GIRLS 4 FOOTBALL | Play for Change

TIME PERIOD

LOCATION

Turin - Milan - Rome

Launched in March 2025 as a joint initiative by Mastercard and the UEFA Foundation for Children, Girls4Football is a bold new programme designed to promote the physical and emotional well-being of children and young adults through sport, education, and meaningful life experiences.

IN COLLABORATION WITH

SPONSORED BY

The project foresees 2 main actions:

FOOTBALL TRAINING: At its heart, the program is about inclusion, empowerment, and access by offering free weekly football sessions for girls aged 8–16. These sessions are more than just time on the pitch — they are a safe, supportive space where girls can grow in confidence, build friendships, and unlock their passion for the game.

EDUCATION: , the programme integrates monthly financial literacy workshops, equipping participants with essential tools to understand budgeting, saving, and healthy money habits from a young age. This dual focus on sport and life skills sets Girls4Football apart as a programme that nurtures not only the athlete, but the whole person

Context

In Italy, the programme is powered by Play for Change, working in close collaboration with six local sports associations across Turin, Milan, and Rome, and engaging more than 250 girls in its first

Girls4Football has demonstrated that sport can serve as a powerful catalyst for social impact, gender equality, and community development. Beyond the football pitch, the programme provides young girls with opportunities to develop critical life skills, financial literacy, and personal resilience, contributing to their overall well-being and long-term empowerment.

By integrating football, education, and experiential learning, Girls4Football addresses multiple dimensions of corporate social responsibility, including:

Gender equity: Promoting equal access to sport and breaking down stereotypes surrounding women in athletics
Youth development: Strengthening confidence, leadership, and life skills among participants
Community engagement: Fostering inclusive, safe spaces and strengthening ties between families, schools, and local communities
Sustainable impact: Creating pathways for continued participation in sport, education, and personal development

season.