EFDN Highlights: May 2022

EFDN Highlights: May 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, EFDN invites you to look back on this year’s top activities, projects and news stories. Take a look at some highlights from May.

17th EFDN Conference

The 17th EFDN #Morethanfootball Conference brought together more than 200 representatives of more than 100 European Football Clubs, Leagues, and Football Associations as well as NGOs. They participated in roundtable sessions, attended inspiring presentations during Breakout Sessions, followed the #FootballforPeace panel discussion, and got insights into UEFA Strategy as well as in the LFC Foundation and Everton in the Community strategy and activities.

Click here to see the after-movie 

Walking Football Tournament

On Tuesday, May 31st, sixteen teams of European Football Clubs participated in the European Walking Football League tournament, an event specially created for players aged 50+, organised by EFDN in Breda. What a day it was! The teams were up for some competitive matches, and serious tactics but this event was obviously not (only) about winning!

There was definitely also time to share stories, some banter, and some songs. The gentlemen of FC Schalke 04 won the tournament in a final against their Bask fellows of Athletic Club. SL Benfica ended third while Eintracht Frankfurt won the Fair Play Trophy!

Find here some impressions of this day full of action!

Award for the KAA Gent Foundation

During the Pro League Gala, Belgian EFDN Member KAA Gent Foundation received the Football & Community Award. Since 2014, when the Award was presented for the first time, KAA Gent’s social work has already been awarded the best in the country five times: 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.

The KAA Gent Foundation operates on five pillars: socio-sports projects, open stadium initiatives, supporter activities, public activities and ‘Every Talent Counts’ youth football.

“I couldn’t be more proud. Behind the KAA Gent Foundation there is a very enthusiastic team that makes a real difference to the lives of many inhabitants of Ghent, young and old, through projects large and small. They show that football is more than just football. For years, the KAA Gent Foundation has been an example at home and abroad. This recognition is therefore more than deserved.”

Sofie Bracke, President KAA Gent Foundation

Through cooperation with numerous government services, partner organisations and educational institutions, the KAA Gent Foundation is building a strong social network in Ghent. The City of Ghent and KAA Gent are responsible for the largest part of the organisation’s funding.

“With and through football, we help people grow and strengthen society. That is what we do, in close cooperation with KAA Gent, the City of Ghent and the supporters of KAA Gent. The KAA Gent Foundation forms the bridge between football, the government and society. It is a bridge that can also be built between the Pro League and the federal government and can provide a structural win-win for football and society”.

Wim Beelaert, General Coordinator of the KAA Gent Foundation