The mascot for next year’s UEFA Championship will be a teddy bear.
Toikido, in collaboration with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and Fanatics, master licensee for EURO2024, has unveiled the UEFA EURO2024 mascot.
The life-size teddy bear mascot will be featured in a collaboration with Toikido’s online Roblox game world, Pinata Smashlings. The UEFA EURO2024 Football Island will be filled with challenges, quests, and host city stadiums all created to reinforce the key message of getting active. The mascot will also be the subject of an extensive merchandising program.
During the lead-up to the tournament, the mascot will aim to encourage Generation Alpha (those born in 2010 or later) to be more active and health-conscious through its #MakeMoves campaign. The mascot will start its #MakeMoves journey in schools across Europe, asking students to submit their most creative football (or soccer) moves and celebrations. The best moves will be transformed into mascot-themed animations using motion capture technology and shared across Europe for other schools to try.
The campaign will also take the mascot’s “be active” message to key digital platforms that kids use daily, such as YouTube. The mascot will lead an educational YouTube series alongside key European influencers, addressing crucial topics such as training, nutrition, and mental health. Resources will be provided to schools, fostering cross-curricular teaching using the UEFA EURO2024 story.
The teddy bear pays homage to the iconic children’s toy that is said to have originated in Germany in the early 20th century. Over the next two weeks, children in UEFA’s Football in Schools program will contribute to a poll to name the mascot. The choices all stem from the German word for bear, “bär,” including Albärt, Bärnardo, Bärnheart, Bärtram, and Herzi von Bär.
“We’re delighted with the opportunity to have the UEFA EURO2024 inspire kids by unleashing their creativity and passion for football, while also providing a unique and innovative way to play with friends online on our very own UEFA EURO2024 Football Island, via our game Piñata Smashlings on Roblox,” says Darran Garnham, CEO of Toikido. “The island will include a host of interactive mini-games and challenges which focus on the importance of physical activity and well-being.”
Phillip Lahm, UEFA EURO2024 Ambassador and German men’s national team legend, adds, “I’ve seen how sports can change lives. This mascot is introducing a great initiative to inspire 5 to 12-year-olds to embrace physical activity through exciting real-world and digital experiences. Digital platforms like Roblox are where children now spend a lot of time, and we want to reach and engage them where they are — while still encouraging them to move and be active. It’s about finding the perfect balance.”
The mascot, along with its dynamic initiatives and partnerships, aims to inspire the next generation, encouraging them to embrace an active lifestyle and develop a love for football and its values.
“We want to see more children be active and this mascot is going to carry a powerful message, letting children be creative and use their movement to power the mascot in the digital world,” says Steffi Jones, UEFA EURO2024 Ambassador and former German women’s national team player and manager. “It’s great to see UEFA innovating and understanding how to captivate the interest of 5 to 12-year-olds using digital technology to create interactive activities and educational resources, encouraging them to embrace physical activity and prioritize their well-being.”
