The 2025/26 UEFA Grassroots Awards
Thursday, April 2, 2026
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Next week, we will honour community clubs and initiatives from across Europe that are making an outstanding contribution to the grassroots game.
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The UEFA Grassroots Awards recognise European football's unsung heroes, shining a spotlight on their vital work to make the sport we all love enjoyable, accessible and safe for everybody who wants to be a part of it.
The awards are presented in partnership with EA Sports FC and Lidl, who work alongside UEFA to help develop players and promote healthy lifestyles across Europe.
Gold award winners each receive €10,000, with silver and bronze winners receiving €6,000 and €4,000 respectively to support their work, and are presented with their awards in a special ceremony at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland.
The five annual UEFA Grassroots Awards
Best Participation Initiative
An initiative that creates more opportunities to play – promoting inclusion, accessibility and community engagement while supporting youth development and participation in football.
Best Education Initiative
A programme that develops knowledge and skills across the football community, promoting inclusivity, quality, and positive, safe environments for all.
Best Disability Initiative
A project that recognises efforts to make football accessible for all, break down barriers and create inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities.
Best Grassroots Club
A grassroots club that inspires participation, creates positive experiences, and provides a player-centred environment that supports development and fosters a lifelong love of the game.
Best Initiative by a Professional Football Club
A professional club that use its reach and resources to make a positive impact beyond the pitch, championing grassroots football through community engagement, education and social initiatives.
Candidates are nominated by our 55 member national associations, with winners selected by the UEFA Development and Technical Assistance Committee following recommendations from the UEFA Grassroots Panel.
More about grassroots football
Grassroots football is the starting point of every player’s journey and the foundation of the European sports model. It is where most people first experience the game, developing a lifelong love of football through enjoyment, learning and positive experiences.
It also underpins the long-term health of football, supporting players' holistic development by:
- developing skills and game understanding
- encouraging creativity, confidence and decision-making
- promoting positive behaviours and wellbeing
- creating inclusive, player-centred environments
- enabling lifelong participation pathways