UK-German Connection is delighted to announce Kicking Off Connections – funded football exchanges, a special grant for football-themed exchange trips for young people in the UK and Germany. Register your interest now!
Schools/colleges, youth groups and football clubs (with or without an existing partner in Germany) will have the chance to travel abroad as part of this grassroots sporting exchange aimed at supporting young people and providing opportunities to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The “Kicking Off Connections” initiative forms part of the implementation of the Kensington Treaty, through which the UK and Germany have committed to strengthening cooperation in education, supporting language learning, fostering cultural exchange, and building lasting links between young people in both countries. In line with the treaty’s goals, “Kicking Off Connections” promotes intercultural understanding through peer-to-peer connections between young people, particularly those who would otherwise not have the chance to take part.
You can take part in “Kicking Off Connections” by either:
Young people involved must be 18 years old or younger.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted as from now. Within three working days, you will be contacted to discuss your ideas and share further guidance.
Once you’ve agreed a joint exchange project with your German partner, you submit a project proposal (application and costings – forms will be provided) and, if successful, receive a contract (issued by the British Council) and your first instalment.
All exchange activity must conclude by 5 March 2027 at the latest.
The scheme has a rolling deadline. However, applications must be received at least six weeks in advance of the (first) visit. Please be aware that if you require the first payment ahead of travel, it is strongly advised to apply well in advance of the six-week deadline
Applications must be led by the UK institution and prepared jointly by the UK and German institution and submitted to the UK-German Connection UK office by emailing funding@ukgermanconnection.org.