MADRID, April 4 (Xinhua) -- La Liga outfit Athletic Club Bilbao on Monday was named as the winner of the UEFA Grassroots Awards for the Best Professional Club for its youth system.

The club from the Basque region in the north of Spain were recognized by UEFA for having "developed a comprehensive child protection and safeguarding policy, enabling the protection of all young people in the club's care."

"Athletic's Aterpe (Basque for "shelter") program, which enables a safe environment for players, ballboys and girls, and player escorts, includes preventive elements, staff training and action protocols, with special attention to caring for children in vulnerable social situations. Athletic work with more than 150 grassroots clubs in the surrounding region, supporting them with training, medical and financial assistance," UEFA said in their announcement.

UEFA also praised Athletic for their "inclusive agenda or specific social objective that demonstrates commitment to its role in society, the local community and the grassroots game."

The Grassroots Awards have existed since 2010, with the 2021 Award given to German club, Werder Bremen.

Athletic are special in European and world football as the club only have players either born or raised in the Basque Region in their squads and they have never been relegated.

"This program is fundamental to Athletic Club - it's our foundation. It's everything that Athletic are about - a trust in youth, a trust in society - it's a necessity and value. We try to turn our words into reality. It's not always easy, but Athletic are committed to this and we thank UEFA for taking notice of this effort," commented Athletic Club President Aitor Elizegi on UEFA's official website. Enditem

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