"Time for Global Action, Solidarity, and Collaboration.

UEFA Foundation pledge to COVID-19 Response Fund

Following the launch of Common Goal’s COVID-19 Reponse Fund last week, UEFA Foundation for Children wasted little time in becoming an institutional supporter.

With less than 24 hours passing after the launch of the Response Fund the organisation, founded on the desire to play a more active role in society, sent out a clear message of solidarity within the global football community.

As part of their own annual ‘Match for Solidarity’ fundraising event, the foundation has pledged 1% of its annual project budget to the COVID-19 Response Fund.

UEFA Foundation for Children’s investment will support Common Goal’s effort in supporting the vulnerable communities they currently serve around the world being hit by the Coronavirus.

Upon the announcement, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin – chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees and Common Goal member –  underlined the importance of a united resolve from European football and beyond.

“In these difficult times, which affect many countries and the most fragile populations especially, it is important to coordinate and organise responses that are adapted to the needs of each situation,” he said.

“It is for this reason that the foundation board decided to join this initiative and allow football to play a role of social responsibility.”

For years, the governing body of European football has been supporting initiatives and programmes that help young people in difficult circumstances, working with multiple partners in support of projects across Europe and beyond.

In 2014, the foundation was formed independently with the aim to advance the work in using sport to support humanitarian projects linked to children’s rights.

By supporting Common Goal’s COVID-19 Response Fund, the UEFA Foundation for Children will provide financial assistance and services to the existing network of organisations, working with young people in over 200 communities across 90 countries severely affected by coronavirus.

The aim is to support the fight in tackling the immediate effects of the crisis on 2 million young people and ensure their vital work continues beyond the initial emergency response time period.

“Welcome to the team, UEFA Foundation for Children,” were the words of Common Goal member Juan Mata – who was among those to show his appreciation for the support.

“To overcome the coronavirus, and the other challenges facing humanity, we need to coordinate individual efforts and work together as a team,” said the Manchester United midfielder.

“I'm urging not only my Common Goal team-mates, but all other players and football leaders around the world to unite and help tackle this crisis, and at the same time use this as a catalyst to play a key role in tackling the other challenges humanity faces. Together we can beat this.”

Common Goal CEO Jürgen Griesbeck was equally encouraged by the pledge from the UEFA Foundation for Children.

“We are delighted to have the trust and support of the UEFA Foundation for Children,” said Common Goal founder Jürgen Griesbeck.

“In the midst of this crisis, football has the chance to realise its full potential in playing a leading role in shaping the world.

“Together, with everyone who loves football in support, the sport has a real opportunity to have a positive impact.”