UEFA Youth League's social project: players making a difference beyond the pitch
Thursday, April 9, 2026
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From hospital visits to inclusive training sessions and food donations, UEFA Youth League players are making a tangible impact in their communities across Europe.
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The UEFA Youth League gives Europe’s best young players crucial on-pitch experience against top opposition, but also the chance to develop off the pitch.
Through the tournament’s social projects programme, each participating club engages in a local initiative supported by €1,000 in UEFA funding.
With the tournament reaching its conclusion this month – Lausanne hosts the semi-finals on 17 April and the final on 20 April – we take a look at some of the activities making a difference beyond the pitch.
Building inclusion through football
Semi-finalists Real Madrid took part in a training session alongside players with intellectual disabilities from the club’s foundation. The session fostered mutual learning and team spirit, highlighting the unifying power of football.
Similarly, at Qarabağ, the under-19 players met with members of ‘Qarabağ Mechack 9030’ – a robotics team made up of children with physical disabilities. The visitors were able to get to know the academy players and learn about their training environment.
At Basel, the squad trained alongside the DreamTeam, a side for people with disabilities. A donation from the players will support the team’s participation in the Special Olympics National Games in Zug later this year.
Lokomotiva Zagreb also promoted inclusion by partnering with an organisation supporting people with Down syndrome in Croatia. Together, they created a safe and empowering environment where young people could build confidence and teamwork through football-based activities.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina supported Quartotempo, a pioneering organisation in blind football. Youth players joined training sessions with visually impaired children, contributing to a project that blends sport, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Connecting with communities
At Villarreal, a season-long partnership with special education school CPEE La Panderola has brought students closer to the team. The students attended UEFA Youth League matches in an accessible section of the stadium, while also spending time with players and staff.
Sporting CP visited a local community centre supporting children, vulnerable young people and the elderly. The youth players spent time engaging with all age groups, sharing stories, smiles and moments of connection.
In France, semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain visited children at Bicêtre Hospital, bringing encouragement and joy to young patients.
Giving back through charity
Several clubs focused on supporting those in need through charitable initiatives.
Leverkusen’s under-19 team backed a local organisation which provides food assistance to vulnerable people. The players organised food contributions and planned further activities around the festive period.
Similarly, Juventus players volunteered with a food bank in Turin, helping to collect, organise and distribute food to families in need. The experience offered players a direct understanding of social challenges while reinforcing the importance of solidarity.
In Lithuania, Be1 NFA chose to support a local dog shelter, providing food, toys and hands-on care. Players spent time walking and interacting with the animals.
What is the UEFA Youth League?
The Youth League offers a prestigious platform for Europe’s top young talent, creating a UEFA Champions League-style competition for under-19 teams and providing invaluable experience at the highest level of youth football.
Player education and development
Alongside their involvement in social initiatives, all clubs receive an anti-doping education session during the season, with the option to request additional sessions on a range of topics.
The four finalists – Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and Club Brugge – also receive targeted education. Before travelling to Switzerland, they take part in a Laws of the Game session, followed by a dedicated programme at UEFA HQ covering integrity, medical matters and the social responsibilities of professional footballers.
More broadly, the UEFA Academy supports players’ career development through initiatives such as the UEFA Career Transition Programme, a player-specific Certificate in Football Management, and the Executive Master for International Players (UEFA MIP).