Fortum Tutor programme has been chosen as UEFA's Best Grassroots Project in Europe. UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations handed the UEFA Grassroots award to Fortum Tutor programme on Wednesday May 15, 2012.
Fortum Tutor is a national programme launched in 2009 in partnership with the Football Association of Finland to develop the skills of coaches of junior football teams. The goal is to make sure that children have an inspiring and competent coach. The program has an impact on more than 20,000 children and their families around Finland.
100 football coaching experts have been selected as tutors; each of them coaches in over 2,000 junior coaches yearly. The coaches receive the concrete support and help they need in developing their coaching skills. Fortum funds the program, while the responsibility for the content belongs to the Football Association of Finland. The primary target group is the coaches of children from 5 to 11 years old. Children under 12 are at the most susceptible age in terms of learning the fundamentals of the sport, and therefore need an inspiring coach to support them.
"Fortum Tutor is a good example of a sponsorship programme where both corporation and national league devote to the future together – on children, young people. For us, it is valuable to support hobbies that help children to develop their social skills and sense of togetherness. At its best a good hobby carries throughout the whole life and decreases the risk of displacement. A skilful and motivating coach has a key role in the continuation of the child's hobby", says Anne Brunila Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations and Strategy, Fortum.
UEFA Grassroots Day is also celebrated all 53 UEFA member associations as part of festivities of Champions League Finals on May 19, 2012. The aim of Grassroots Day is to recognise outstanding achievements in grassroots football.
High resolution images for the media use can be found at The Fortum Media Bank at www.fortum.com > Mediaroom > Photos and logos > Fortum Media Bank > Sponsoring
Fortum Corporation
Corporate Communications
Additional information:
Aki Koskinen, Director, Communications and Marketing, Fortum Oyj, tel. +358 40 733 9493
Fortum
Fortum's purpose is to create energy that improves life for present and future generations. We provide sustainable solutions that fulfil the needs for low emissions, resource efficiency and energy security, and deliver excellent value to our shareholders. Our activities cover the generation, distribution and sales of electricity and heat as well as related expert services.
Fortum's operations focus on the Nordic countries, Russia, Poland and the Baltics. In the future, the integrating European and fast-growing Asian energy markets provide additional growth opportunities. In 2011, Fortum’s sales totalled EUR 6.2 billion and comparable operating profit was EUR 1.8 billion. We employ approximately 10,800 people. Fortum’s shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
Further information: www.fortum.com