Speaker update for the 16th EFDN Conference in Breda

Speaker update for the 16th EFDN Conference in Breda

The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) will host its 16th EFDN ‘Purpose and Sustainability’ Conference as a hybrid event from 8-10 November 2021 in the Rat Verlegh Stadium of NAC Breda, the Netherlands. So far, more than 150 representatives from 50 different football clubs, leagues, and national football associations of 17 European countries subscribed for the congress.

This conference is the perfect platform for organisations of all shapes and sizes to share ideas and develop new concepts. EFDN is excited to meet its members and partners again in person at the largest gathering of Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) experts in European professional football. Participants at the 16th EFDN Conference will discuss challenges occasioned by COVID-19 and share best practices on CSR strategies, fundraising, sustainability, women’s football, anti-discrimination, social inclusion, online safeguarding, physical activity and STEM education. It will be an excellent occasion for your organisation to join these experts and broaden your network on CSR in football.

This news article will give you an impression of some more of the knowledgeable and competent speakers in the fields of Walking Football, the Believe in More Programme, the Women in Football Panel, and the Community Champions League we have contacted to share their expertise with you:

Boris Liebing – FC Schalke 04 E.V.

Boris Liebing, Coordinator Sport departments / Head of Womens Soccer / Foundation at “Schalke hilft”, the foundation of FC Schalke 04, is the next confirmed speaker at our 16th EFDN Conference in Breda on 9 & 10 November 2021. 

Boris started working for the club in 2006 as manager of the Basketball section in the 2nd Bundesliga. Since 2016 he’s responsible for all sport departments (Athletics, Basketball, Handball, Blind football etc.) and all sport projects (Footballfans in Training, Walking Football etc.). Furthermore he supports the foundation “Schalke hilft” in different projects. Last year the club started a women`s football section, and Boris was elected as its chairman.

Boris will present the new version of the Walking Football League, which was developed by EFDN in collaboration with FC Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen. The aim is, to spread the idea of Walking Football all over Europe, in order to make other clubs aware of the various advantages that Walking Football can bring for each club. Furthermore they want to show that Walking Football is a good way to break down barriers and to bring people from different countries together.

KEVIN JANSSEN (STICHTING VITESSE BETROKKEN)

Kevin Janssen, Manager of the Vitesse Foundation is the next confirmed speaker at our 16th EFDN Conference in Breda on 9 & 10 November 2021. 

Kevin Janssen is Manager of the Vitesse Foundation called Vitesse Betrokken, which means Involved. ‘Believe in More’ is the phrase used by Vitesse Arnhem as motto within the club not only regarding the team efforts on the pitch but also in the whole organisation. With their foundation they Believe in more, with a focus on: Equal rights, Healthy Lifestyle, and generating opportunities for the new generation. 

Vitesse is not only active on the pitch, but far beyond! Vitesse is deeply rooted in society: the city of Arnhem and Vitesse need each other. That has been the case since 1892. Football has connected and moved us in Arnhem and beyond since 1892. Vitesse feels a strong social responsibility. Vitesse Betrokken believes in the power of football! Football can reach people and get them moving. Vitesse Betrokken uses this power in its social activities. The Vitesse Betrokken Foundation is the social heart of the club. The aim of the foundation is to be socially active in Greater Arnhem through the power of Vitesse. That social role refers to improving the living conditions of individuals, groups, or neighbourhoods. The foundation also aims to create, maintain and increase the bond between (potential) Vitesse supporters and Vitesse, based on mutual involvement. 

Jessica Loo – KAS Eupen

Jessica Loo, Head of Communication at KAS Eupen is the next confirmed speaker at our 16th EFDN Conference in Breda on 9 & 10 November 2021. 

Since 5 years, Jessica Loo works for KAS Eupen starting as a CSR manager and now as Head of communication. She puts all her time and passion into the club. Working for a football is so much more than a normal job. She still organises all CSR projects of the club. She now also plays football on a beginner level.

Jessica will participate in the Women in Football Panel on Tuesday 9th of November at 04:30pm, together with Rivkah op het Veld, Elixabete Sarasola and Yolanda Antin.

Ilse Kleinjan – Nac Breda

Ilse Kleinjan, Project Manager at NAC Breda, is the next confirmed speaker at our 16th EFDN Conference in Breda on 9 & 10 November 2021.

Ilse Kleinjan has been living in Breda all her life. She once studied Sportmarketing and Management in Rotterdam and also plays football herself. As a little girl, she went to the stadium of NAC Breda with her father, now she works there at the department of NAC Maatschappelijk. She manages two projects called the NAC Street League (also known as Community Champions League) and Niemand Buitenspel a project to reintegrate people to get a job. It is very dynamic, never the same, and very nice that you can give something back to the supporters and the municipality.

Ilse will present the NAC Street League, the street football competition in Breda in which they use the most beautiful ball sport in the world to promote the healthy lifestyle of young people in Breda, increase social involvement and make them aware of current social themes. Those who can work should not be dependent on benefits. However, young people or young adults (18-27 years) with social assistance benefits, physical, psychological or mental disabilities, or without basic qualifications often find it difficult to find a job in practice. Nac Breda organises the Nobody Buitenspel project for this group of people. The project offers young people the opportunity to gain work experience in the special environment of the Rat Verlegh Stadium.

Get your ticket for the 16th EFDN Conference in Breda here.