EFDN
The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) is a network of community-engaged professional football clubs, leagues and organisations who are committed to their social responsibility and have the passion to cooperate and work together on a European level.
The network aims to promote the power of football as a tool for social development and support the efforts of the network members in their initiatives to use football to reach out to various target groups within their communities. The network creates a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing in order to develop a diversity of training methods that will directly benefit communities throughout Europe.
EFDN provides guidance and support within the context of community and social responsibility in European football, including in the areas of community programming, stadium accessibility, environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices and the establishment of effective supporter management relations.
The network currently consists of more than 175 clubs, leagues and FAs from 34 European countries benefiting from EFDN’s official strategic partnerships with Fare network, Centre for Access in Football Europe (CAFE), the Social Football Club Alliance, European Healthy Stadia Network, European Club Association (ECA), the Football Business Academy (FBA), the International Football Business Institute (IFBI) and UEFA Foundation for Children. Visit the EFDN website for more information.
Why we do it
Sport, and in particular, football is recognised increasingly as a valid tool for community development and for addressing social issues. Football for development programmes are providing people from different backgrounds with the skills and resources to actively make a difference in their own lives, and the lives of those in their community. By addressing the most pressing issues in each community, the programmes are contributing to positive social change on a European scale.
Football has the power to change lives. It can contribute to improved health and well-being, aid in tackling racism, youth unemployment, school attendance, and volunteering. Football can create positive community role models and provide an equal playing field that inspires and unites people both within their local communities and as part of the larger European family.
How we do it
EFDN provides its members with support and guidance and provides opportunities to share knowledge and experiences on a European level to enhance the quality and efficiency of national and local football for development initiatives. This is achieved through European exchange programmes for staff, volunteers and participants, international conferences to share best practices, the EFDN online learning platform and the development of European community programmes for member organisations.
EFDN provides its members with support and guidance regarding the development of accessible match-days, sustainable business practices and effective stakeholder relations management with the club’s supporters by establishing strong relationships with the Supporter Liaison Officer and Disability Access Officer.
The Network promotes knowledge, experience and best practice sharing on a European level to enhance the quality and efficiency of community and social responsibility programmes in football. This continuous exchange of knowledge is achieved through international conferences, European Exchange programmes for staff, volunteers and participants, EFDN’s online learning platform and the diverse consultation services for the Network members, partners, and supporters.
In addition to these services, Monitoring and Evaluation is a key component through EFDN’s strategic partnerships, which provides the opportunity to accurately report and evaluate the impact of community and social responsibility programmes. Visit the EFDN website for more information on the organisation and our portfolio.
