EFDN Board update – Peter Davidson leaves, while Brian McLaughlin enters the Board
The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) announces the resignation of Peter Davidson from the Board of EFDN. We would like to thank Peter for his contribution to the board past years. However, we are happy to announce the appointment of Brian McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Morton in the Community, as our newest board member.
Peter Davidson leaves the board
Peter joined the EFDN board in February 2018, inducted into the top table during the General Assembly at the Parc des Princes, the home of PSG. Nearly six years later, at the EFDN conference held at the home of AEK Athens last week, Peter used the General Assembly on Tuesday morning to announce his decision to resign from the board.
Later, during a memorable event at the ‘More Than Football’ Award Gala, held at the Acropolis Museum, Ton Strooband, Chairman of the Board, thanked Peter for his contributions to the EFDN, presented him with a gift, and Peter then had the opportunity to address attendees, marking a meaningful conclusion to his service on the board.
”On behalf of the whole EFDN staff and board, I would like to thank Peter for his contribution to the EFDN Board last five and a half years. During his time on the EFDN board, Peter supported the development and growth of the organisation but also assisted where appropriate, in the planning and execution of several ‘More than Football’ conferences.”
Ton Strooband, Chairman of the EFDN Board
Brian McLaughlin enters the board
Brian McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Morton in the Community enters the EFDN Board.
“It’s a huge honor and privilege to be appointed to the board of European Football for Development Network. I have seen firsthand the positive impact football has in saving and changing lives across many communities. Having been a member of EFDN for 9 years I have seen the growth and development of the network, and I am really excited to contribute to the future successes and support communities through the power of football.”
Brian McLaughlin
Throughout his 9-year management career, working within the professional game and CSR/charitable field in Inverclyde, Scotland, he has developed Morton in the Community (MitC) from a small team of only two members of staff, to a reputable and self-sustaining charity that employs 12 full and part-time employees. They are an integral pillar of the community through their reach, and they actively engage with over 1400 people per week aged 18 months to 100+.
It is this drive and enthusiasm that he would bring to the role of Board Member for EFDN.
Throughout the development of MitC, partnership working has been crucial to the success of our programmes. He has fostered strong working relationships within the private, public and third sector and identified gaps within local services that MitC have successfully fulfilled. For example, he created their award-winning mental health programme, Team Talk, working closely with the local NHS Health Board, to provide a safe, welcoming space for men to talk and feel included. He developed this idea after learning that Inverclyde had the second highest male suicide rate in Scotland in 2019.
”I am very delighted to welcome Brian to the Board. With his skills and expertise as Chief Executive of Morton in the Community, charity arm of Greenock Morton FC, he will support EFDN to further develop its strategy and goals.”
Ton Strooband, Chairman of the EFDN Board
