Moments of magic in Istanbul: the UEFA Foundation brings children from local charities to the Europa League final
Monday, May 18, 2026
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The UEFA Foundation for Children offers youngsters from Bonyan and Kızlar Sahada an exclusive look inside the UEFA Europa League final, including player meet‑and‑greets and the chance to walk out as player mascots.
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Each year, the UEFA Foundation for Children invites young people from vulnerable and underprivileged backgrounds to experience UEFA’s biggest occasions from the heart of the action – meeting players, attending the match and, for some, stepping onto the pitch as mascots before kick-off.
At this week’s UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul, 50 children from UEFA Foundation partner organisations Bonyan and Kızlar Sahada will be watching the match from the stands, with many of them having attended a special meet‑and‑greet session with players of Arsenal and Freiburg beforehand.
Also getting a chance to see the stars of the final up close will be the 22 children walking out as player mascots at Beşiktaş Park, thanks to the UEFA Foundation and Europa League partner Lidl.
Bonyan Organization
The Bonyan Organization is a non‑governmental, non‑profit organisation dedicated to supporting war‑affected communities across the Middle East.
It runs multiple sport-for-development projects in Türkiye, which is host to millions of Syrian refugees. The initiatives focus on providing long-term access to sport to both host and refugee communities, encouraging inclusion and gender equality.
Through inclusive football activities, life‑skills training and environmental initiatives, Bonyan empowers young people to learn, connect, and grow in safer and more supportive environments.
Kızlar Sahada
Translating to ‘Girls on the Field’, Kızlar Sahada is a sport‑for‑development initiative that uses football to challenge gender stereotypes and expand opportunities for girls and women across Türkiye.
The UEFA Foundation provides funding for Kızlar Sahada’s RePlay Project, which for the past two years has organised free football activities for young boys and girls in Şanlıurfa, southern Türkiye. Regular matchplay and specialised training sessions are designed to provide safe and welcoming environments, and to develop social and emotional skills.
Across the country, Kızlar Sahada also works closely with families, schools and local government to help overcome restrictive gender norms and create a more supportive environment for girls to participate in football.
Eleven years of impact – with more to come
Since 2015, the UEFA Foundation for Children has worked to turn football into a tool for social impact. In its first decade, it supported 765 projects in 156 countries, improving the lives of over 4.9 million children. Today, 166 initiatives continue to use the power of sport to promote education, health, inclusion and personal development.
As the UEFA Foundation enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to ensure every child, regardless of circumstance, can dream, grow and find their place through football.