World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day

At The European Football for Development Network, we proudly align ourselves with the global celebration marked on the 19th of August: World Humanitarian Day. It is a time when we collectively express our compassion and solidarity with humanitarians who strive to meet the ever-growing needs of the world. The European Football for Development Network showcases its humanitarian ethos through an unwavering commitment to enhancing communities’ lives. Irrespective of circumstances, locations, or challenges, we strive to engage in initiatives that parallel the dedication of humanitarians. Much like these compassionate individuals who prioritize saving lives and providing essential resources, we stand firmly beside the communities we serve, fostering a sense of hope and unity.

EFDN Humanitarian Projects & Initiatives

Football plays various roles in the celebration of World Humanitarian Day and aligns with its principles of compassion, unity, and community empowerment.

WELCOME THROUGH FOOTBALL

Welcome Through Football is an EFDN initiative that aims to assist in the integration and inclusion of recently arrived young refugees, asylum seekers and young people with a migrant background. EFDN and partners will develop and test a European methodology that uses football as a tool to reach refugees and migrants from different ages (7-25 years old) to get them physically and social active in European communities. Moreover, the project assists football coaches and youth workers in the development and sharing of effective methods in reaching out to the marginalised target group, in preventing racism and intolerance.

SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

In collaboration with network members Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Chelsea FC Foundation, Club Brugge Foundation, Inter Campus, Rangers Charity Foundation, PFC Ludogorets , Fundacao Benfica, SV Werder Bremen, and project partner Geef Racisme de Rode Kaart, EFDN delivers the Show Racism the Red Card programme.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is a 24-month anti-racism and anti-discrimination programme which is based on the proven concept of the Red Card Campaign delivered in several European countries. SRtRC utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The project aims to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion, and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to racism. 

SIDFOOT

EFDN is one of in total 8 programme partners that are delivering the Pan-European programme SIDFOOT (“Community Football Drivers for social inclusion in deprived districts”) which is a collaborative partnership funded by the Erasmus+ programme. Our member Real Betis Balompié Foundation is the coordinator of the project that found its inspiration in the figure of Jorge Morillo, who has dedicated his entire life to help the most disadvantaged people of Seville, especially those who are living in deprived areas of the city.

The general objective of this project is to make use of the huge potential of football as a tool to promote social inclusion and a healthier life for children and young people living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. SIDFOOT focuses on having a positive influence on the lives of children and young people living in deprived areas and involves activities that will steer young people towards education in values and the creation of healthy environments.

The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) exemplifies the potential of football as a catalyst for positive societal change. As we commemorate World Humanitarian Day, the alignment between EFDN’s impactful projects and humanitarian values becomes evident. These initiatives, ranging from fostering inclusivity to tackling societal issues, showcase the diverse ways in which football can contribute to lasting improvements. EFDN’s ongoing collaboration with football clubs, partners, and communities demonstrates the profound synergy between sporting passion and social progress.