EFDN Highlights 2019 – October to December

EFDN Highlights 2019 – October to December

As the year 2019 is coming to an end, take a look at some EFDN Highlights during the 4th quarter of the year.

13th EFDN “CSR IN EUROPEAN FOOTBALL” CONFERENCE

On the 19th and 20th of November 2019, the successful 13th EFDN ‘CSR in European Football’ Conference took place at Camp Nou and was hosted by EFDN and Barça Foundation. More than 180 delegates, from clubs, leagues and FAs from all over the world attended the Conference in Barcelona. The 2-day event saw teambuilding & networking roundtables, panel discussion, the first More than football Award ceremony, presentations and breakout sessions from various clubs, leagues, FAs and organizations related to their CSR activities. The conference also marked the 5th year anniversary of EFDN and the 25th year anniversary of Barça Foundation.

SHAKHTAR SOCIAL WINS MORE THAN FOOTBALL AWARD 2019

The 13th EFDN Conference inaugurated the first #morethanfootball awards to honour the best CSR initiatives in Europe delivered by a European club, league or FA. Shakhtar Social Foundation won the first More than Football 2019 Award. EFDN members chose their project “Come On, Let’s Play!” as the winner at the 13th EFDN Conference in Barcelona. Community and Social Responsibility in European Football is unfortunately still one of the best-kept secrets in sport and society. To increase the visibility of the positive impact of European football, EFDN decided to introduce the More than Football Award. The other shortlisted projects were presented by Chelsea FC, Rangers Charity Foundation and Juventus FC.

SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD LAUNCH IN GLASGOW

EFDN united with Chelsea FC Foundation, SV Werder Bremen, Rangers Charity Foundation, Inter Campus, Club Brugge Foundation, Ferencvarosi Torna Club, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Fundacao Benfica and Show Racism the Red Card the Netherlands, to stand up for diversity and inclusivity. On the 24th of October at Ibrox stadium, Glasgow, all project partners publicly launched the Show Racism the Red Card programme and a campaign video was launched including players and other representatives from each collaborating partner.

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH FOOTBALL STAFF EXCHANGE

From 8 to 10 October, staff members from Feyenoord Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, PFC Ludogorets 1945, Vitesse Betrokken, KAS Eupen, Inter Campus, Legia Foundation, Saints Foundation and KAA Gent Foundation came together to share their experiences, best practice educational programmes and practical sessions during a 3-day EFDN Staff Exchange at Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The Exchange programme included presentations, practical sessions, workshops and study visit to the new clubhouse of Feyenoord Rotterdam. The Exchange was funded by the Erasmus Plus Programme of the European Union.

EFDN partners with Walking Football League

EFDN announced its official partnership with the Walking Football League, this October. The goal of the Walking Football League that was established in 2018 is to spread the passion for the sport beyond borders. 12 teams from three different countries came together for the first matchday of the new Walking Football League season in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The Belgian, Dutch and German teams competed in FC Schalke 04’s first stadium Glückauf-Kampfbahn. More important than winning matches is the social aspect of Walking Football. The fast-growing sport is a good opportunity especially for elderly people that previously have been forced to stop playing due to age or injury. The elderly find camaraderie and can build up new networks. Host FC Schalke 04 created a great group atmosphere by organising a comprehensive programme the night before the matchday.

EFDN welcomes new members

EFDN welcomed 7 new members to its’ network between October and December 2019. Liverpool FC Foundation was the latest organisation to join our ever growing network as a member. The official charity of Liverpool Football Club uses the passion of LFC fans to do good in their communities. Spanish club Getafe CF and its charity Fundación Getafe CF have joined our network to share knowledge and experiences with other European clubs. Notts County Football in the Community are a regional sports development charity serving the people of Nottinghamshire. The Belgian club Standard De Liege is committed to its local community and uses football as a tool for development. Sheffield United Community Foundation works across the key themes of sport participation with the aim of building a healthier, more educated, respectful and integrated society for the Sheffield community. Since 2008, Newcastle United Foundation has been using the power of football for social change. By joining EFDN, FC Pyunik is eager to expand its work especially in the local and wider community and also share the club’s expertise with other EFDN members.