EFDN Highlights – April, May & June
As 2024 comes to an end, EFDN invites you to reflect on this year’s exceptional activities, projects, and stories. Once again, 2024 has been an inspiring and successful year, bringing together many of our members at conferences and tournaments. We are proud to have highlighted the social impact of football through a diverse range of initiatives and projects. As we look forward to continuing to make football matter in 2025, let’s first take a moment to revisit some of the key highlights from April, May, and June 2024.
Highlights of the 21st EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference
The 21st EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference took place at the Legia Warsaw Stadium in Poland, bringing together football clubs, leagues, and organisations to share knowledge and celebrate football’s potential to drive social change. Here are the highlights from the two-day event:
Day 1 (23 April 2024)
The conference began with a General Assembly for EFDN members, followed by inspiring discussions on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and FSR (Football Social Responsibility) challenges. Notable speakers included Anna Mioduska (President of the Legia Foundation), Jan Willem van der Roest (Utrecht University), and representatives from the Chicago Fire Foundation and Movember.
Breakout sessions highlighted impactful initiatives, such as Malmö FF’s Show Racism the Red Card campaign, Levante UD Foundation’s social programmes, and Stabaek’s Street Soccer Programmes promoting inclusion.
The first day concluded with a networking dinner at the Belvedere Restaurant in Warsaw’s Łazienki Park, providing a relaxed setting for discussions among attendees.
Day 2 (24 April 2024)
Day two started with updates on EFDN projects and an engaging panel discussion on climate action featuring Sean McCabe, Clare O’Connor, and Katie Cross. The session emphasised sustainability initiatives within football clubs, particularly through the Community Climate Captains programme.
Presentations from the Liverpool FC Foundation, Greenfoot project, and Bristol City Robins Foundation showcased innovative approaches to community engagement, employability, and sustainability. Additionally, the Legia Foundation shared insights from its flagship charity event, “Everyone to the Paddles,” a challenge promoting support for crucial causes.
The conference concluded with inspiring presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities to exchange ideas, reinforcing the vital role football plays in creating positive societal impact.
This two-day event marked another successful step forward for EFDN’s mission to showcase the social power of football.
Football Works Project Meeting in Leverkusen (28-29 May 2024)
On 28-29 May 2024, Football Works project partners convened at Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s BayArena to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at using football to support the reintegration of vulnerable groups into the labour market.
The first day focused on updates from participating clubs, with open discussions addressing challenges and potential solutions. The agenda also covered next steps for the project’s Work Packages, including plans for the 9th annual Football Works Festival, set to take place in September 2024 at a prison in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. The festival will feature a tournament and a conference showcasing best practices in social inclusion and employability programmes.
Participants also enjoyed a stadium tour of the BayArena, gaining a unique behind-the-scenes experience.
The second day included a visit to the JVA Wuppertal-Ronsdorf prison in Germany, providing an in-depth look at its facilities and programmes. Participants explored how prisons can leverage football to offer detainees social support and guidance for successful reintegration into society.
3rd Special Champions League Tournament in Breda (30 May 2024)
On 30 May 2024, the 3rd edition of the Special Champions League Tournament concluded successfully in Breda, hosted at B.S.V. Boeimeer during the European Football Week 2024. Organised by EFDN in collaboration with Special Olympics, the tournament celebrated the skills and achievements of players with intellectual disabilities.
The event welcomed teams from prominent clubs, including NEC Nijmegen, Levante UD Foundation, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Juventus FC, Werder Bremen, KAS Eupen, Fundación Alcoraz, City in the Community, NAC Maatschappelijk, and Fundação Benfica.
Teams arrived on Tuesday and celebrated NAC Breda’s promotion to the Eredivisie with a thrilling 6-2 victory.
Wednesday kicked off with divisioning matches to determine competition groups, followed by a full day of games under mixed weather. The day concluded with a medal ceremony, barbecue, and the fun-filled Oreo Challenge, ending with a scavenger hunt in the city centre, won by Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Teams participated in football activities before enjoying a final lunch and departing.
EFDN extended heartfelt thanks to all participating clubs, staff, fans, and volunteers for making this memorable tournament possible. Their dedication truly embodied the spirit of being #MoreThanFootball.
Announcement of the MoreThanFootball Award 2024 Longlist (24 June 2024)
On 24 June 2024, EFDN proudly revealed the longlist for the prestigious MoreThanFootball Award 2024. This award, powered by Musco Lighting, recognises the most innovative and impactful community and social responsibility projects in European football. The longlist features 10 remarkable clubs and their initiatives:
- Aberdeen FC Community Trust – Dons Families Together
- MKS Puszcza Niepolomice – We Care About the Forest (#DbamyoPuszczę)
- Willem II Betrokken – Beweeg mee met Willem II
- Waterford FC – Autism Friendly Football Club
- Northampton Town FC Community Trust – Winning with Numbers
- Big Hearts Community Trust – Switching Play
- Foundation 92 – Mental Health Transformation
- FC Groningen in de Maatschappij – Social Activation (Sociale Activering)
- Bristol City Robins Foundation – ADD-Mentor
- SV Werder Bremen – Female Empowerment
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
