The Venue – 22nd EFDN Conference

The Venue – 22nd EFDN Conference

The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) will host its 22nd EFDN Conference from the 22nd in Leuven, Belgium. The theme of this EFDN Conference is “#More Than Football Matters,” and it will be held at the King Power at Den Dreef Stadium, the home of EFDN Member OH Leuven.

King Power Stadium at Den Dreef of OH Leuven

  • Built: 2002
  • Club: Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OHL)
  • Capacity: 10,020

OH Leuven, established in 2002 through the merger of three local clubs, has quickly become a prominent name in Belgian football. Although relatively young, the club has a strong commitment to both sporting excellence and community engagement. OH Leuven has become a symbol of resilience and ambition, frequently playing in Belgium’s top football division and working diligently to foster a close relationship with its supporters and the local community.

The OH Leuven Community Foundation

The OH Leuven Community Foundation is deeply aware of the important role it plays in the city of Leuven and the broader region. The foundation leverages the unifying power of football to inspire positive social change through various community and social responsibility programmes. The foundation’s work extends beyond the pitch, reflecting a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The foundation aims to address social issues through a variety of initiatives, including:

  • Social and Physical Activation through Sport: Promoting healthy lifestyles and active participation in sports among youth, the elderly, and marginalized groups.
  • Community Integration: Bridging gaps between diverse communities, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for social cohesion.
  • Youth Education: Providing educational support and development pathways for young people through the power of sport, encouraging them to achieve their full potential.
  • Support for Underprivileged Youth: Offering guidance and opportunities to young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them to secure a brighter future.
  • Assistance for People with Disabilities: Focusing on the social activation of people with disabilities, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities in everyday life.
  • Equal Opportunities for All: Striving to create a level playing field for children and families from diverse environments, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of sport and community activities.

As one of Belgium’s rising football clubs, OH Leuven recognizes that sports hold immense power to inspire, educate, and unite people worldwide. Through the OH Leuven Community Foundation, the club is committed to maximizing the positive impact of football, not just in Leuven, but also extending its reach to various global communities.

Join us at the 22nd EFDN Conference at King Power Stadium at Den Dreef in Leuven as we explore the profound impact of football beyond the game, highlighting the initiatives that truly make it #MoreThanFootball.

How to Get to the Venue

The King Power Stadium at Den Dreef, the home of OH Leuven, is located at Kardinaal Mercierlaan 46, 3001 Leuven, Belgium. It is situated in Heverlee, approximately 2 kilometers from the Leuven city center, making it easily accessible by various modes of transport.

From Brussels Airport (BRU):

Train:
Brussels Airport has a direct train connection to Leuven. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes around 15 minutes. From Leuven train station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the King Power Stadium at Den Dreef. Bus routes 1 and 2 from the station stop close to the stadium (Heverlee Kazerne or Heverlee Celestijnenlaan bus stops).

Taxi:
Taxis are readily available at Brussels Airport. The journey to the King Power Stadium at Den Dreef takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Make sure to use official airport taxis for the most reliable service.

Car:
If you are driving, follow the E40 highway towards Leuven. Take exit 23 for “Leuven” and follow the signs for “Heverlee.” The stadium offers parking options, but it is advisable to arrive early, as spaces can be limited on event days.

From Leuven City Center:

Bus:
From the Leuven city center or the main train station, buses 1 and 2 are the most convenient options. Both buses run frequently and stop near the stadium at Heverlee Kazerne or Heverlee Celestijnenlaan. The bus journey takes about 10 minutes.

Taxi:
Taxis are available throughout the city and provide a quick way to reach the stadium from anywhere in Leuven. The journey from the city center to the stadium takes around 5-10 minutes.

Bicycle or On Foot:
Leuven is a bike-friendly city, and cycling is a popular mode of transport. The stadium is about a 10-minute bike ride or a 20-25 minute walk from the city center.

Using any of these transport options, you can easily reach the King Power Stadium at Den Dreef for the 22nd EFDN Conference. Enjoy your visit to Leuven!