Milestone as UEFA Foundation marks 10 years, Aleksander Čeferin hints upon memorable visit to Aliguma Foundation

As the UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is a special moment to revel, reflect upon and merry-mark.

The chairperson of the board of trustees Aleksander Ceferin hinted on the visit to the Aliguma Foundation in Uganda as one of the key memorable highs.

"The striking memory is the visit to the Aliguma Foundation in Uganda - witnessing how local empathy and resilience take root through football was profoundly moving." he recollected.

During his two visits to Uganda, Ceferin toured the famous Acholi quarters where the slum soccer program and the skilling project stood out, benefiting many people in the community.

He also visited the Aliguma Empowerment center in Masindi before leading a team of former Slovenian players against the Parliament of Uganda in a memorable football match at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende.

The other was the visit to the Zaatari refugee camp. "Seeing those children there stripped of everything a child should have, including hope, yet lighting up in great joy and passion through football was astonishing." he added.

In both cases, it was a life-altering experience. These children have nothing in this world, yet they smile, they play, they sing, they dance.

More importantly, they dream. Such sights are impossible to see in the more modern parts of the world today.

It is a thoughtful reminder that happiness comes from within.

In the last ten years, the UEFA Foundation for Children reached almost five million children living in difficult and precarious conditions.

Through 500 projects across nearly 140 countries, the Foundation has brought hope, joy, and real change to numerous communities that needed it most.

"We are proud of the global impact made, but we see it only as a beginning." he added.

Children are a mirror. They reflect the world we offer but a magnified one. On our 20th birthday, I hope we will talk about how the image of the world we see today has changed for the better and that both UEFA and its Foundation have grown - not just in size or reputation – but in heart, humanity and devotion to children everywhere. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future. The foundation is dedicated to bringing the magic of football to every child, creating a safe and joyful space where they can dream, play and grow. With hope in their hearts and the right tools in their hands, they can and will build a brighter future. This initiative is another beautiful reflection of the compassion, solidarity and shared commitment that lives within the European football community - Aleksander Čeferin, chair of the board of trustees