https://www.specialolympics.org/regions/special-olympics-europe-eurasia/events/european-football-week/european-football-week-news European Football Week News Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/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. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/football-for-all-special-olympics-and-uefa-mark-26-years-of-partnership-at-uefa-fan-festivals-across-europe https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/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. Sun, 25 May 2025 04:01:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/line-up-for-inclusion-on-world-football-day-special-olympics-launches-global-football-development-strategy-to-grow-the-game https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/more-than-a-game-how-football-transformed-rubens-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. Sat, 24 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/more-than-a-game-how-football-transformed-rubens-life https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/i-was-there-from-the-start-celebrating-25-years-of-european-football-week-with-andre-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. Fri, 23 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/i-was-there-from-the-start-celebrating-25-years-of-european-football-week-with-andre-peeters https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/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. Thu, 22 May 2025 17:24:45 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/inside-the-games-special-olympics-shapes-football-strategy https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/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! Thu, 22 May 2025 04:01:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/special-olympics-was-my-golden-ticket-anja-celebrates-european-football-week-2025 https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/no-longer-on-the-sidelines-jack-healeys-journey-to-special-olympics-football Jack Healey, a 20-year-old from Berkshire in England, always nurtured a deep love for football. Sat, 17 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/no-longer-on-the-sidelines-jack-healeys-journey-to-special-olympics-football https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/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. Sat, 17 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/we-all-deserve-to-be-the-main-character-in-our-own-life-the-powerful-impact-of-inclusive-football-in-viterbo-italy