In these nations, there will be local football tournaments, competitions and workshops for players, as well as additional focus on safeguarding training for coaches this year.

Over 30 training sessions and webinars are also being organised during and after the activities, focusing on policies and procedures to create a safe environment for the intellectually-disabled community.

Special Olympics Europe is treating the event as a return to sport after many restrictions were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A survey by Special Olympics stated that 20 per cent of Europe and Eurasia-based athletes did not have enough food during the pandemic, and that 15 per cent did not have a safe place to live.

Of those of school-age, 37 per cent of athletes lacked access to education or remote learning.

European football governing body UEFA is supporting the programme, as are 30 football clubs and 30 National Federations.

"I'm excited to see Special Olympics footballers get back on pitches across Europe for safe, grass-roots events," said Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President and managing director David Evangelista.

"As one of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19, our athletes have shown great resilience in the face of this hardship over the past 18 months. 

"They stand to teach all of us what determination, courage and solidarity really are - and it is an honour for me to cheer them on as they make their way back to the pitch.

"This year, safeguarding training is a key element of European Football Week. 

"We are supporting Special Olympics programmes to develop and strengthen policies and procedures to prevent and address any incidents of mental, emotional and physical harassment and exploitation. 

"The safety, health and well-being of our athletes on all levels - and at all times - is our number one priority as a movement, and we look forward to building this important policy work into our exciting 2021 European Football Week."

The event is set to end on Thursday (September 30).