Celebrating football’s social impact across Europe - the 2027 UEFA #FootbALL Awards

The third edition of the UEFA #FootbALL Awards will continue to highlight and recognise the work of national associations, clubs, leagues and players in the field of social sustainability.

First launched in 2023 and celebrated at the biennial UEFA Respect Forum, the #FootbALL Awards praise outstanding efforts to promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility across European football - values that lie at the heart of our #FootbALL programme.

The last edition of the awards highlighted projects and individuals making a tangible difference through initiatives focused on inclusivity, anti-discrimination and community engagement.

This year, UEFA and Lidl are introducing a new Special category: Nutrition - powered by Lidl, celebrating initiatives that promote more active lifestyles and better nutrition in and through the beautiful game.

#FootbALL Award Special category: Nutrition - Powered by Lidl

Thanks to our strategic corporate partnership with Lidl, we’re harnessing the power of football to encourage grassroots participation, more active lifestyles and greater awareness of balanced nutrition across Europe.

The award will recognise and celebrate individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are making a meaningful contribution to healthy and conscious nutrition in and through football.

For this special category, projects from a wider array of stakeholders will be accepted for applications, including:

• National associations
• Clubs
• Leagues
• Players
• Schools

One winning project as well as second and third-placed projects, will be selected from applicants across all stakeholder groups.

The winning projects will receive financial support to help expand their reach and increase their impact:

• 1st place: €10,000
• 2nd place: €4,000
• 3rd place: €1,000 

Applicants should explain how the funding would help expand or strengthen their initiative.

How to apply

Applications for the 2027 #FootbALL Awards are now open, giving organisations and individuals across football the opportunity to put forward projects and initiatives for consideration.

Eligibility for the #FootbALL Awards categories: National Association, Club, League and Player

To submit a #FootbALL applications, applicants should clearly explain:

• the project or initiative;
• its objective and main beneficiaries;
• how it reflects the #FootbALL vision of a game that is welcoming of everyone;
• key details about the applying organisation or individual.

Eligibility for the #FootbALL Award Special category: Nutrition - Powered by Lidl 

To be eligible, initiatives must:

• focus on nutrition, healthy eating, or food education in and through football;
• demonstrate a positive impact on the local community;
• have been operational for at least one year;
• comply with all applicable national laws and regulations in the country of implementation.

Deadlines and submission

Applications must be submitted in English by 30 November 2026.

Following the submission deadline, UEFA will review all applications and draw up a shortlist for each category. The winners will then be selected by an independent jury.

Know a project that is making a difference through football? Whether it's your own initiative or one led by others, we'd love to hear about it.