Grant News

UEFA and UK & Ireland 2028 Limited have launched the UEFA EURO 2028 Innovation Programme, offering a share of up to £200,000 to develop and test innovative solutions that create a lasting impact for volunteers and communities.

The programme has two challenges:

• improving how EURO 2028 volunteers recognise and demonstrate the skills they develop,
• and creating inclusive digital or physical experiences that engage people who would not normally connect with major football tournaments.

Selected innovators will receive funding, mentoring, workshops and opportunities to pilot their solutions.

Key highlights:

• Open worldwide to start-ups, charities, non-profits, academia, research centres and technology providers
• Applicants must already have a basic working version of their idea that can be demonstrated or tested with real users. It does not need to be a finished product, but it should be more than just a concept or proposal
• Up to £200,000 available across one or more projects
• Solutions must be scalable, inclusive and capable of creating lasting value

Applications close 15 November 2026. Selected projects will be developed and tested between February 2027 and May 2028, ahead of UEFA EURO 2028.

The illustrative examples of the type of projects that could be included include:

• A digital skills passport for volunteers that records experience gained during EURO 2028 and converts it into evidence of skills such as teamwork, communication and decision-making.
• A volunteer pathway tool that matches people with local clubs, charities or community volunteering opportunities once EURO 2028 ends.
• A personalised community discovery tool within UEFA’s digital platforms that helps users find nearby cultural activities, social-impact projects, community organisations and EURO 2028 events.
• A multilingual or culturally personalised digital experience designed to make EURO 2028 more relevant and accessible to diverse communities.
• A hybrid digital-and-physical programme where residents complete local activities, attend community events or support social projects and receive personalised rewards or recognition through UEFA’s existing digital ecosystem.

Useful Links:

Application Hints and Tips (AI-Generated)

Related:

Up to £50,000 Available to Support LGBT+ Sport and Physical Activity (UK)

Grants of up to £2,500 Available for Community Wellbeing Projects (England)