European Football Week News
Special Olympics European Football Week is an annual campaign running every year in late spring, promoting inclusion in football across Europe and Eurasia. The campaign involves an estimated 35,000+ athletes and Unified partners in over 45 countries. With the support of our partners, European Football Week aims at creating new sports opportunities for our athletes starting at grassroots level and building up to international events.
Football For All: Special Olympics and UEFA Mark 26 Years of Partnership at UEFA Fan Festivals Across Europe
Football stands as one of the most beloved team sports among Special Olympics athletes across Europe and Eurasia, and UEFA’s support has been instrumental in elevating these opportunities ever since the establishment of our partnership in 1999.
2 Min Read
EFW 2025: The Powerful Impact of Inclusive Football in Viterbo, Italy
The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion.
Line Up for Inclusion on World Football Day: Special Olympics Launches Global Football Development Strategy to Grow the Game
In celebration of World Football Day today, Special Olympics has launched a new football development strategy designed to get more players with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) than ever before playing the beautiful game.
3 Min Read
More Than A Game: How Football Transformed Rubén’s Life
The Special Olympics Madrid athlete shares how sport—and the support of a dedicated coach—helped him overcome personal challenges, dramatically improving his health, well-being and relationship.
2 Min Read
“I was There from the Start!”: Celebrating 25 Years of European Football Week with André Peeters
From its inception to its future goals: Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Football Advisor, André Peeters, takes us on a 25-year-long journey following the spectacular evolution of Special Olympics Football Week in Europe.
5 Min Read
Inside the Games: Special Olympics Shapes Football Strategy
The following is an excerpt from Inside the Games’ article, “Special Olympics shapes football strategy” which discusses the power of sport and the impact inclusive sport has on football across the world.
1 Min Read
“Special Olympics was my Golden Ticket”—Anja Celebrates European Football Week 2025
Before joining Special Olympics, Anja Van Helden trained with other teams but she was always left on the sidelines on match day. Now, she is the heart of her Special Olympics Switzerland team for training sessions and matches alike—and she just loves it!
1 Min Read
European Football Week 2025 #:EFW2025 Anja's Story
"For me, joining Special Olympics was like a golden ticket" - , Anja Van Helden, Special Olympics Switzerland Before joining Special Olympics, Anja trained with other teams but when it came to match day, she was left on the sidelines.
No Longer on the Sidelines: Jack Healey's Journey to Special Olympics Football
Jack Healey, a 20-year-old from Berkshire in England, always nurtured a deep love for football.
2 Min Read
“We all Deserve to be the Main Character in our Own Life”: The Powerful Impact of Inclusive Football in Viterbo, Italy
The five-a-side football team of the Zucchero Filato Association in Viterbo, Italy, is showing how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion.
2 Min Read