In this new edition of our newsletter, we look back at some of the key Social and Environmental Sustainability initiatives materialised across European domestic football in April 2026.
Throughout the month, European leagues continued to translate their shared commitment to responsibility, inclusion and sustainability into concrete action. April was notably marked by initiatives focused on mental health, social inclusion and anti-discrimination, alongside projects supporting vulnerable communities, safeguarding young people and strengthening football’s wider societal impact across Europe.
“34 first names, 34 stories, one shared reality” – Ligue de Football Professionnel, France
The LFP launched the campaign “34 first names, 34 stories, one shared reality”, highlighting personal testimonies linked to discrimination and inclusion across French professional football. Through the voices and experiences of players, the initiative aims to humanise the fight against discrimination and reinforce football’s role in promoting diversity, respect and social awareness – Read the news [Translated news]
Swiss Football League launches “Play Safe” initiative to protect children and young people – Swiss Football League, Switzerland
The Swiss Football League launched the “Play Safe” initiative to strengthen the protection of children and young people across football environments. The campaign focuses on safeguarding, awareness and prevention measures, promoting safe and respectful environments for young participants within clubs and competitions – Read the news [Translated news]
Premier League publishes five-year update on “No Room For Racism” action plan – Premier League, England
The Premier League released a five-year update on its No Room For Racism Action Plan, outlining progress made across representation, education, fan engagement and reporting mechanisms. The update highlights ongoing efforts to tackle discrimination both within football and across wider society, while reaffirming the league’s long-term commitment to equality and inclusion – Read the news
DFL Foundation supports inclusive sports encounters with €150,000 funding – DFL Foundation, Germany
The DFL Foundation announced €150,000 in funding for projects promoting inclusive encounters through sport. The initiative supports programmes bringing together people from different social backgrounds and abilities, reinforcing sport’s role in fostering social cohesion, participation and inclusion – Read the news [Translated news]
“Football Without Walls” initiative brings Liga Portugal ambassadors to prison facility – Liga Portugal, Portugal
Through the “Football Without Walls” initiative, Liga Portugal ambassadors visited the Carregueira prison facility to engage with inmates through football and dialogue. The initiative aims to promote social reintegration, inclusion and personal development, highlighting football’s ability to create connections and positive impact beyond the sporting environment – Read the news [Translated news]
Lega Serie A takes action to protect the planet – Lega Serie A, Italy
Lega Serie A launched a new environmental awareness initiative focused on sustainability and climate responsibility. Through dedicated matchday visibility and communication activities, the campaign aimed to encourage greater awareness around environmental protection and highlight football’s role in promoting sustainable behaviours – Read the news [Translated news]
Niké liga supports visually impaired and blind communities through April campaign – Niké liga, Slovakia
As part of the Niké liga pomáha initiative, the Slovak league dedicated its April campaign to supporting visually impaired and blind people. Through matchday activations and fundraising efforts, the initiative aims to raise awareness and provide direct support, reinforcing football’s social engagement within local communities – Read the news [Translated news]
Play Mental Foundation receives the National Youth Award 2026 – Eredivisie, Netherlands
The Play Mental Foundation, partner of the Dutch professional football campaign Samen voor Kwetsbaarheid, received the first-ever National Youth Award 2026 for its work on youth mental health. Founded by former professional footballers Gianni Zuiverloon and Edson Braafheid, the initiative uses football and role models to encourage open discussions around mental wellbeing through workshops, campaigns and community engagement – Read the news [Translated news]
Football helps Robin rediscover his matchdays thanks to volunteer support – Keuken Kampioen Divisie, Netherlands
The Keuken Kampioen Divisie highlighted the story of Robin, who was able to return to enjoying football matchdays thanks to the support of volunteer Mechteld. The initiative underlines the importance of volunteers and accessibility in ensuring football remains open and inclusive for all supporters – Read the news [Translated news]
More than €20,000 raised for Younited Belgium through first corporate tournament – Pro League, Belgium
The Pro League organised the first edition of “Play for Younited”, a corporate football tournament bringing together companies and partners to support Younited Belgium, an organisation using football to tackle social exclusion and vulnerability. The event raised more than €20,000, reinforcing football’s capacity to create social impact and community solidarity beyond the pitch – Read the news [Translated news]
NIFL donates £3,245 to Women’s Aid following #NotInOurGame campaign – Northern Ireland Football League, Northern Ireland
Following its #NotInOurGame campaign against violence towards women, the Northern Ireland Football League donated £3,245 to Women’s Aid. The funds were raised through league-wide initiatives and demonstrate football’s role in supporting awareness, prevention and community action around gender-based violence – Read the news
SPFL Trust increases female participation in FFIT programme – SPFL Trust, Scotland
The SPFL Trust highlighted the growing female participation in its Football Fans in Training (FFIT) programme, which uses football clubs as community hubs to promote healthier lifestyles and wellbeing. The initiative supports participants through physical activity, education and peer support, reinforcing football’s role in improving public health and social inclusion – Read the news
“Football’s power in society” highlighted in Swedish professional football initiative – Svensk Elitfotboll, Sweden
Svensk Elitfotboll placed the social impact of football at the centre of a dedicated initiative showcasing how clubs contribute to local communities beyond the pitch. The project highlighted football’s role in areas such as inclusion, education, health and social cohesion, reinforcing the broader societal value of professional football – Read the news [Translated news]