EFDN Highlights – January, February & March

EFDN Highlights – January, February & March

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 January, February, and March 2024.

Second Project Meeting of the SAFER Project (19-20 January 2024)

The second in-person project meeting of the SAFER (Sports Against Fan Exploitation and Racism) initiative was held on 19 and 20 January 2024 in Breda, The Netherlands. Hosted by EFDN, the meeting gathered key partners, including Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and the German Football Association (DFB), to discuss strategies for fighting gender-based violence and promoting inclusivity at football events.
Key insights included data presented by the University of Gdansk, reflecting the experiences of fans across Europe. The meeting also explored upcoming pilot site visits, opportunities to gather data at UEFA EURO 2024, and the potential use of educational tools like “FIX IT!” to raise awareness about social issues such as homophobia, racism, and abuse. These collaborative efforts aim to make football a safer, more inclusive space for all.

Announcement of the 21st EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference in Warsaw (9 February 2024)

On 9 February 2024, EFDN announced the 21st #MoreThanFootball Conference, set to take place from 22-24 April 2024 at the Legia Warsaw Stadium in Poland. Co-hosted by Legia Warsaw and Fundacja Legii, the event will bring together football clubs, leagues, and organizations to discuss pressing topics such as sustainability, social inclusion, fundraising, and governance. The conference will feature panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, serving as a platform to share innovative ideas and impactful practices. The event will also celebrate the achievements of the #MoreThanFootball Action Weeks, emphasizing football’s potential to drive societal change.

SAFER Pilot Visit to SL Benfica (4-5 February 2024)

On 4-5 February 2024, the EU-funded SAFER project reached a major milestone with its second pilot visit, hosted by SL Benfica at the iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. Representatives from Football Supporters Europe (FSE), EFDN, and other partners gathered to explore SL Benfica’s strategies for preventing gender-based violence among fans.

The visit featured detailed discussions with senior club figures, inspections of stadium facilities, and observations during a match against Gil Vicente, offering valuable insights into fan interactions. Post-match analyses provided actionable recommendations for enhancing safety and inclusivity. This visit was part of five planned pilot studies, each contributing to developing comprehensive strategies to fight gender-based violence in football.

EFDN Welcomes City in the Community to the Network (22 February 2024)

On 22 February 2024, EFDN was proud to welcome City in the Community, Manchester City FC’s charitable arm, to its network. Founded in 1986, City in the Community has been empowering healthier lives through football across Greater Manchester. Their programs focus on physical and mental well-being, education, and employability, helping to build healthier communities. EFDN was more than excited to welcome such a huge and prestigious member to its network!

SportEYE Project Meeting at PLAY International in Paris (14-15 March 2024)

On 14-15 March 2024, the SportEYE project team gathered at PLAY International in Paris for its third meeting, focusing on sustainable practices in sports organizations. A key highlight was the inclusion of Fundación Real Betis Balompié in the consortium, bringing their extensive experience in social and environmental initiatives to the project.
Discussions centered on finalising educational content for promoting SDGs within sports organisations and planning outreach to club managers and coaches. Attendees also visited the Paris 2024 Legacy and Engagement Forum, gaining insights into the sustainable impact of the upcoming Olympics.
The meeting concluded with a review of project management and dissemination strategies, setting the stage for the next gathering in Milan later in 2024. This event reinforced the commitment of partners to integrating sustainability into the sports sector.