UEFA and Homeless World Cup Foundation recognise outstanding European collaborations with Impact Awards
On World Homelessness Day (10 October 2025), UEFA and the Homeless World Cup Foundation are proudly celebrating the power of football to change lives by presenting the Impact Awards to three outstanding collaborations between Homeless World Cup European Member Countries and their respective National Associations.
This recognition builds on a partnership that goes back to the very first Homeless World Cup in 2003, with UEFA standing as the Foundation’s longest-serving supporter. For over two decades, the Homeless World Cup has transformed from a single tournament into a global movement reaching more than 1.7 million people.
As part of this year’s Impact Awards, each recognised organisation will receive €15,000 from UEFA — a direct investment to strengthen programmes that provide people experiencing homelessness with opportunity, dignity and a renewed sense of belonging through football.
These Impact Awards are not only recognition of three incredible partnerships, they are also an invitation for more National Associations and Homeless World Cup Member Countries across Europe to come together and follow their example.
Mel Young, Co-Founder and President, Homeless World Cup Foundation:
"The Homeless World Cup is built on the belief that football can change the world. From our very first tournament in 2003, UEFA has stood alongside us as our longest-standing supporter. These awards are not only recognition of three incredible partnerships between our Member Countries and their National Associations, they are also an invitation for others to join our global movement to end homelessness.
“When Member Countries and National Associations collaborate, they create visibility, dignity and pathways of inclusion for people too often excluded. We hope these stories from Belgium, Ireland and Portugal inspire others across Europe to follow suit."
Belgium: Younited Belgium & Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) — Impact Award recipient
For over a decade, the RBFA has supported Younited Belgium through financial backing, referees, kit provision, hosting tournaments at the national training centre and raising the visibility of the programme and the work carried out by Younited Belgium.
Peter Willems, CEO, RBFA: "We are proud that Younited Belgium receives this award. Their players remind us what the true essence of the game is about – belonging, dignity and opportunity."
Bert Ballegeer, Director, Younited Belgium: "Being recognised by UEFA and the Homeless World Cup Foundation for our partnership with the RBFA is a powerful validation of our work. It motivates us to keep growing football as a tool for inclusion and dignity."
Farah, Younited player: "Wearing the kit of the national team makes me feel recognised – not just as a footballer, but as a person who matters."
The €15,000 Impact Award grant will help expand Younited’s network of 60 community-based teams across Belgium.
Ireland: Irish Homeless Street Leagues (IHSL) & Football Association of Ireland (FAI) — Impact Award recipient
Since 2004, the FAI has provided annual funding, insurance, coaching support and recognition for IHSL players, including the award of official international caps. The partnership ensures players gain confidence, access training opportunities and are represented at the highest levels of Irish football.
Football Association Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, David Courell, said: "The FAI is proud to support the Irish Homeless Street Leagues and the incredible work they do in communities across Ireland. Their programmes show the true power of football – breaking down barriers, building confidence and creating opportunities for people who may otherwise feel excluded. We are delighted that this partnership is being recognised by UEFA and the Homeless World Cup Foundation, and we look forward to continuing to stand alongside IHSL in using football as a force for good."
Sean Kavanagh, Founder, IHSL: "We are delighted to receive this award from UEFA, recognising our long-standing and positive relationship with the FAI. Together we are using football to empower individuals to fulfil their true potential – on and off the pitch."
Dara O’Connor, IHSL player: "The Homeless World Cup is more than football. A ball can truly change a life – I experienced that first-hand representing Ireland at the tournament."
The €15,000 Impact Award grant will enable IHSL to expand league participation nationwide, with a focus on increasing access for both male and female players.
Portugal: Associação CAIS & Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) — Impact Award recipient
For more than 20 years, the FPF has been a consistent partner of Associação CAIS and its Futebol de Rua programme, providing kits, financial support, visibility and player ambassadors such as João Vieira Pinto. The FPF also hosts annual FA Days and press conferences, giving CAIS players a unique connection to the national football community.
Federação Portuguesa de Futebol President, Mr. Pedro Proença, said: “Football is all about standing together, about overcoming challenges working as one, and so is our commitment with CAIS. We are proud of our partnership, and we will continue to make football an instrument of social change, inclusion, dignity. This is our game”
Gonçalo Sequeira dos Santos, Director, Associação CAIS "The long-standing support from Federação Portuguesa de Futebol has helped Futebol de Rua thrive. This recognition from UEFA allows us to continue building pathways of inclusion for people who are too often excluded."
Gerson, CAIS player "Being part of Futebol de Rua changed my life. It gave me confidence, friends and a future I never thought possible."
The €15,000 Impact Award grant will sustain CAIS’s annual participation in the Homeless World Cup and help expand training opportunities for players across Portugal.