Clubs open stadiums for charity runs

A charity run combines at least two positive aspects. Besides the physical activity and positive health outcomes of the participants, money is raised for social initiatives. After presenting fundraising activities of fans, charity runs organised by EFDN members will be presented in the following.

PSV Foundation

On Wednesday 9th of May, the 2nd edition of the PSV Foundation Run takes place. The run not only raises money for Muscles for Muscles Foundation and the PSV Foundation, but it also gives the opportunity to take a photo with the Champions plate. Mister PSV, Willy van der Kuijlen is also present. 

For young and old

The PSV Foundation Run is an event for young and old. Together with other PSV fans, participants will complete a special five-kilometer course. The route starts at 7.13 pm and runs along various PSV points in the city, such as the Markt, Stratumseind, the Philips museum, and of course the Philips Stadium. With this running event, the club and supporters raise money for the PSV Foundation and Muscles for Muscles Foundation. The registration fee is € 15, -, and a starting number and a medal will be received for this. Especially for the youngest PSV fans, Phoxy organises the Phoxy Run, an event tailored for the whole family. A special route of one kilometer around and through the Philips Stadium. The start is at 6.15 pm. Children from the age of 3 and their dads and mothers can enrol. The registration fee is € 5, – for members of the Phoxy Club and € 6.50 for non-members.

Photo with the plate

At the Foundation Run participants can take a picture with the Champions plate. This money also benefits both charities. The starting shot of the running event will be given by Willy van der Kuijlen. Shortly before that, players from the PSV Women team will take care of the warm-up.

Rangers Foundation 

The Ranger Charity Foundation organises the Blue All Over Fun Run. On the 20th of May fans can run, jog or walk around the iconic Ibrox Stadium while being covered in coloured paint (mainly blue of course!). After the success of the True Blue Hero Fun Runs in 2016 and 2017, the foundation wants to get the Rangers Family back running for some amazing causes. The Rangers Charity Foundation exists to bring clubs, supporters, staff and players together in a unique way in order to make a difference to thousands of people by means of a range of charitable and community work. With the raised money the foundation will support its comprehensive community programmes for children and adults focused on training regarding health and fitness, employment, equality, diversity and education.

Special reception by first team player

If the participants raise more than £100 in sponsorship, they will become a True Blue Hero and will be invited to a special reception at Ibrox to receive their True Blue Hero medal and pin badge from a first team player. Every participant will receive a medal and goodie bag and there will be plenty of music, fun and games to keep the whole family entertained. They will also have the opportunity to run around the track within the Stadium. The 5 km run is suitable for all the family from age 5 upwards and costs just £10 to take part. It starts at 11 am.

Besides the ‘Blue All Over Fun Run’ the Rangers encourage their fans to participate in other runs and marathons like the Edinburgh Marathon Festival at the 26th of May.

Feyenoord Foundation

On May 23 the fans of Feyenoord Rotterdam get the chance to run in the stadium ”De Kuip” and to support the two social initiatives. Not only the Feyenoord Foundation but also the Sophia Children’s Hospital profit from the revenues of the charity event. 

At 2.00 pm the stadium will open the door for the interested fans. Until 11 pm different runs like the school run, the family run and the business run will take place. Every route is different and includes obstacles and highlights. The kid will experience for example the unique feeling to enter the pitch by the players tunnel. For the numerous spectators a special programme will be provided next to the stadium.

More than 25,000 Euro raised at the last edition

The goal of the charity event is to raise money for the Feyenoord Foundation and the Sophia Children’s Hospital. The Feyenoord Foundation uses the power of its brand and image to provide positive impulses for society. This is done through powerful projects, such as the Feyenoord Street League, Scoring in the District and Feyenoord Jobscorer. In the past years, thousands of children became acquainted with Feyenoord in this way and a better future perspective was offered to these young people. By stimulating participation in sport and a healthier lifestyle, with special attention for the youth and vulnerable groups, Feyenoord contributes to a better future for and connection between its supporters and the residents of Rotterdam.

The Sophia Children’s Hospital is not just a hospital. It is a place where patient care, research and education go hand in hand. The children are central and the very best care comes first. The government and health insurers make a significant contribution to the financing of treatments. Yet additional resources are badly needed. Similarly for the treatment of children with Crohn’s disease. A severe, chronic intestinal inflammation that can not be cured and has a major impact on daily life. In order to ensure that these children receive better treatment and complications and operations can be prevented, more research is needed. Last year the Feyenoord Foundation FunRun already raised more than 25,000 Euro for the work of the hospital.