More than a Tournament: A Week of Lived Inclusion in Nyon

This past week, we had the privilege of being in Nyon for an unforgettable few days of football, inclusion, and shared experiences during the UEFA Youth League Finals. From the very first evening to the final moments at UEFA Headquarters, the atmosphere was shaped by connection, openness, and the unifying power of the game. It was a week where barriers were broken down, friendships were formed, and the values of inclusion were lived out on and off the pitch.

On Thursday, the players from Greece and Everton FC arrived in Nyon, and everyone, from team members to organisers, came together for a joint dinner. It was the first opportunity for many to meet, connect, and get a sense of what the coming days would hold.

The following day, we arrived at the Colovray Sports Centre, where the UEFA Youth League Finals were being hosted. Together with the UEFA Foundation for Children, we ran an exhibition stand that welcomed a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Around lunchtime, the amputee players joined us at the Youth Plaza and quickly became a highlight — showcasing their skills at the footair field and engaging with fans, families, and players. One of the standout moments was the walking football session, where visitors were invited to join the amputees on the pitch, creating a powerful and interactive experience for all involved.

Saturday’s walking football matches were a true highlight. Each U-19 team from the Youth League semifinals — AZ Alkmaar, Trabzonspor, FC Barcelona, and FC Salzburg — was represented by three players who took to the pitch alongside the amputee players. At first, only the amputees were allowed to score, but soon the U-19 players joined in using crutches themselves. You could feel the shift — initial uncertainty gave way to laughter, energy, and mutual respect. By the end of the session, any hesitation was gone and the barriers that may have existed at the start had completely disappeared.

On Sunday, the focus moved to reflection and learning. The teams visited the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, where Dr. Jürgen Buschmann gave a fascinating introduction to the work of the International Olympic Committee and its historical context. It was a meaningful opportunity to explore the values behind global sport and to look at inclusion from a broader perspective.

Monday brought the week to a close with a forward-looking conference at the Château de Bossey, co-hosted by the UEFA Foundation and FOOTBALL IS MORE. Titled Football’s Role in Social Responsibility and Inclusion for Children, the event brought together key voices from clubs and foundations to discuss how social projects are currently being run — and what more is needed to support them. Panellists included Jorge Miranda (Benfica Foundation), Werner Wolf (1. FC Köln), Hanspeter Rothmund (FOOTBALL IS MORE), Steve Johnson (Everton in the Community), and Ismail Temiz (Turkish National Amputee Team). The exchange was honest, practical, and filled with shared ambition.

Later that day, just before the Youth League Final kicked off, the Polish Amputee Team played a friendly match against a mixed side of Everton FC and Greek national team players, joined by special guest Ismail Temiz. It was a lively match with real intensity and heart, and the Polish side came out on top with a 6:1 win.

To close out the programme, the amputee teams were invited to join the finalists, Trabzonspor and FC Barcelona, for dinner at UEFA Headquarters. It was the perfect end to a week that had been full of shared moments, new perspectives, and genuine inclusion.

We leave Nyon inspired, encouraged, and motivated to keep building spaces where football is open to everyone. The past week showed us once again: when inclusion is intentional, it works, and it transforms.