Sharing Knowledge and Networking continued on 2nd day of EFDN conference
Also the second day of the 10th EFDN Anniversary Conference in Paris provided many opportunities to come together to improve upon existing programmes and stimulate innovative ideas within CSR.
After a very successful first day, EFDN was happy to kick off the second day with equally exciting presentations, breakout sessions and panel discussions.
In the morning of the 22nd of March, representatives were able to follow a panel discussion on the subject ‘Tackling Racism in Football’. The panellists, Tony Higgins (FIFPro), Federico Addiechi (FIFA), Paul Elliot (Ambassador) and Hubert Rovers (EFDN) discussed approaches on how to eliminate racism, discrimination and intolerance in and through football a topic that has become a major priority in recent years in professional football.
Later that day, conference delegates attended diverse breakout sessions that gave possibilities to improve upon existing programmes and stimulate innovative ideas within CSR.
Inspiring breakout sessions
In the first breakout session, Matt Mead from the Chelsea Foundation shared his knowledge on the building and delivery of STEM programmes (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programmes within the local community, highlighting the skills needed for tomorrow.
Additionally, a breakout session was held by Gerko Brink (Dutch Justice Departement) and Chris Brien (Bohemian FC). The joint presentation focused on the innovative programme that aims at reintegrating prisoners in a sustainable manner into the job market.
In the third breakout session, facilitated by Brian Godor, delegates learned more about a research cooperation between the Erasmus University Rotterdam and Feyenoord that aims at evaluating and accessing the impact of Feyenoord’s community programme.
Sharing perspectives
EFDN was also happy to welcome Gary Bye representative of the Premier League. Gary shared his expertise on the topic of safeguarding. The session described how Premier League Clubs embed a culture of safeguarding and how it differs to child protection built on a legislative foundation. A valuable presentation about a topic which needs to be at the centre of clubs and foundations strategy.
A related topic was addressed by Annalisa Novembre and Stefano Cappellini of Inter Campus who presented the organisation’s approach vision and mission to give back children their Right to Play and fosters the development of communities, by tackling specific social challenges according to regional peculiarities and needs.
The last presentation of the day was given by Hubert Rovers (EFDN), supported by Aberdeen Community Trust and NEC Nijmegen. Huber Rovers presented EFDN’s youth and staff exchanges and the impact they have had in the past on participants. Additionally, he paid attention to one-on-one exchanges that will be a particular focus for the Network in the future.
Celebrating a unique cooperation
We are happy to have experienced a 10th EFDN #Morethanfootball milestone conference featuring fantastic speakers, inspiring panels and many possibilities for shaping the future of CSR in football.
With great thanks to Paris Saint-Germain Foundation for their commitment and hospitality in hosting the 10th EFDN #Morethanfootball Conference. We also would like to thank all delegates and speakers, who contributed to the success of the event.
The 10th EFDN Conference provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate such a milestone and as a result the cooperation between clubs across Europe.