EFDN Member of the Month – December 2023

EFDN Member of the Month – December 2023

We’re back with a new EFDN Member of the Month announcement! This December, we are delighted to announce one of our Greek members as our Member of the Month: OFI Crete FC, accompanied by an interview with their Communication Officer, Menia Sideraki.

This initiative aims to showcase the outstanding efforts of our member clubs, leagues or FA’s 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 OFI’s nomination, Menia Sideraki accepted our invitation for an interview, enabling us to discover the remarkable experiences as well as his personal stories and initiatives that have led to the club being selected as the EFDN Member of the Month.

A Short Introduction to Menia Sideraki

My name is Menia Sideraki, 33 years old and I work in the Communication Department at OFI Crete FC, since 2018.

What makes you smile in your role?

In OFI Crete FC we all believe in what we do and why we do it! The joy that the participants feel in our activities and the spark in their eyes, is our motive in order to continue to make a difference to people’s lives through football.

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

To believe that football has the power to change peoples’ lives, is a great inspiration as well as a motivation and I really believe that through our projects we make a difference.

Football brings people from different backgrounds together, that’s why it’s a great tool to create a positive social impact. Given the club’s popularity, we have a wide range of action and more and more people who can benefit from our actions. We also have the opportunity to spread important messages and promote our values.

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

Our football team’s strong ethical values drive our CSR initiatives, ensuring that they have a lasting impact on the communities we serve. At our club, we believe that being a responsible corporate citizen goes beyond just playing the game. We understand the influence and reach that our team has, and we strive to use it for the betterment of society.

Furthermore, we prioritize community engagement and social development. We actively participate in local community events and support initiatives that address social issues. Whether it’s partnering with local charities, organizing fundraising events, or volunteering our time, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Through our projects we aim to promote equality & inclusivity, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and health and well-being. By doing so, we aim to inspire positive change and create a better future for all.

What’s your favourite project? 

Although it is quite challenging to choose one project over another, I would choose the 5×5 football pitch that our club built in 2022.

OFI Crete FC, in collaboration with one of our big sponsors, built a 5×5 football pitch with synthetic turf in a Primary school in Heraklion, which was kept a secret for the kids throughout the building process.

The day of the grand opening and the big surprise for the kids, the team’s bus parked outside the school and all the football players, coaching staff and the sponsor’s representatives entered the yard, holding equipment such as goalposts, balls and jerseys with the club’s logo. OFI football players were divided into teams together with the young children and thus the first “tournament” was organized, with the students becoming teammates with the players for a few minutes.

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

In November 2020, OFI footballers and staff members went to Hersonissos, a place in Crete that was affected by severe rain that caused floods and helped the residents clean their houses and the surrounding area from the mud.

In addition, the team collected clothes from areas in Crete, that were affected from floods, washed them and returned them clean to the residents who saw their properties destroyed.

The feeling of satisfaction and pride that comes from initiating a project like this and helping people in need is truly remarkable. None of us will ever forget that day.