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

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

The second 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. Along with the annoucement #MorethanFootball Award Winners!

All-in & Win Panel Discussion

Presentation Title: All-In & Win: Building Inclusive Communities in Sports

Panel speakers:

• Beau de Leeuw – All-in & Win
• Chris Fajardo – Angel City FC
• Thijs de Greeff – All-in & Win
• Seppe Verbist – Pro League

The All-in & Win panel encouraged sports organizations to take proactive steps in promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring that sports are truly for everyone. Attendees left equipped with the tools and inspiration to lead positive change within their own communities. This panel brought together experts in inclusivity and community impact to discuss the steps needed to make sports a welcoming space for players, staff, and fans of all backgrounds and identities.

Key Discussion Points:

Building Inclusive Environments

• Strategies for creating safe, supportive spaces in sports for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Practical approaches to ensure everyone feels valued and respected within sports organizations.

Breaking the Silence on LGBTQ+ Issues in Sports

• Addressing the lack of open discussions about LGBTQ+ topics in sports.
• Encouraging honest, constructive dialogues to dismantle exclusionary barriers.

Call to Action for Inclusive Sports Communities

• The session emphasized that inclusion is more than an abstract goal—it’s an actionable mission.
• Panelists shared experiences and strategies to inspire organizations to lead the way in fostering inclusive communities within the sports industry.
  

Break Out Session 2

PSG for Communities – Onze de Légende

Presentation Title: Onze de Légende

Presenter: Sandrine De Moura, Operations Coordinator at PSG For Communities

This session explored PSG’s football-based inclusion program, Onze de Légende, which brings together neurotypical and autistic children for weekly soccer training sessions. The program aims to foster goodwill, acceptance of differences, and enjoyment of the game in a shared environment.

Key Discussion Points:

• The role of sports in building inclusive communities.
• Insights into leveraging football platforms to drive social change.
• Strategies for creating sustainable, inclusive programs in local communities.

DJI, Saints Foundation & EFDN – ‘Inside’: The Birth of the Erasmus+ Study Football Works

Presentation Title: ‘Inside’ – The Birth of the Erasmus+ Study Football Works

Presenters:

• Gerko Brink, National Project Manager, Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency
• Jules Rasoelbaks, Case Manager, Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency
• Philipp Reißner, Project Manager, EFDN
• Jed Haney, Pathways Projects Manager, Saints Foundation (Southampton FC)

This presentation highlighted the transformative impact of football in prison rehabilitation, focusing on the Football Works program, which uses sports to aid reintegration and personal growth.

Key Discussion Points:

• Gerko Brink: Employment guidance and societal safety through sports networks.
• Jules Rasoelbaks: Role modeling and rehabilitation based on lived experiences.
• Philipp Reißner: Positive outcomes of the Football Works program and methodologies for reintegration.
• Jed Haney: Southampton FC’s Saints Restart program for pre- and post-release support in HMP Winchester.

International Olympic Truce Centre – SportEYE: Sports, SDGs, and Sustainability

Presentation Title: SportEYE – Sports, SDGs, and Sustainability

Presenter: Dimosthenis Dimopoulos

This session focused on how sports can promote social inclusion, solidarity, and sustainability in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Discussion Points:

• Presentation of findings from the State of the Art Research on sports and SDGs.
• Overview of the SportEYE E-learning Courses and E-Community.
• A roundtable discussion on integrating SDGs into sports organizations’ missions.

All-in Foundation – Inclusive Coaching

Presentation Title: Inclusive Coaching

Presenters: Thijs de Greeff, DEI Specialist, and Beau de Leeuw, MSc., Gender Diversity Expert

Attendees received a booklet of exercises to apply inclusive practices in their teams and classrooms, leaving with actionable strategies for immediate implementation, collaboration, and shared learning among its participants. This joint presentation explored how to build inclusive competence in sports and educational settings, equipping attendees with tools to foster diverse and welcoming environments.

Key Discussion Points:

• Definition and importance of inclusive competence in schools and sports teams.
• Practical training and exercises for promoting inclusivity.
• Real-life examples of fostering inclusion in grassroots and professional sports.

Bristol City Robins Foundation Wins 2024 #MorethanFootball Award

On the evening of Wednesday, 20th November 2024, in Leuven, Belgium, the Bristol City Robins Foundation was announced as the winner of the prestigious #MorethanFootball Award, powered by Musco Lighting.

This award highlights impactful social initiatives by European football organizations, focusing on innovation, quality, and community engagement. The Foundation was recognized for their transformative ADD-Mentor project, which uses mentorship and football to guide young people away from negative influences, fostering personal growth and community pride.

The Prize:
The Foundation will receive a club-branded Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution, powered by Musco Lighting, enabling further community connection and activity.

The ADD-Mentor project exemplifies football’s power to transform lives. Congratulations to Bristol City Robins Foundation!

Exploring Leuven: A Stroll Through History

At 5:30 PM, attendees were invited to take a guided walk through the charming city of Leuven. This historic Belgian city, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene, offered a perfect setting for participants to relax, network, and absorb the day’s themes in a more informal setting. The walk provided an opportunity for reflection and connection, blending the past with the conference’s forward-thinking vision.

Dinner at Domus

The day concluded with an optional dinner at Domus, a renowned local restaurant famous for its warm atmosphere and authentic Belgian cuisine. Beginning at 7:00 PM, attendees gathered to share meals and discussions in a relaxed environment. This self-funded dinner provided a chance to celebrate the day’s successes, strengthen professional ties, and foster lasting collaborations.

As the evening wrapped up, the spirit of the EFDN Conference continued to shine—a reminder of football’s unparalleled potential to unite, inspire, and create lasting impact both on and off the pitch.