Inclusion at the UEFA Youth League Finals: A Celebration of Diversity in Football

Football has the power to unite people from all walks of life, and at this year’s UEFA Youth League Finals in Nyon, from 24.-28. of April, we are taking a significant step towards making the game more inclusive. In collaboration with the UEFA Foundation, two amputee football teams from three nations will play an exhibition match and also participate in a conference: Football and Social Responsibility – "FootbALL."

But this project goes far beyond the game itself: it is about breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and driving long-term change. Football, with its immense influence, has a greater opportunity than ever to ensure that ALL people have the chance to actively participate in the sport. In doing so, it can also contribute to greater social inclusion and integration, creating opportunities for improved participation in society.

A Stage for Young Amputee Players

For the young players taking part, this is an unforgettable opportunity to perform on a professional stage. Many of them have never played in such a prestigious setting before, and this event will give them the confidence to see themselves as athletes on equal footing with any other footballer.

• The exhibition match allows them to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and passion in front of an international audience.

• By engaging with professional players, coaches, and officials, they gain valuable experiences that help shape their sporting and personal development.

• Their presence highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways in football so that athletes of all abilities have opportunities to play at the highest level.

Raising Awareness and Changing Perceptions

One of the biggest barriers to inclusion in sport is a lack of awareness. Many football officials, clubs, and organisations have never seen Amputee Football up close. This event provides them with an opportunity to experience the sport firsthand and gain a new perspective on the abilities of these young athletes.

• By seeing Amputee Football in action, coaches, referees, and football officials can rethink how they approach inclusion in their own teams and leagues.

• The match will show that amputee players are not defined by their physical condition but by their skill, determination, and love for the game.

• Fans and fellow players watching the match will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion and the impact it has on individuals and communities.

Discussion on Inclusion in Football

Alongside the exhibition match, a dedicated conference on inclusion will bring together experts, players, and key stakeholders from the football world to discuss how the sport can become more accessible to everyone.

Key discussion points will include:

• How are social projects currently being implemented in the respective clubs/leagues?

• What additional needs – including structural, organizational, and financial – are necessary for optimal implementation?

  
  

Details:

• ca. 50 people

• Key-Note Speaker: Prof. mult. Dr. Jürgen Buschmann

• Co-Moderation: Uli Vogt, DFB a.D.

Panel Discussion:                 

• Jorge Miranda, CEO Benfica Lissabon Foundation

• Werner Wolf, President 1. FC Köln

• Hanspeter Rothmund, CEO FOOTBALL IS MORE Foundation  

• Steve Johnson, Amputee Player and Coach at Everton in the Community

• Ismail Temiz, Turkish national team coach for amputee football

This discussion is not just about Amputee Football; it’s about making football a space where diversity is embraced and all players feel valued.

A Commitment to Lasting Change

This event is just the beginning. True inclusion is not achieved through a single match or a single discussion; it requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and action.

• By giving young amputee players the platform they deserve, we aim to inspire clubs, organisations, and federations to take real steps toward inclusion.

• We want to encourage more investment in inclusive football programs, from grassroots initiatives to professional leagues.

• Through this project, we hope to create lasting partnerships that continue to break down barriers in the football world.

At FIM, we believe that football belongs to everyone, regardless of physical ability. This collaboration with the UEFA Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved when football becomes a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and social change.