NEWS

In 2004, UEFA created a Grassroots Charter with the aim of supporting the grassroots activities of its member associations – these include nurturing women's and girls' football, and developing social programs such as football for the disabled.

‘HERKES IÇIN FUTBOL – GRASSROOTS’ IN TURKEY

The UEFA endorsed Turkey’s membership in the ‘Grassroots Charter’ in 2007. Turkey’s membership in the charter became official at a ceremony in which the UEFA President Michel Platini took part. Also in 2007, Ülker signed a sponsorship agreement with the Turkish Football Federation and became a main sponsor of the National Teams and a sponsor of Grassroots projects. Since June 2007, Ülker, in cooperation with the Turkish Football Federation Football Development Department, has implemented several activities such as the Mini Football Festival (2007), Riva Bird Village Festival (2007 and 2008), Football Villages (2007 and 2008). The first ‘HERKES için FUTBOL’ centers were opened at the Turkish Football Federation’s Beylerbeyi Facilities in Istanbul. Two more centers were opened in April 2077 at the TFF facilities in Adana and Trabzon. The activities at the centers operate year-round. Since opening, almost 6,000 children have received training in the rules of football, environmental awareness and personal development.  By the end of the year the TFF plans to open two more such training centers. The activities will take place on week-days during the summer and in September, when school is in session they will be held on weekends. The winter schedule of activities in the 3 centers began on September 3rd.