The wonder of grassroots football across Europe will be placed in the spotlight again next week, as the annual UEFA Grassroots Week returns.

UEFA Grassroots week shines a light on the amazing work that goes on in grassroots football across Europe every year, with Scottish football no exception.

Throughout the year, grassroots football in Scotland acts as a force for positive change in society – breaking down barriers, encouraging active lifestyles, and bringing people from all walks of life together.

This year, clubs across Scotland are encouraged to share the fantastic work going on within their club and across their communities throughout the week and in turn highlight the unsung heroes of grassroots football who make it all possible.

This year’s celebratory week runs from Monday, 23 through to Sunday, 29 September, and will help recognise some of the inspirational initiatives within Scottish grassroots football such as:

  • The Scottish FA’s Learning Through Football programme, an educational online platform for young people that supports teaching and learning using the context of football – and which will also help participants celebrate Scotland’s Maths Week, which runs concurrently with UEFA Grassroots Week;
  • The Cashback for Communities programme, an initiative that channels funds from the proceeds of crime into providing free activities and programmes for youngsters across Scotland, with a focus on underprivileged areas.
  • The work of Scottish Para-Football, the world’s first Affiliated National Association dedicated to para-football, which ensures that everyone, regardless of age, ability, gender or background, can play football in a safe environment;
  • The increasing number of sustainability-focused work going on in clubs across Scotland will also be celebrated as part of Scotland’s Climate Week, with clubs encouraged to share the initiatives taking place in their local communities.

Scottish FA Head of Football Development Paul McNeill: “At the Scottish FA we regularly talk about the power of football – how football has the power to inspire, transform lives and generate tangible positive societal impact – and every year UEFA Grassroots Week acts as a deserved celebration of the hard work that goes on from thousands of people to ensure that our fantastic sport continues at all levels.

“Next week represents UEFA’s annual opportunity to recognise and encourage the grassroots game – without which we wouldn’t have the spectacle of the elite level.

“While very few of us will play for our national team, football is about so much more than that and this week will help to underscore the societal benefits our national game offers.

Clubs are encouraged to participate to share the amazing activities within their clubs by sharing images and stories on social media using the hashtag #UEFAgrassroots.