helping children and young people from every European footballing nation to enjoy the beautiful game.
Creating club links central to Albanian success
Football in Schools has been a smash hit throughout Europe, and in Albania, the initiative has benefited more than 10,000 chlildren from 225 schools.
"The kids really enjoy playing football and you can see that with the atmosphere here today," said FSHF grassroots manager Andi Zëre. "In Albania, the programme provides after-school activities for children in a comfortable and safe environment, and introduces kids, some of whom wouldn’t otherwise have access, to football for the first time.
"For us, football isn't just a game. We love the sport, but it is also about friendship, learning, discipline and helping others. It teaches the children a lot of things."
The Albanian Football in Schools model also places emphasis on building strong connections with grassroots clubs, offering children a natural route from schoolyard games to regular and structured participation, as well as empowering teachers and school staff by involving them directly in football delivery.
"It's a very good pathway into the clubs for the children, and we are working hard to create a journey that continues into our elite youth setup and onto the senior national teams," Zëre explained.
"Football in Schools has also helped us to recruit staff into our workforce. A lot of our grassroots coaches are PE teachers and now, through this scheme, are part of our FSHF community, which is getting stronger and stronger every day."
