EFDN welcomes Aalborg Boldspilklub af 1885 to the Network!
We are delighted to announce Aalborg Boldspilklub (AaB) af 1885 as the newest member of the EFDN Network! AaB utilises the inspirational power of football and the club badge to build lasting relationships and improve lives in Hele Nordjylland (All of North Jutland). The club opens collaboration with like-minded members across our Network by sharing best practices around innovative programmes and initiatives.
EFDN is excited to welcome AaB af 1885 as a partner, to collaborate and to create positive impact together and share the success of all the community work realized within our network. AaB states that being part of this network will support the club’s growth, in the form of eagerly contributing to knowledge and influencing a better future for football clubs worldwide. AaB is also committed to expanding its impact beyond the football field and is confident that collaboration with EFDN partners will help achieve these shared goals and together with the Network they will inspire communities across Europe.
As a club, Aalborg af 1885 has two integral components: their professional arm, AaB A/S, and the parent club, AaB af 1885. These two entities are closely intertwined in every aspect of the game, from nurturing and developing players on the pitch to collective efforts off the pitch to improve their city and region.
MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
“Our vision can be explained quite simply through the following statement – We want to be the team that connects all of Northern Jutland. Our mission is to create experiences both on-and-off the field through sustainable approaches”
IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTION
Aalborg Boldspilklub (AaB) believes that it can significantly contribute to the EFDN organisation by leveraging its resources, expertise, and community engagement. AaB is committed to supporting EFDN’s mission of using football as a tool for social change, and aims to do so in the following ways:
1. Sharing Our Community Engagement Successes
We are eager to share our experiences and best practices in community outreach. Our successful initiatives in youth development, health and well-being, social inclusion, and education can provide valuable insights to fellow EFDN members.
2. Participating in and Initiating Joint Projects
AaB is keen to actively participate in and potentially initiate collaborative projects with other EFDN members. We believe that joint campaigns focused on promoting diversity, tackling racism, and improving mental health awareness can significantly enhance the collective impact of EFDN.
3. Engaging Our Fans in Social Responsibility
Our passionate fanbase is a powerful resource for driving social responsibility initiatives. We plan to involve our supporters in volunteer programs, charity events, and awareness campaigns that align with EFDN’s goals, amplifying the impact of these efforts.
4. Promoting Youth and Grassroots Development
AaB is dedicated to youth and grassroots football, and we aim to develop and share programs that align with EFDN’s objectives. These initiatives could include education programs, health campaigns, and efforts to promote fair play and respect among young players.
5. Contributing to Research and Data Sharing
We are prepared to contribute to EFDN’s knowledge base by sharing data and insights from our own CSR initiatives. This will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of various programs and strategies across the network.
6. Supporting Environmental Sustainability
AaB is committed to environmental sustainability and is eager to share our strategies or reducing waste, promoting green energy, and engaging our fans in environmental efforts. We believe these initiatives align well with EFDN’s vision for integrating sustainability into football.
7. Strengthening Local Community Partnerships
We are focused on building strong local partnerships with schools, non-profits, and businesses. By. sharing our approach to community engagement, we aim to inspire other clubs within EFDN to deepen their local ties.
8. Contributing to EFDN’s Online Platforms
AaB is enthusiastic about contributing content to EFDN’s online platforms. We plan to share case studies, articles, and updates on our social initiatives to raise awareness of both our efforts and the broader mission of EFDN.
9. Promoting Cultural Exchange and Inclusion
We are committed to fostering cultural exchange and promoting inclusion, particularly within our multicultural community. By sharing our successful initiatives, we hope to encourage other EFDN members to implement similar programs. AaB is dedicated to leveraging the power of football to create positive social change, and we look forward to playing an active role within EFDN to achieve these shared goals.
INITIATIVES OF AaB:
Through initiatives such as ‘Hele Nordjyllands Håndsrækning’ (The North Jutland Extension) and ‘Projekt Undgå Madspild’ (Project Avoid Food Waste), we aim to create meaningful connections between our supporters and the regional community.
- Hele Nordjyllands Håndsrækning (The North Jutland Extension): The project donates 2 DKK per attendee at selected matches throughout the season, with the collected funds being awarded to an organisation chosen by the supporters.
- Undgå Madspild (Project Avoid Food Waste): The project focuses on delivering leftover food from matchdays to those in need, such as individuals in shelters who may not have sufficient food.
Additionally, AaB af 1885 has established the ‘AaB Kompasset’ (The AaB Compass), which serves as our CSR department. This initiative collaborates with the local government under the slogan ‘Lad bolden vise vejen’ (Let the ball show the way). The ‘Kompasset’ primarily focuses on three key projects: ‘Team Action’ (ages 13-17), ‘AaBForløbet’ (The AaB Course) (ages 18-29), and ‘Ventilholdet’ (ages 30-55+).
- ‘Team Action’ (Youth Project): Dedicated to children and youth from disadvantaged areas of Aalborg. The program seeks to create opportunities for the younger generation by promoting social inclusion.
- ‘AaB-Forløbet’ (Second Program): Among our most forward-thinking initiatives. This project focuses on helping young adults reenter the workforce or education system by providing them with motivation and encouragement to face life’s challenges.
- ‘Ventilholdet’ (Relatively New Project): It has grown significantly over the past six months. The project aims to build a community for older adults (especially men) who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Participants are referred to the program by local doctors who, instead of prescribing medication, offer them the alternative of joining a supportive community. We are currently collaborating with three different practices in Aalborg and are working with Danish football club Randers FC (an EFDN member) to expand the project to their city and region.
AaB af 1885 has also made an impact internationally, participating in projects such as the SIDFOOT project, the APPLE project, and the EU TEQ Games project. These initiatives are designed to improve the lives of children and youth in our local area by promoting sport to enhance social inclusion and support mental and physical health.
