UEFA Foundation’s support to Greek children

Founded in 2015, the UEFA Foundation for Children aims to harness football’s power and global appeal to help underprivileged children and support humanitarian projects. The aims are to support children’s rights, combat discrimination, provide opportunity and engender a sense of belonging. These efforts will continue to be emphasised at this year’s UEFA Super Cup, carrying an important message of inclusion.

Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitić, who is playing in his third Super Cup final this year, serves as a proud ambassador for the Foundation and echoes this sentiment. “I think we have to understand that we all want to do the same, which is to enjoy a wonderful sport and bring joy to so many people who follow football,” he says. “I think that’s a great approach and we have to embrace it in the community.”

Sevilla's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic is an ambassador for the UEFA Foundation for Children.AFP via Getty Images

Developing social inclusion and a sense of community through football

In Piraeus, the fan festival on 16 August will provide children from various organisations – including Action Aid Hellas, FC Cosmos and A Ball for All – with the opportunity to come together and engage in some fun activities. These children hail from diverse backgrounds: victims of global conflicts, those battling physical impairments and even those deprived of basic necessities. All of them have been affected by societal exclusion in one way or another.

ActionAid provides marginalised children with life values and skills affording them a better life with dignity and greater opportunities to develop themselves and their communities.ActionAid

In collaboration with Legends 2004, the children will also have the privilege of meeting icons from Greece’s historic 2004 EURO-winning team and participating in various football challenges alongside them. After the activities, they will have the chance to take photos with the players and the Super Cup trophy.

A selection of children will also visit the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, witness the Sevilla and Manchester City players in training, meet the players, take pictures and have a kickabout with them. The day of festivities seeks to act as a reminder of football’s capacity to instil values like commitment, discipline, mutual aid, respect and tolerance. It serves as powerful testament to the fact that football has the extraordinary ability to foster profound connections among individuals, transcending geographical and cultural barriers.

Having played alongside team-mates from every corner of the globe during his illustrious career, Rakitić offers a poignant reflection: “Football grants us happiness and companionship, and enables people worldwide to achieve greatness together.”