In the face of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the continued humanitarian crisis affecting children and families in the region, the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund stands out as an initiative that showcases the power of collaboration within the football community to support those in need.
Established with the core aim of providing aid and support to Ukrainian refugees in the ongoing crisis, the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund is an essential initiative of the ECA family.
Since its inception in March 2022, the €1 million-fund has been making a substantial impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugees, providing hope and practical assistance during their time of need, and to date clubs have had 26 projects approved by the ECA Ukraine Relief Committee. As we enter the final third-round call for projects, we will be looking at the work that has been achieved by those projects, supported by the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund and its ongoing commitment to helping the Ukraine refugees.
During the initial two rounds of the project, the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund demonstrated its dedication to creating tangible positive change in the lives of Ukrainian refugees. Through the support of the UEFA Foundation and participating member clubs, a diverse range of projects were delivered, including in the four main areas highlighted below:
- Emergency Humanitarian Assistance: The fund facilitated the distribution of essential supplies, such as food, clean water, clothing, and medical aid, to affected communities. These efforts significantly contributed to easing immediate difficulties.
- Education and Skill Development: Recognising the significance of education in times of crisis, the fund supported initiatives that provided access to quality education and training for refugee children. These educational programmes aimed to empower individuals with knowledge and skills for a brighter future.
- Shelter and Infrastructure: The fund played an active role in the construction and renovation of shelters to provide safe living environments for displaced families.
- Psychosocial Support: Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of displacement, the fund supported therapy services, fostering emotional well-being among those affected.
The ECA Relief Committee is currently reviewing the latest projects proposed for the third-round call for projects by assessing each initiative individually, ensuring that it aligns with the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund's mission and objectives.
The ECA Ukraine Relief Fund stands as a testament to the power of unity and collective action within the football community. Through the unwavering support of its member clubs and partners, the fund has been able to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.
As we await the announcement of the third-round projects, let’s celebrate one year of empowerment through the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund. In honour of this milestone, we will be dedicating our efforts to highlight and promote the impactful projects of rounds one and two across ECA's social media platforms. Together, we can amplify the reach and inspire more support for those tragically affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The clubs participating into the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund are: AC Sparta Praha, AS Trencin, Athletic Club, Celtic FC, FC Chikhura Sachkhere, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, FC Slovan Liberec, FC Veres Rivne, FC Zimbru, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Heart of Midlothian FC, Legia Warszawa, Maccabi Haifa F.C., Nõmme Kalju FC, SJK Seinäjoki, SK Slavia Praha, SK Slovan Bratislava, Trabzonspor AS, Sporting Clube de Portugal, and Wisla Kraków.