New Speakers Announced for 20th Making Football Matter Conference in Athens!
In already less than one month we will kick off the 20th EFDN Conference (13-15 November) in Athens, Greece. The topic of this EFDN Conference will be “Making Football Matter”, which will take place at the OPAP Arena, the stadium of EFDN Member AEK Athens. The programme is already unveiled and we are happy to confirm the presence of the following speakers:
Rachel Smith, Health & Wellbeing Manager of the Wolves Foundation
Rachel’s role is to oversee a variety of health and wellbeing initiatives delivered in the Wolverhampton community with individuals from birth up to older adults. She works with and manage a team of like-minded others to improve physical and mental wellbeing in our beneficiaries, inspiring and encouraging them to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. She works closely with both operational and strategic partners to ensure our projects are having the maximum impact across the city.
Elisabeth Anderton, Sustainability Manager of IFK Göteborg
Elisabeth has a background in the show and sports industry and as an entrepreneur and health therapist, she started working with social work over 20 years ago. Elisabeth mainly worked with people with addiction problems and in homelessness. Today, she works as Sustainability Manager at IFK Gothenburg, where she has a leading position to drive sustainable development in the club from a social, economic and ecological perspective. This includes work at both individual and organizational level.
Luis Orlandi, International Cooperation Manager of the Fundación River Plate
Luis is an specialist in fundraising, international cooperation, and public affairs boasting over 15 years of experience across multiple countries such as Argentina, Italy, Belgium and Spain. Currently, Luis plays a pivotal role in assisting River Plate Foundation and other organizations by supporting their fundraising efforts, while also helping them develop effective business and resource mobilization strategies.
Francis Smith, Chief Executive of The St Johnstone Community Trust
Francis had previously held positions within sport and public sector and is a Changing Lives Leader with Sports Scotland which allows him to drive his ‘why’ of making sport and physical activity available for all. Since taking the job as Chief Executive of The St Johnstone Community Trust 22 months ago, he has seen the extent of how football can specifically help with so many varied social outcomes.
The St Johnstone Community Trust is one of the shortlisted clubs for the More than Football Award 2023 with their project Saints Academy INclusion Through Sport (SAINTS).
Niel Janssen, Foundation Lead at KRC Genk
His professional career started back in school as a self-employed student. After his studies, his marketing agency grew into a team of three. As with many start-ups, the covid pandemic had a drastic impact. As a result, he took up another challenge as a freelancer with an international company. After this contract ended, he joined KRC Genk as community coordinator. After less than a year, he was given the confidence to also write the policy plan and take final responsibility as Foundation Lead.
KRC Genk is one of the shortlisted clubs for the More than Football Award 2023 with their KRC Young Dementia Café.
Take a look at the EFDN Conference website for the full programme and more information about the speakers.
Haven’t registered yet? Do it now!
Scan the QR-code or click here for the registation form!
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
