Kazakhstan Project Wins Bronze at the UEFA Grassroots Awards

The UNI Football League project, implemented by the Kazakhstan Football Federation in partnership with the Bolashak Charity Foundation and with the support of Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, has won bronze in the Best Disability Initiative category of the 2025/26 UEFA Grassroots Awards.

The UEFA Grassroots Awards have recognised outstanding contributions and achievements in football since 2010.

The awards shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of European football, celebrating individuals, clubs, national associations and initiatives that help develop the game for all and make a vital contribution to their communities.

The UNI Football League project aims to promote the social inclusion and development of children and teenagers with special educational needs. The initiative provides participants aged 10 to 18, including participants with autism and Down syndrome, with the opportunity to play football in a safe and adapted environment, supporting their physical development and encouraging active participation in society.

The first national UNI Football League tournament took place in Astana in 2025 with the support of the Embassy of Spain in Kazakhstan. The project currently covers nine cities across Kazakhstan, with more than 120 children already involved in specialised programmes and plans to expand to 160 participants. UEFA-licensed coaches trained in inclusive education are involved in the project, alongside dedicated training courses organised for staff.

Candidates for the UEFA Grassroots Awards are nominated each year by UEFA’s member associations, with the winners selected by UEFA’s Development and Technical Assistance Committee following recommendations from the Grassroots Panel.