Lagardère Sports and EFDN start exclusive partnership

Lagardère Sports and EFDN start exclusive partnership

Lagardère Sports and EFDN have signed a two-year partnership agreement. The leading sport marketing agency and EFDN are joining forces to bring the quality and impact of the EFDN community programmes to the next level. 

The network aims to promote the power of football as a tool for social development and support the efforts of the network members in their initiatives to use football to reach out to various target groups in their communities. The network currently consists of 61 clubs from 26 European countries, which benefit from EFDN’s official strategic partnerships with the Fare network, Centre for Access in Football Europe (CAFE), the Social Football Club Alliance, European Healthy Stadia Network, UEFA Foundation for Children and now also Lagardère Sports.

Impact on the society through football

Sport, and in particular, football is increasingly becoming recognised as a valid tool for community development and for addressing social issues. Football for development programmes are providing people from different backgrounds with the skills and resources to actively make a difference in their own lives, and the lives of those in their community. By addressing the most pressing issues in each community, the programmes are contributing to positive social change on a European scale.

Next steps in the development of CSR-projects

Lagardère Sports has more than 1,600 employees worldwide and 50 years of experience in sport. They are a leading sport and entertainment agency, with a global network of local experts dedicated to deliver innovative solutions. With their expertise, they want to evolve together with EFDN to increase the impact football has on the society.

Dönüs Coban, Director of Sales of Lagardère Sports Netherlands: “Companies realise more and more their role and responsibility in the society. In the past, we developed already social projects and campaigns with football clubs, by focusing on their strategic goals and ambitions. With this knowledge and our global network, we can develop EFDN structurally and commercially.  We are very proud of this partnership, to help EFDN building a strong network of companies to impact the society with the power of football.”

Hubert Rovers, CEO of EFDN: “The number of clubs in our network increased since 2014 significantly. Since then, we were able to organise and deliver community programmes and events for many different target groups. With the partnership, we can continue our plan to grow our partner- and club network. With the expertise from Lagardère Sports, I am convinced to develop the network and bring EFDN programmes to the next level, especially in topics like education, health, employability and sustainability.”