Portuguese children take their first footballing steps with support from UEFA and Lidl
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
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A Lisbon festival brought together 150 children, highlighting how the UEFA Football in Schools programme combines fun, learning and healthy lifestyles.
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Children across Portugal are discovering football in new and engaging ways through UEFA’s Football in Schools programme, supported by Lidl.
By connecting football with education and wellbeing, the initiative is helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and adopt active lifestyles from an early age.
These principles came to life at a recent festival held at the Cidade do Futebol in Lisbon, where 150 children from six schools took part in a dynamic day of football activities, benefiting from a lively environment where they could all participate, learn and enjoy the game.
A playful approach to learning the game
Rather than focusing on traditional match formats, the festival featured a series of activity stations combining small-sided games, movement challenges and skill-based exercises.
This approach ensured constant involvement, allowing players to explore the game through repetition, experimentation and interaction with others.
By placing enjoyment at the centre, the format supports early engagement in football while helping children develop coordination, confidence and a positive relationship with physical activity.
"Creating the right environment is key at this age," said Stuart Grieve, UEFA player development specialist. "When children feel free to play, explore and interact, they naturally build confidence and develop a real connection with the game."
Bringing football into the school environment
The festival also reflects the broader work of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) in embedding football within schools across the country.
The festival was part of the federation's Jogam Todos (Everyone Plays) programme, which sits within the wider Football in Schools framework.
By working closely with teachers and education systems, the programme brings football directly to schools, ensuring the game is accessible to children of all backgrounds and abilities. It also supports both physical literacy and social development, helping children build confidence through shared experiences.
"Our aim is to bring football closer to children by integrating it into their daily school experience," said Jorge Vicente, FPF regional promotion & development coordinator. "We are creating opportunities for every child to feel included, engaged and inspired by the game."
Encouraging healthier lifestyles
Alongside the football, the festival also highlighted the importance of healthy living as Lidl provided the participants with fresh fruit, snacks and hydration throughout the day – all reinforcing simple but important messages around conscious nutrition and wellbeing.
The combination of sport and education helps children understand the connection between being active and making healthy choices.
"Through our partnership with UEFA, we want to support initiatives that make a positive difference in everyday life," said Patrick Hardge, Lidl's senior sports partnerships consultant. "Football is a powerful platform to encourage children to stay active while also promoting healthy habits from an early age."
For the children in Lisbon, this festival was more than just a day of activity, it was another step in building a lasting connection with the game.
A gateway to the game
Across Europe, Football in Schools plays a key role in providing early access to the beautiful game.
Since its launch in 2020, the programme has reached more than seven million children and young people, trained over 110,000 teachers and engaged more than 41,500 schools.
By 2028, UEFA will have invested €22 million into the initiative, ensuring more young people have the opportunity to experience football in a positive, inclusive and inspiring way.