Exciting news for Disney and football fans alike! This summer, Disney and Pixar’s upcoming movie “Inside Out 2” will be teaming up with UEFA Playmakers, a remarkable initiative aimed at inspiring young girls across Europe to fall in love with football. The Playmakers programme, which originated back in February 2020, has been transforming the landscape of youth football by leveraging the magic of Disney storytelling to captivate and motivate girls.
Inside Out 2, the much-anticipated sequel that delves back into the mind of Riley, a newly minted teenager navigating the whirlwind of new emotions, will take center stage in UEFA Playmakers. Slated for a June 14th release across European cinemas, this movie partnership marks a milestone as the first film joining Playmakers to coincide with its theatrical release. The collaboration underscores a steadfast synergy between UEFA and Disney, further enriched by past films like “Encanto,” “The Incredibles 2,” “Frozen 2,” and “Moana.”
To commemorate this partnership, Amy Poehler, the voice behind Joy, met with two Welsh Playmakers participants, nine-year-olds Sophia and Esther, who joyously shared their love for football and their experiences in the programme. This poignant moment captures the essence of the initiative: fostering a safe, non-competitive environment where girls can develop vital skills and self-esteem through engaging activities.
Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s Managing Director of Women’s Football, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s really exciting to welcome Inside Out 2 into the UEFA Playmakers family. The film’s celebration of embracing our emotions perfectly aligns with the values of Playmakers.” Charlotte Tudor, VP of Marketing at Walt Disney Studios EMEA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significant role UEFA Playmakers plays in the movie’s launch and the program’s flourishing presence across Europe.
Currently, UEFA Playmakers sessions take place in 47 national associations at over 5,000 locations, serving more than 93,200 girls with the assistance of 6,600 trained coaches. What started with seven countries has now grown to a powerhouse of 47, including Spain, Sweden, Italy, and Turkey, continuing to expand and provide countless opportunities for young girls to discover the joy of football.
What do you think about this unique collaboration between Disney and UEFA Playmakers? Feel free to share your thoughts and excitement in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with friends and family who might be intrigued by this inspiring initiative!
Original source: [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/assiletoufaily/2024/06/07/disneys-upcoming-movie-inside-out-2-joins-uefas-playmakers-program/)
