UEFA Foundation bringing inclusion and opportunity to disadvantaged children in Hungary

Hundreds of disadvantaged children and young refugees in Budapest will benefit from Move Forward, a new year‑long programme that uses football, basketball and social support to boost confidence, develop essential life skills and strengthen their sense of belonging.

The project is a collaboration between the UEFA Foundation for Children and the Second Chance Sports Association. It will create inclusive sporting environments and offer personalised mentoring, education workshops and community‑building opportunities, helping young people overcome the effects of poverty, social exclusion and limited access to support services.

“Move Forward is about more than just the game – it’s a pathway to a better future,” said Carine N’koué, UEFA Foundation for Children general secretary. “By combining the power of sport with concrete educational workshops and job-seeking support, we are giving these young people the practical tools they need to succeed off the pitch. Whether it’s mastering digital literacy or finding their first career opportunity, this initiative ensures that disadvantaged children and young refugees in Budapest don’t just play – they grow, achieve, and truly belong.”

Across Hungary, many children from marginalised communities face limited access to education and basic support services. The Move Forward initiative addresses these issues by providing structured sport‑based activities, mentoring and tailored social support to help children gain confidence, skills and a sense of belonging.

The programme will offer regular football and basketball training sessions, creating inclusive environments where participants can learn teamwork, communication, problem‑solving and mutual respect. These sessions form the sporting backbone of the initiative and help strengthen both physical and social competencies.

To support broader personal development, participants will also have access to individual mentoring and social‑work support, job‑seeking assistance for older participants and workshops covering anti‑racism, digital literacy, employability, women’s empowerment, financial skills and adolescent pregnancy prevention.

A series of events will combine sporting activities with awareness‑raising efforts in local communities. These fair play football roadshows highlight equality, respect and social cohesion – values central to the UEFA Foundation’s mission all over the world.

This summer, special camps will offer participants an immersive week combining sport, education and community‑building experiences. It is designed to boost confidence, expand social networks and reinforce positive life skills.