Latest news with #UEFAFoundationforChildren
Cosmopolitan
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Who was the girl with Prince William at the Euros ceremony?
Last night saw the England women's team land a nail-biting win against Spain in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final – in part, down to a penalty scored by cool-as-a-cucumber forward, Chloe Kelly. As is custom thanks to his role as patron of the Football Association, Prince William was on hand to congratulate the Lionesses on their big win, and joined other senior figures to shake hands, hug and high five the top players and England's coach, Sarina Wiegman. But many eagle-eyed viewers were also curious about the young girl on William's left, wearing a white football-style jersey, who looked overjoyed to be meeting the players too (and no, we don't mean Princess Charlotte! Although she was also in attendance with her father last night too). Judging by her jersey, which reads UEFA Foundation for Children, it's believed that the mystery girl is one of the many young people who receives support from the organisation – and evidently, she's a huge football fan! So far, her name and story has been kept under wraps, but Cosmopolitan UK has reached out to the Foundation to ask if there's anything they're able to share about the girl who has been low-key stealing the limelight, thanks to her infectious enthusiasm. Elsewhere, the UEFA Foundation for Children is doing some pretty remarkable work, having helped to build or renovate 100 football pitches around Europe and beyond, has 128 projects ongoing and 577 total to date. A statement on its website explains, "The UEFA Foundation for Children was established on the initiative of the former UEFA president, Michel Platini, reflecting UEFA's desire to play a more active role in society and communities. "For many years, UEFA had been working with numerous partners to develop projects and programmes designed to help children living in difficult circumstances in Europe and beyond. "Keen to step up its activities and target them appropriately, UEFA decided to create an independent foundation that uses sport to support humanitarian projects promoting children's rights in the following areas: access to sport, personal development, healthy lifestyle, disabled children, conflict victims, gender equality, environmental protection, employability, infrastructure and equipment, and strengthening relationships." We'll be sure to update if the Foundation shares any more information about the girl who appeared on the pitch besides Prince William and her story. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Euronews
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Euronews
Foster care wards from 24 countries unite at 'Children's World Cup'
The 10th Children's World Cup, which originated and is held in Poland, is the world's largest tournament for foster care wards. Krzysztof Kot, coach of the Polish team, emphasises just how much it means to its participants. "It is a football festival that they look forward to all year. Here, they can meet their peers, play against each other in a beautiful stadium, listen to the anthems in the final, win a medal or a cup, and simply be representatives of their country," he says. The Children's World Cup organiser, Andrzej Lisiak, explains the mission behind the event, and emphasises the importance of supporting similar initiatives. "When these children are accepted, it transforms something in them, and they start to exist anew. Otherwise, they are hidden, tired, and destroyed; they no longer want to continue. It only takes a moment of care for them to change their personality altogether. They start to exist as entirely different people, wonderful people with feelings, who want to live and help others," Lisiak says. Nearly 250 children, representing 24 countries The children taking part in the tournament express similar sentiments. "{It's] A wonderful place, a wonderful country. We got to know other cultures," said Manuel, one of the participants, who came from Portugal to compete. When asked if he would like to become a professional footballer, he replied he "would like to, but it is very difficult." Another participant, coming from Lithuania, emphasised that she loves football very much and that she feels very confident while playing with her team. According to the organisers, more than 10,000 children from all over the world have participated in the tournaments so far. For them, it is essential to see how happy children are when they come together to play and enjoy themselves. "It's very important to give this opportunity to all children in the world. This is one of the values we have at UEFA Foundation for Children. Access to football for every child, regardless of their background," Carine N'koue, secretary general of UEFA Foundation for Children, said in an interview with Euronews.
