EFDN Member of the Month – October 2024

EFDN Member of the Month – October 2024

We are excited to announce Real Sporting Marea Rojiblanca Foundation as our EFDN Member of the Month for October! This month, we had the privilege of speaking with Alfonso Rodríguez, the Head of the Foundation, to learn more about their incredible work and commitment to using football as a tool for positive social impact.

This initiative highlights the remarkable efforts of our member clubs, leagues, and football associations, showcasing their dedication to fostering change through football. Each month, we select a deserving organisation based on their leadership, innovation, and contributions to social responsibility. The chosen member receives exclusive visibility across our network, helping to amplify their inspiring work.

To celebrate the Real Sporting Marea Rojiblanca Foundation’s nomination, Alfonso Rodríguez kindly shared his personal journey, the Foundation’s impactful initiatives, and the values that guide their work with us.

Can you give us a short introduction of yourself, and how long you’ve been working for the organisation?

“My name is Alfonso Rodríguez, and I’m 28 years old. I’ve been the Head of the Real Sporting Marea Rojiblanca Foundation since March 2023. I’ve been a lifelong fan of Real Sporting, and it’s a privilege to now be part of this organisation, using my passion for football to help make a difference in our community in Gijón and throughout Asturias.”

What makes you smile in your role?

“What makes me smile the most in my job is seeing the participants of our Foundation’s programs, like Genuine, Walking Football, and Mental Health, enjoying football. Watching them take part in something they love, while benefiting from it socially and physically, is incredibly fulfilling. And, of course, I enjoy spending time with my colleagues in the office—it makes the experience even better.”

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

“The opportunity to make a real, positive impact on society through football was a huge inspiration for me. Football has the power to reach millions of people worldwide, and it feels special when I can use that power for good. For me, working for Real Sporting, the club I’ve supported all my life, is a dream come true: combining my passion for the sport with a meaningful cause.”

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

“Our Foundation is driven by a desire to help people across Asturias achieve their dreams and life goals, regardless of their age, gender, or condition. This is especially important in our region, which faces significant demographic challenges. We focus on supporting individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those dealing with health issues. To make sure our programs have a lasting impact, we aim to keep them sustainable and repeatable year after year. We also measure the benefits of our programs—physically, socially, and mentally—through academic studies and evaluations.”

What’s your favorite project, and why?

“My favorite project is Futbol Andarín, the walking football team we’ve set up with several chronic patients from hospitals and local associations. It’s incredibly inspiring to see people who, due to illnesses like cancer, Parkinson’s, or HIV, had lost hope, now enjoying their favorite sport again—under the colors of their local team. Beyond the game itself, the friendships and bonds they’ve formed are truly special. Watching them come together as a real team, involving their families in the process, is one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.”

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

“One of our recent campaigns, ‘Refuerzo de Lujo’, is particularly close to my heart. It involves selecting a child under 12 who has faced significant health challenges to be a representative of the club for an entire season. Our first ‘Refuerzo de Lujo’ is an 8-year-old Real Sporting fan who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. His family had to put many of their usual activities on hold, including attending matches. Now, four years later, and fully recovered, he and his family were able to return to the stadium, not just as fans, but as part of the Real Sporting team. It was amazing to help fulfill his dream of being part of his favorite club.”