UEFA Grassroots Week 2026: Getting Europe active through football

UEFA Grassroots Week showcases the power of grassroots football to unite communities and inspire movement.

With the support of our strategic partner Lidl, we are showcasing the beauty of the game and its continued positive impact, from the UEFA Football in Schools programme to the array of grassroots initiatives delivered every day by Europe's national football associations.

UEFA Grassroots Week takes place every September alongside the European Commission's Week of Sport, which is designed to inspire activity and healthy lifestyle choices across the continent.

Europe-wide collaboration

Since its launch in 2015, the European Week of Sport has brought together millions of participants through hundreds of thousands of activities, encouraging people to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.

Under the #BeActive theme, the campaign emphasises that sport and physical activity should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.

Football has an important role to play, and we work year-round alongside national associations to create accessible opportunities to play the game in schools, clubs and communities, helping more people experience the physical, mental and social benefits of playing football.

The importance of grassroots

Grassroots is where the game begins. It gives billions of people around the world of all ages and abilities the opportunity to discover football, develop their skills and enjoy being part of the game.

Beyond the pitch, grassroots football also teaches positive values, supports personal development and creates connections that can strengthen communities.

It also helps UEFA and our national associations build closer relationships at regional and local level, working alongside clubs, stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and public authorities to create sustainable opportunities to play.

By strengthening football at its foundations, we can ensure that more people have the chance to experience the game in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

Partnering for a stronger grassroots game

Earlier this year, we announced a new partnership with Lidl as the exclusive partner of UEFA Football in Schools, supporting a programme active across all 55 UEFA member associations, which has helped more than seven million children enjoy an early experience of playing the game. The partnership brings together football, physical activity and conscious nutrition, helping children build healthy habits through fun, guided activities as they take their first steps in football.

Lidl also supports teachers and coaches through learning resources and contributes to initiatives including the UEFA Grassroots Awards.

Lidl supports UEFA's "Football in Schools" programme across EuropeKristian Skeie - UEFA

Our partnership with EA SPORTS FC, meanwhile, uses the connection between virtual and real-world football to inspire the next generation of players and coaches.

Through EA SPORTS FC FUTURES, UEFA grassroots experts have helped develop a free online library of practical training activities covering fundamental skills including passing, dribbling, defending and finishing. In 2026, the partnership expanded further with the launch of the Fundamentals of Grassroots Coaching eLearning course, providing accessible guidance to help coaches create safe, inclusive and enjoyable environments for young players.

UEFA Grassroots Awards

Each year, the UEFA Grassroots Awards recognise leaders, clubs and projects throughout Europe for their contribution to grassroots football. Announced in April, the winners of the UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26 were:

• Best participation initiative: Lithuanian Football Federation
• Best education initiative: Royal Dutch Football Association 
• Best disability initiative: Ukrainian Association of Football
• Best grassroots club: Pollok United
• Best professional football club initiative: BK Häcken

Find out more about UEFA's grassroots work, programmes, and partnerships.