Football is a lot of fun. It is also a powerful social force that can mobilise people, integrate communities, reinforce values and influence perceptions. By supporting a number of social projects in connection with UEFA EURO 2008™, UEFA is using its flagship tournament draw attention to social problems like racism, discrimination and violence. These projects ensure that football’s magic is accessible to all groups, and will help UEFA leave a lasting legacy for the countries that host the tournament.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is the official charity partner for UEFA EURO 2008™. UEFA is supporting the fundraising campaign “Score for the Red Cross” by donating €4,000 for each goal scored at the final tournament. UEFA is inviting fans to join in this initiative, by purchasing virtual goals for their chosen team through the website scorefortheredcross.org. Users can help their team win the title of UEFA EURO2008™ humanitarian champions while helping Afghan mine victims get the artificial limbs that will help them work and play again.

EUROSCHOOLS 2008 is the official schools project of UEFA EURO 2008™. Schools in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are acting as ambassadors for one of the 53 UEFA member countries during the 2007/08 academic year. The EUROSCHOOLS 2008 project is not just about exciting football matches played by special Fair Play rules; it also aims to make a definite and sustainable contribution to cultural understanding during the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

The Fan Embassies project aims to support football fans during the UEFA European Championship final round. Developed by fans for fans, Fan Embassies will be set up in the eight host cities to serve as places where fans can get help or advice when they need it.

Unite Against Racism combats racism and discrimination and celebrates diversity through a number of activities organised before and during UEFA EURO 2008™. The semi-finals of UEFA EURO2008™ will be dedicated to this theme.

The four quarter-final matchdays will highlight football for the disabled under the banner, Football for All. Four different groups of disabled players will compete in showcase games in the countdown to kick-off in the four matches, with blind and Special Olympics players demonstrating their football skills.