UEFA donates €180,000 to CAFE for 60 goals scored

PanARMENIAN.Net - Fans in the stadiums and in front of their TV screens have been hailing the goals as they continue to fly in at UEFA EURO 2012 – and the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), the official tournament charity – have more reason than most to cheer with joy as the ball hits the net, UEFA official website said.

UEFA is donating €3,000 to CAFE for each goal scored at the tournament. The now concluded group stage has seen no less than 60 goals in 24 games – which means that European football’s governing body has so far donated €180,000, happy in the knowledge that it is contributing to giving improved access and facilities for disabled football fans.

As part of the Respect programme at UEFA EURO 2012, UEFA is working with CAFE to manage separate Respect Inclusion initiatives, and football followers and other benefactors are being encouraged to donate money for upcoming schemes.

CAFE was set up via UEFA's CHF 1m charity cheque in 2009 to promote and ensure equal access across the region covered by UEFA's member national associations. It provides support, guidance and advice to partners and stakeholders, which include UEFA, national associations, leagues and clubs, disabled fans and disabled supporter groups.

Joyce Cook, CAFE's managing director, is delighted with Europe's sharpshooters as the knockout stage comes around. "It's been an amazing tournament for us so far, and especially as the official EURO 2012 tournament charity," she said. "I'm surprised that the whole of Europe can't hear our cheers every time a goal is scored, as UEFA is donating €3,000 per goal – so we're all hoping for the highest scoring tournament ever.”