January 13 – UEFA has announced the launch of a new international initiative, UEFA Together, aimed at fostering the development of football worldwide via partnerships with its sister confederations and their national federations.
The programme, which will run over the next three years, seeks to create ‘impactful and lasting projects’ in collaboration with the five continental confederations, focusing on addressing key development priorities identified within each region.
UEFA’s will begin by partnering with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to tackle disparities in women’s football development across Asia. Through targeted investments in resources and programmes, the initiative aims to close the gap and provide equal opportunities for women and girls to thrive in the sport.
In Africa, UEFA will collaborate with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strengthen elite youth development pathways for girls. The focus will be on nurturing talent and creating the necessary infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for women’s football on the continent.
UEFA will also partner with the Concacaf to enhance club licensing systems and improve coach education as part of an effort to professionalise the sport and elevate standards throughout the region.
UEFA’s partnership with the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) will focus on advancing women in leadership roles and improving child safeguarding measures. These initiatives are designed to foster inclusivity, equity, and safety in football governance and youth development across South America.
In Oceania, UEFA will work with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to improve high-performance management at the association level and establish dedicated youth tournaments.
“UEFA Together marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration between UEFA, our sister confederations and their member associations. Focusing on key areas of development, aligned with the confederations’ strategic objectives, will ensure lasting impact and legacy. It’s a win-win for global football,” said Theodore Theodoridis, UEFA general secretary.
The launch of the initiative represents a significant step in UEFA’s efforts to contribute to football development beyond Europe, strengthening ties with other footballing regions and tackling critical challenges that hinder the growth of the sport worldwide.
It aligns with UEFA’s overarching goal of promoting the global development of football, with a long-term vision to create sustainable growth and equitable opportunities in the game at every level.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1736850555labto1736850555ofdlr1736850555owedi1736850555sni@g1736850555niwe.1736850555yrrah1736850555