EFDN Member of The Month – August 2024

EFDN Member of The Month – August 2024

We are back with a new EFDN Member of the Month announcement! This August, we are delighted to announce Apollon Limassol FC as our Member of the Month, accompanied by an interview with Koulla Stavrinidou, Head of Marketing and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

This initiative aims to showcase the outstanding efforts of our member clubs, leagues, or FAs, honouring their dedication to using football for positive change in their communities. Each month, we select a deserving member organisation based on its leadership, innovation, and impact on social responsibility. The chosen member gains exclusive visibility across our network and beyond, allowing their inspiring work to be recognised and celebrated.

To celebrate Apollon Limassol FC’s nomination, Koulla Stavrinidou accepted our invitation for an interview, enabling us to discover the remarkable experiences as well as her personal stories and initiatives that led to the club being selected as the EFDN Member of the Month.

A short introduction of Koulla Stavrinidou’s position within Apollon’s organisation

We are thrilled to introduce Koulla Stavrinidou, a dynamic and passionate professional who has been a driving force behind Apollon Limassol FC’s community and brand initiatives since 2011. At 36 years old, Koulla serves as the Head of Marketing and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the club. Her dedication to football and community engagement shines through in her work, where she not only promotes and grows the club’s brand but also spearheads meaningful CSR initiatives that create a positive impact on the community. Koulla’s journey with Apollon Limassol FC has been both fulfilling and challenging, and her contributions have been instrumental in the club’s success both on and off the field.

What makes you smile in your role?

What makes me smile in my role is seeing the passion of our fans and the positive impact our initiatives have on the community. Whether it’s launching a successful marketing campaign that unites our supporters or leading a CSR project that brings real change to people’s lives, knowing that my work helps strengthen the bond between Apollon Limassol FC and its community fills me with pride and joy every day.

What inspired you to work in the CSR/ESG field and what made you interested in making a difference in the football industry specifically?

My inspiration to work in the CSR and ESG field stems from a deep belief in the power of sports to drive social change. Football, with its global reach and passionate following, offers a unique platform to make a meaningful impact. I was drawn to this field because I wanted to harness the influence of football to promote positive values, support local communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The idea of using the sport I love to create lasting change is what motivates me every day in my role at Apollon Limassol FC.

What core values guide your organisation’s work, and how do you ensure your initiatives have a lasting impact?

The core values that guide my organisation’s work are integrity, community, and sustainability. We are committed to acting with honesty and transparency in all our initiatives, fostering a strong sense of community by engaging and empowering those we serve, and focusing on long-term solutions that promote environmental and social well-being. To ensure our initiatives have a lasting impact, we prioritise collaboration with local partners, set measurable goals, and continuously assess and adapt our strategies to meet the evolving needs of the community. This approach allows us to create meaningful, enduring change through our work.

What’s your favourite project?

All of the CSR projects we have at Apollon Limassol FC are my favourites, and each one is special to me. Every initiative plays a crucial role in supporting different parts of our community, addressing various needs, and making a positive impact. However, the Welcome Through Football project holds a particularly special place in my heart. This initiative uses the power of football to welcome and integrate refugees and migrants, especially small children.

Can you share a memorable story that showcases the positive impact of your organisation’s work?

A truly inspiring story from our organisation’s work involves a young refugee boy who participated in the Welcome Through Football programme. His passion for football and his talent quickly shone through during the sessions.

As he continued to engage with the programme, our coaches noticed his exceptional talent and dedication. Recognising his potential, they recommended him for a spot in our youth academy. The transition to the academy not only provided him with advanced training and development but also offered him a sense of belonging and purpose. Witnessing this boy’s journey from a shy participant to a promising academy player highlighted the profound impact of our programme. It was a powerful reminder of how our initiatives can transform lives, uncover hidden talents, and offer new opportunities to young refugees.