UEFA Launches Nutrition Prize for FootbALL Awards
The governing body is accepting applications for a new nutrition category with €15,000 in total prize funding.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Healthy Food
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UEFA has opened applications for the third edition of its FootbALL Awards, which now includes a nutrition category sponsored by Lidl. The initiative seeks to support schools and football organizations that have successfully promoted healthy habits within their communities.
Why it matters
By integrating a nutrition-focused prize into its awards, UEFA encourages local football programs to address health and accessibility beyond the pitch. This funding aims to reward established community projects that have made a measurable impact on participant well-being.
The nutrition prize offers a total of €15,000 in funding, with €10,000 for first place, €4,000 for second, and €1,000 for third. Eligible organizations must have operated their initiatives for at least one year.
The players
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations serves as the administrative and controlling body for European association football.
Lidl
Lidl is a German international discount retailer that operates as the exclusive partner of UEFA's Football in Schools programme.
The details
The awards celebrate projects focused on inclusion, accessibility, anti-discrimination, and social impact. An independent jury composed of representatives from Football Supporters Europe, FIFPRO, and Fare will evaluate all submitted applications.
Timeline
Applications for the awards officially opened on October 27, 2026.
The deadline for all award applications is November 30, 2026.
Winners of the new nutrition prize will be announced in 2027.
Culture Shift
The introduction of a nutrition-focused award signals a broader shift toward integrating public health initiatives into major sports governance. By leveraging partnerships like the Football in Schools programme, sports institutions are increasingly using their infrastructure to drive social wellness.
Schools and community-based football organizations can apply for prize funding if they have run a nutrition initiative for at least one year. Applicants should prepare to demonstrate measurable results to meet the entry criteria by the November deadline.
The takeaway
Interested organizations should ensure their health-focused initiatives are well-documented to meet the one-year operational requirement. Applying before the late November deadline is essential for those seeking to secure a portion of the €15,000 funding pool.
Further reading
Learn more about community health initiatives in our Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inside World Football.
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