The Kazakhstan Football Federation has won a bronze award at the 2025/2026 UEFA Grassroots Awards.

The UNI Football League project was recognized in the "Best Disability Initiative" category. This was announced by the Federation's press service, El.kz reports.

The project is aimed at developing inclusive football and expanding opportunities for children with special educational needs.

The UNI Football League focuses on the socialization of teenagers with autism and Down syndrome. Participants in the program are children aged 10 to 18, for whom safe and adapted conditions for sports are provided.

The program not only helps develop physical skills but also promotes social inclusion. Special attention is paid to creating a comfortable environment and an individual approach to each participant.

Project Geography Expanding

The first national UNI Football League tournament was held in 2025 in Astana with the support of the Embassy of Spain in Kazakhstan. Today, the project covers nine cities across the country.

More than 120 children are already training in specialized sections, with plans to expand to 160 participants in the near future. The children work with UEFA-licensed coaches who have undergone additional training in inclusive education.

Recognition at the European Level

The UEFA Grassroots Awards have been presented since 2010 for contributions to the development of grassroots football. The awards recognize initiatives that help make the game accessible to everyone and support community development.

Candidates are nominated annually by national associations, and the winners are determined by the relevant UEFA committee based on recommendations from an expert commission.