October 30 – UEFA has opened the application phase for its innovation programme “Champions Innovate”, the third iteration of the landmark programme that partners with the host association of the Champions League final.
Initially formulated following an extensive stakeholder consultation in 2024, the English FA collaborated for the inaugural programme, with the German FA (DFB) the partner organisation last year.
For 2026, the scheme is focusing on grassroots football in partnership with the Hungarian federation, the MLSZ – with UEFA’s showpiece final taking place in Budapest in May.
The programme’s goal is to promote collaboration between innovators, UEFA and the host national association to create a lasting and positive impact beyond the event. The aim of the 2026 scheme is to create environments that will help football thrive at every level.
Through the 2026 campaign, Hungary aims to be a launchpad for value creation which could offer a blueprint for other federations facing similar challenges to follow.
Four key areas have been identified: Engaging parents to create a supportive environment, equipping coaches with the necessary skills, attracting and retaining volunteers to make grassroots more sustainable and increase the representation of women and girls.
The application phase for project opens today (October 30) and will run until November 30. UEFA will then contact successful applicants following December 19, with a pilot development phase set to run in the first half of 2026.
UEFA will then host a networking event two days before the 2026 UEFA Champions League final in Budapest to demonstrate and celebrate the outcomes of the pilot development phase.
In the latter half of 2026, projects will be accessed on their scalability to develop across the continent.
Contact the writer of this story, Stuart Dick, at [email protected]