Sharing best practice and knowledge continued at 2nd day of the 9th EFDN Conference
Also the second day of the 9th EFDN Conference that is being hosted in Oslo by Valerenga Fotball provided many opportunities to discuss and share best practices and knowledge in the field of European Football and Development. Current challenges and new opportunities in the field of Community and Social Responsibility in European football were discussed and inspiring presentations were given by club and foundation leaders and coordinators. After a very successful first day of the conference with speakers from all across Europe, EFDN was happy to kick-off the second day of the conference with equally exciting presentations, breakout sessions and roundtables.
The first presentation of the day was held by the UNDP Nord Representative Office. The representatives introduced the Sustainable Development Goals to the delegates and provided examples of how sport organisations bring their CSR programmes in line with the SDG’s. Additionally, the presentation will provide knowledge on how European football can contribute to making people, such as their fans, more aware of the SDG’s.
Afterwards, in the Breakout Sessions, Ally Prockter and David Smith from the Aberdeen FC Community presented their Award-winning Dementia Friendly Communities Programme. The presentation outlined the humble beginnings of the idea and the significant impact working with dementia groups has had on participants, partners and AFCCT. Next to that, the speakers explained the intervention methods used, the people and partners that they work with, and the many benefits associated with this important area of work.
An inspiring and encouraging presentation was also delivered by Balint Mate, responsible for the CSR activities of Ferencvaros TC. He gave attendees an insight into the club’s programme ‘Fradi School’ that is being used by Ferencvaros as a valuable tool to reach out to the 6-18-year-olds with an important social message. In his presentation, Balint shared his knowledge and expertise with the conference attendees in what constitutes Ferencvaros flagship programme.
The Links Park Community Trust was represented by Peter Davidson, Chief Executive of the Trust. In his workshop, Peter Davidson provided an insight into the work of Links Park Community Trust, and the impact it has on addressing health and social inequalities in their locality.
The Breakout Session was followed by a presentation given by Claudia Krobitsch who works for the Fare network, an international umbrella organisation of NGO’s, activists, minority groups and football organisations who are committed to combat discrimination in football and use the sport to promote social inclusion. The session looked at Fare’s work and explore opportunities for clubs to cooperate with Fare as part of their CSR work.
Jan Ryrlen from IF Elfsborg and Martijn de Wild from Vitesse Arnhem dedicated a session to the topic of employability programmes. In their presentations, both introduced their most recent programme in which the football club and foundation provides opportunities for education, employment and training.
The Scort Foundation, supported by FC Schalke 04 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen introduced in which way “the Alliance”, members of the Football Club Social Alliance empower young leaders in the areas of mental health and social change, to enable them to create safe spaces for children in communities.
As one of the last presentations of the day, Hubert Rovers introduced the new pan – European Active Fans and Healthy Football League programme that will start in 2018, together with 9 partner clubs from all across Europe.
Last, the FC Barcelona Foundation, represented by Aisha Al-Said Albella paid attention to the foundations FutbolNet programme is being delivered by the FC Barcelona Foundation and focuses on violence prevention, fostering social inclusion and education through sport.
We are happy to have experienced a conference with featuring fantastic speakers, inspiring study visits and many possibilities for shaping the future of CSR in sport.
With great thanks to Valerenga Fotball for their commitment and hospitality in hosting the 9th EFDN Conference. We also would like to thank all delegates and speakers, who contributed to the success of the event.
