First Recap of the 22nd EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference in Leuven!

First Recap of the 22nd EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference in Leuven!

The recap of the 22nd EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference, held on the 20th of November 2024 at King Power at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven, Belgium, brought together a packed agenda of presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. The conference highlighted success stories and innovative initiatives from across the world, focusing on inclusivity, mental health, sustainability, and safeguarding.

Morning Session (Members Only)

The morning sessions were exclusively for EFDN members, offering a platform to discuss internal strategies and workshop outcomes.

General Assembly: EFDN members convened to set strategic priorities for the network’s future development.

Shaping the Future Workshops: Collaborative sessions addressed innovative approaches to CSR and ESG integration within football organizations.

Networking Coffee Break: Members connected to exchange insights and strengthen partnerships.

Reporting Session on EFDN Workshops: Members reviewed the findings and progress of ongoing EFDN projects.

Official Opening of the Conference

The afternoon sessions began with the Official Opening of the Conference, followed by the highly anticipated MoreThanFootball Award 2024 Shortlisted Club Presentations:

Foundation 92 (Salford City FC) – Mental Health Transformation

Foundation 92 collaborated with EFLT and local authorities to address rising mental health issues among youth. Their program includes school-based workshops, providing emotional education and coping strategies to vulnerable children in Salford and Greater Manchester. Key Objectives:

• Support young people in understanding and managing their mental health.
• Ease transitions for Year 6 children into secondary school.
• Reduce pressure on the NHS by providing targeted mental health interventions.
  
  

Waterford FC – Autism Football Community – The Autism-Friendly Football Club

Waterford FC aimed to make Waterford Ireland’s first autism-friendly city. The club engaged children with autism through inclusive match-day experiences and regular football sessions, fostering participation and acceptance. Key Objectives:

• Create autism-friendly environments at football matches.
• Provide consistent, supported football participation for children with autism.
• Help establish Waterford as an autism-friendly city.

Bristol City Robins Foundation – ADD-Mentor

Focused on mentoring at-risk youth, the ADD-Mentor program expanded in its second year, achieving a 100% reduction in anti-social behavior among participants. With lived-experience mentors, this project supports young people in overcoming challenges. Key Impact Areas:

• Reduced criminal offenses and improved confidence.
• Enhanced education, social-emotional skills, and physical activity.
• Positive vocational focus and a brighter outlook for participants.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust – Dons Families Together:

This health and wellbeing initiative combines physical activity, nutritional guidance, and life skills development for families living in poverty, creating a positive support network.

Key Outcomes:

• Increased confidence and mental wellbeing.
• Enhanced physical activity and family bonding.

Breakout Session 1

Angel City FC – The Angel City Journey

Presentation Title: The Angel City Journey

Presenters: Catherine Dávila, Head of Community & Marketing, and Chris Fajardo, Vice President of Community Impact at Angel City FC.

Key Discussion Points:

• Evolution of Community Programs: Catherine Dávila highlighted the growth of Los Angeles’ Girls Play LA (GPLA) program, now including “girls and gender-expansive youth” in partnership with Angel City FC, impacting 104 sites across the city.
• Power of Advocacy: Chris Fajardo recounted the moving story of a young player who represented Angel City FC before city commissioners, advocating for a partnership that reflected the club’s community-first mission.
• Inclusive Practices: attendees learned actionable strategies to implement inclusive practices in their organizations, inspired by Angel City’s commitment to fostering belonging in sports and beyond.

Foundation 92 & EFDN – SAVES Project

Presentation Title: The SAVES Project, focused on safeguarding within football

Presenters: Donna Hennessy, Head of People, Culture and Compliance at Foundation 92, and Philipp Reißner, Project Manager at EFDN.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Safeguarding: building foundational knowledge of safeguarding practices and their importance in football.
• Knowing Where to Start: offering practical guidance for initiating safeguarding measures in football organizations.
• Improving Confidence in Implementation: equipping practitioners with tools to effectively apply safeguarding standards and increase confidence in their application.