2 October: UEFA has launched its EURO 2028 Innovation Programme, a call for innovators to “design, test and validate solutions that improve the tournament experience while delivering sustainable and lasting benefits for volunteers, communities and tournament stakeholders”.
Underpinning the initiative is a desire to deliver a lasting legacy for volunteers and communities across the UK and Ireland once the tournament is over.
Applications to be one of the innovators opened on 30 September and close on 14 November. Applicants can come from anywhere in the world, but must have a tangible product or service and a proven use case.
UEFA said it wants the Euro 2028 tournament to “inspire change through football” with “the aim of delivering a positive and lasting social impact in each host country, harnessing the power of sport to bring communities together even if they are far from the action on the pitch”.
The chosen innovators will receive financial support and advice through expert guidance and face-to-face and online workshops.
The innovation challenge has been broken down into two parts: unlocking the lasting value of the EURO 2028 volunteering experience; and connect communities to EURO 2028 through digital engagement and physical experiences.
UEFA said the aim is to create the biggest-ever community program (which will include fan festivals) for a EURO, working with local stakeholders to implement social impact plans in each host country. The selected plans will champion inclusion, volunteers and community heroes, while promoting “soccer’s ability to build stronger and more diverse communities”.
Chronology of the program:
September 30 – November 15, 2026
Application period open worldwide
December 2026
Evaluation and selection of innovators
January 2027
Incorporation of innovators
February 2027 – May 2028
Pilot development phase. The chosen innovators, with the support of key stakeholders from UEFA and UK&I 2028, develop and test a pilot ahead of the tournament. UEFA will organize workshops to help progress the projects.
June – July 2028
Showcase event. A networking event with the soccer ecosystem where the work done during the pilot phase is presented. Date and place to be confirmed.
From August 2028
Assessment of impact and potential for scale beyond EURO 2028
EURO 2028 will take place in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland between 9 June and 9 July 2028.
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