Shakhtar Donetsk welcomes the Feyenoord Foundation & EFDN

Shakhtar Donetsk welcomes the Feyenoord Foundation & EFDN

End of October, the Feyenoord Foundation was welcomed by FC Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine. The initiative of both social departments of the clubs uniting for social action took place under the umbrella of EFDN.

Both clubs are part of the European Football for Development Network and striving for exchanging and sharing knowledge in the field of Community and Social Responsibility in European Football.

Therefore, the Champions League game on 1st of November 18 between Feyenoord Rotterdam and FC Shakhtar Donetsk provided a great opportunity for the two clubs and their foundations to come together and discuss their community engagement work.

Overall, 25 coaches of children teams participated in the exchange, including 15 mentors of the Come On, Let’s Play Project, which FC Shakhtar Donetsk delivers in 7 Ukrainian cities.

Networking, seminars and practical sessions

Next to many networking opportunities, the visit included a seminar for Shakhtar Donetsk that was facilitated by the staff members of the Feyenoord Foundation. During the session, the Feyenoord Foundation was eager to share their experience and best practice with the Ukrainian club.

“It was interesting and unusual. Feyenoord Rotterdam showed us how to warm up correctly, there were many new exercises. We have not done this before, I really like it.” Pasha Mariianchuk, FC Shakhtar Donetsk

The seminar followed the goal of helping Shakhtar Donetsk to further develop their community work. The club follows the vision of helping young people in developing their full potential since Shakhtar “believes in youth as an universal source of change, ambition and achievement”.

The practical part of the seminar consisted of two training sessions on indoor football fields. Overall, more than 100 children participated in the session. Upon the competition of the training, every child received a present.

“We believe this is a valuable experience for young coaches, being important for every kid, whom they will be training. It’s great that Shakhtar pays so much attention to this issue and cares about young sportsmen. Today, we have conducted many interesting activities both on the field and during lectures. I am sure that this is very useful, and I hope that we will have more and more such meetings.” Hubert Rovers, CEO EFDN

In addition to the seminars and informal networking opportunities, at the Champions League match, Feyenoord Rotterdam handed over donations made by Feyenoord supporters in Rotterdam to internally displaced children from Donbas, Ukraine. Among others, warm clothes had been collected for the children.

EFDN is delighted to see such a cooperation and sharing of knowledge among its Network members. Such activities are truly reflecting the mission and vision of the European Football for Development Network.