HNS and Blue Flower implement inclusive project for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

The project, symbolically named "AUT Football Camp", was carried out in Slavonski Brod with strong support from both the Croatian Football Federation and UEFA, with the aim of involving children and individuals with autism spectrum disorder in sports activities.

Blue Flower brings together parents, caregivers, and individuals—both children and adults—diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Since its founding in 2020, the association has provided continuous support to families, organizing therapeutic and inclusive programs, while promoting values of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in society. Currently, the association has 73 beneficiaries and over 150 members.

The “AUT Football Camp” project was designed as a one-year program combining sports and therapeutic activities. The official launch and first gathering took place on May 3rd on the football field in the Budainka district of Slavonski Brod. Throughout the year, multiple meetups and activities will be organized at various locations across the city, all led by professional football coaches and educational rehabilitation experts.

"The Croatian Football Federation is extremely proud of its excellent long-term cooperation with the UEFA Foundation for Children, and we are pleased to have found another partner in Blue Flower whose commendable work we are proud to support. This project clearly demonstrates the power of football to connect and include. At HNS, we strongly believe that football belongs to everyone – this is not just a slogan, but a principle we apply across all our activities. Projects like this one show how vital it is to open the world of sport to all, especially children and people with disabilities, giving them access to joy, growth, and equality," said HNS President Marijan Kustić.

With six sessions planned, the project provides children and adults with autism the opportunity to engage in sports, socialize, and build community. At the same time, parents are given time and space to connect and share experiences. Informal social gatherings of participants, professionals, and families will be held after each training session.

"UEFA, through its Foundation for Children, recognizes the importance of projects like ours. A month ago, together with HNS, we submitted this project and it was approved – for which we are sincerely grateful to our football federation and UEFA’s foundation. The project is symbolically named AUT Football Camp. Through its activities, we will organize meetups at various locations in our city, on football fields, where children will have a chance to try playing sports. Our children often pass by and watch others play football, and they want to join in too. We hope to build lasting relationships with local football clubs – some have already reached out and we are truly excited about that," said Iva Klarić, the lead coordinator of Blue Flower.

The second part of the project involves employing a part-time physiotherapist, who will provide regular, individual exercise and therapeutic treatments to the association's members throughout the year. These sessions are held in the association’s fully equipped facility, addressing the great need for professional physiotherapy support among the beneficiaries.

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