A game for all: Taking football into diverse communities in Iceland, France and Ukraine
Monday, September 28, 2026
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Access to football should not be dependent on where someone lives or the barriers they face. Europe's national associations are committed to bringing the game to everybody, everywhere, who wants to play.
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Each year, UEFA Grassroots Week (23–30 September 2026) offers a chance to celebrate the organisations and clubs working to make football accessible and enjoyable for everyone across Europe – including people in isolated or underserved communities. Here, we highlight three national programmes taking the game to new places and more people.
Bringing football to where people are in Iceland
Taking football coaching on the road is at the heart of the Football Association of Iceland's (KSI) Come Play Football initiative, a travelling programme designed to reach communities in all corners of the country.
Each summer, an experienced football coach travels across Iceland to visit clubs in small towns and rural areas, delivering fun sessions, games and activities for children aged between four and 14. In doing so, the programme brings high-quality football coaching directly to children rather than asking families to travel.
The visits also support local clubs. In communities where regular organised training can be difficult to access, Come Play Football works with existing local structures to improve football provision. Participating clubs consistently say the visits increase enthusiasm and participation long after Come Play Football departs.
By strengthening the relationship between the national association and local clubs in this way, Come Play Football builds a stronger network of football opportunities across the country.
"By bringing football to communities, we strengthen local connections, inspire participation and create lasting memories."
Building a stronger framework for inclusion in France
For people with intellectual, mental, sensory and physical disabilities, opportunities to play football regularly can be limited. The French Football Federation's (FFF) J'aIME le FOOT programme is designed to close that gap.
J'aIME le FOOT is delivered in collaboration with the French Federation for Adapted Sports, bringing together regional institutions and local clubs to give young players with disabilities the chance to participate in regular football sessions.
The programme also focuses on the creation of new training and employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.
The initiative is growing year on year, with 66 J'aIME le FOOT programmes already confirmed across ten regional leagues and 45 districts, involving more than 700 young people aged 12 to 21.
Football festivals for young people in Ukraine
Across Ukraine, football is being used to support children in the face of war. The Ukrainian Association of Football's (UAF) Open Football Festivals initiative is creating inclusive opportunities for children to play the game, combining football events, youth football hubs and regular grassroots sessions.
The programme aims to make football accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, gender, disability or individual need. Festivals combine football and team-building with psychological support and education on safety, mine-risk awareness and emergency preparedness.
Schools, football organisations, local authorities, psychologists, businesses, parents and young leaders work together to deliver activities across 18 hubs, where hundreds of volunteers have been trained to lead sessions and support their peers.
Across the 2025/26 season, 59 festivals and 947 football sessions reached thousands of children, while 20 permanent grassroots groups enabled 973 children to play regularly. Equipment and resources were also provided to 59 communities.
Together, these activities are helping children stay active, connected and supported, while creating safe spaces where they can play, learn and build confidence despite the harsh challenges of war – a commitment that extends across the UAF's grassroots work. Earlier this year, the UAF was recognised with the Best Disability Initiative UEFA Grassroots Award for its League of the Mighty amputee football competition.
European Week of Sport
UEFA Grassroots Week takes place during the European Week of Sport (23–30 September 2026), which brings together millions of participants through hundreds of thousands of activities, encouraging people to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.
This year, the #BeActive campaign emphasises that sport and physical activity should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.