May 2 – UEFA has launched Maddli’s School of Football, a new free-to-access educational programme aimed at school-age children, combining learning with movement and themed around the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
The initiative is part of UEFA’s broader Football in Schools strategy and serves as a key component of its Women’s Football Strategy. It aims to expand access to the game through schools and foster a generation that embraces both learning and active lifestyles.
Available in English, French, German and Italian, the programme offers six curriculum-aligned lessons across subjects including maths, language, art, science, music and sport, each designed with an integrated physical activity element to encourage children to develop a lifelong habit of movement.
Targeted at teachers, coaches, and parents, the modular structure allows the content to be adapted for classroom use, football training sessions, or community outreach. Each subject includes clear learning objectives and encourages not just academic engagement, but also social and personal development through collaborative, movement-based challenges.
Since 2020, UEFA’s Football in Schools programme has reached more than three million children across Europe. Maddli’s School of Football is positioned as its next major step — using the visibility of the Women’s EURO to embed football deeper into everyday learning and creating a broader social and educational impact across the continent.
Nadine Kessler, UEFA managing director of women’s football, said: “UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration, and Maddli’s School of Football is a fantastic example of how the power of football can reach far beyond the pitch to support, engage and empower the next generation.
“This initiative blends the thrill of the tournament, a passion for football and teaching valuable life lessons. It’s a great reflection of the UEFA Women’s Football Strategy and the UEFA Football in Schools programme – helping to spark a lifelong love of the game in young people across Europe.”
Juventus and Switzerland forward Alisha Lehmann is supporting the launch of the programme alongside the official mascot of the tournament, Maddli. The spirited Saint Bernard puppy is named after Madeleine Boll, the first-ever female licensed footballer in Switzerland.
“I’m so proud to support the UEFA Football in Schools programme – football has given me so much, and I want every child to feel that same joy and belonging,” said Lehmann.
Con tact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1746886866labto1746886866ofdlr1746886866owedi1746886866sni@g1746886866niwe.1746886866yrrah1746886866