17TH EFDN CONFERENCE IN LIVERPOOL – SAVE THE DATE!
The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) will host its 17th EFDN #MoreThanFootball Conference from 21-23 March 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
After meeting each other again in person (and online) during our 16th Conference in EFDN’s hometown Breda, we hope to welcome you to our next Conference in Liverpool. We will host you not only in one but two mythical venues: Anfield of Liverpool FC and Goodison Park of Everton FC. Both clubs are EFDN members.
Liverpool breathes football but the waterfront city on the river Mersey stands for so much more: culture, architecture, and music, as it’s nicknamed World Capital of Pop of course due to the Merseybeat songs of The Beatles. But Liverpool has also the second-highest number of art galleries, national museums, listed buildings, and listed parks in the UK; only the capital, London, has more. For periods during the 19th century, the wealth of Liverpool exceeded even that of London.
The borough of Liverpool was founded in 1207 and the population was still around 500 inhabitants by the middle of the 16th century. By the start of the 19th century, a large volume of trade was passing through Liverpool, and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link, through the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (a sustainable way to come to the Conference).
The population continued to rise rapidly, especially during the 1840s when Irish migrants began arriving by the hundreds of thousands as a result of the Great Famine. Liverpool became an important immigration hub and a major port of departure for English and Irish emigrants to North America. The city is also home to the oldest black community in the UK and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liverpool was attracting immigrants from across Europe. A significant West Indian black community has existed in the city since the first two decades of the 20th century. Like most British cities and industrialised towns, Liverpool became home to a significant number of Commonwealth immigrants, beginning after World War I with colonial soldiers and sailors who had served in the area.
Natives of Liverpool (and some longtime residents) are formally referred to as ‘Liverpudlians’ but are more often called ‘Scousers’ in reference to Scouse, a local stew made popular by sailors in the city, which is also the most common name for the local accent and dialect. Nowadays more than 2,25 million inhabitants live in the metropolitan area.
In March 2022, apart from hosting the EFDN Conference, Liverpool will take a starring role in ‘The Batman’ as a double for Gotham City. With many scenes featuring iconic Liverpool locations such as the Royal Liver Building and St George’s Hall, it’s the perfect time to come to Liverpool for a film tour or the EFDN Conference.
The EFDN Conference can be reached by Liverpool John Lennon Airport or Manchester Airport.
EFDN Conferences are the largest gatherings of Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) experts in European professional football. Participants at the 16th EFDN Conference will discuss challenges occasioned by COVID-19 and share best practices on CSR strategies, fundraising, sustainability, women’s football, anti-discrimination, social inclusion, online safeguarding, physical activity, and STEM education. Expert panels and intriguing presentations will provide insights into current trends in CSR in European Football. Conference delegates will be inspired with ideas for new initiatives and useful tools to deliver community programmes after the end of the pandemic. Participants can use the conference as a platform for personal growth, create new partnerships and stay up-to-date with EFDN activities.
