First EFDN Member of the Month – July 2023

First EFDN Member of the Month – July 2023

We are excited to introduce to you the Member of the Month. 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 will 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.

For this first-ever edition, we are thrilled to announce the inaugural recipient of the EFDN Member of the Month recognition:

Real Sociedad Fundazioa

To celebrate their nomination, Ainara Muga, Project Manager at Real Sociedad Fundazioa has graciously accepted our invitation for an exclusive interview. This opportunity allows us to discover the remarkable work and initiatives that have earned Real Sociedad the nomination for EFDN Member of the Month.

What makes you smile in your role?

To understand how our activities contribute to society and, consequently, impact individuals.

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

I believe that this activity is essential in every sector, not limited to football. Since football is an integral part of our society, its development cannot ignore the key issues our society faces. Furthermore, football holds tremendous visibility and influence within society, underscoring the significance of prioritizing this area within the football industry.

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

Our core values encompass health, education, inclusion, environment, and culture. In order to ensure that our projects have a lasting impact, we currently measure quantitative indicators such as the number of participants in activities and the amount of CO2 emissions reduced. However, we are also actively working on developing additional indicators to measure the qualitative impact of our initiatives.

What’s your favourite project? 

I am passionate about projects that directly create a positive impact on individuals.

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

I have three types of stories that give me special energy:

We have had the privilege of creating a profound impact on individuals facing significant health challenges and confined to their homes. One particular story that deeply touched our hearts involved a young man battling cancer. As a former football player and an ardent supporter of Real Sociedad, he longed to attend a match but was unable to do so due to his illness. With the help of his parents, we made his dream come true. The day he attended the Real Sociedad match was truly extraordinary. His happiness was palpable as he savored every moment, cherishing even the smallest details. It was his first-ever experience of a Real Sociedad match, and it became an unforgettable and deeply meaningful day for him—a fulfillment of his final dream.

Witnessing the sheer joy and excitement of our Genuine players, walking-football members, and children during the activities they participate in is incredibly rewarding. Throughout the year, we can observe their growth, witnessing the progress they make in developing their skills and the profound emotions they experience along the way.

Another source of immense satisfaction is the opportunity to develop projects that make a positive contribution to social and environmental causes. Through these initiatives, we can actively contribute to making a difference in these important areas.

Learn more about Real Sociedad Fundazioa here.