June 4 – The Munich Champions League final saw the second iteration of UEFA’s Champions Innovate programme that enables UEFA sponsors and start-up companies to work together to leave a lasting legacy in the host city.
This year the two start-ups – Equip Sport and FC Urban – supported by Mastercard and Adidas, delivered projects that help promote physical activity around the city.
FC Urban, teamed with Mastercard, created an app that connects amateur footballers across Munich with local pick-up matches. Logistics such as bibs and balls are all taken care of, and players are also able to track their stats.
In Munich alone, more than 445 users have registered in just two months, resulting in more than 33 matches.
The has now expanded beyond Munich and is being used by people of 171 nationalities in 16 cities across five countries, resulting in around 500 games a week, said UEFA. It is also benefitting the women’s game by creating a safe environment for female players.
“It seemed impossible to get access to venues, but that’s the power of working with Mastercard. We managed to find venues in Munich and now we play seven days a week. So far 33 games played and 445 registered users – one guy thanked me for giving him a new group of friends and a new routine,” said Joep Lamme, FC Urban founder.
Opening the kit locker
Adidas and Equip Sport combined to install 35 ‘sports boxes’ – lockers with footballs and basketballs – throughout Munich, allowing anyone to sign up, scan a QR code to access the gear they need and get active.
Over the past 24 days, the boxes have been used by 1,450 people, resulting in 12,000 hours of sport. Of those who have used the boxes, 85% would not have otherwise played sport without the equipment.
Marc Makowski, senior vice-president, creative direction and innovation, adidas, said: “Sport has the power to change lives. This is a prime example. We are competing for people’s time – one of the best ways to spend time is to be active. Bringing people together creates a completely different experience. There are very few things that create those connections like sport does.”
Andrea Traverso, UEFA financial sustainability and research director, speaking at a Champions Innovate showcase event in Munich said the initiative “has grown into much more than a programme. It has become an incubator for new ideas in European football – one that delivers tangible outcomes.”
The theme for the Champions Innovate projects for the 2026 Champions League final in Budapest is ‘Data for Good’, and will explore how innovative data solutions can help measure football’s environmental and societal impact.
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