Why you should participate in the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks

27 February 2018

Why you should participate in the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks

For several years, European clubs, leagues and football associations have shown that their role in society is much more than just as a professional football club or organisation of governance. Football clubs and governing organisations have increasingly displayed their commitment to social responsibility and giving back to their communities through various programmes and initiatives.

The 2017 #Morethanfootball Action Weeks proved that football is being used as a valid tool for social development. The #Morethanfootball initiative highlights many different initiatives that showcase how football can be used to address key societal issues. Yet, Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) in football does not always receive the media attention and credit it deserves.

Football is much more than just the 11 players on the pitch

Within the football industry, mainstream media is still primarily focused on first team matches and players of European professional clubs. News about the latest game and build up to the next fixtures are typically always in the spotlight.

Scoren voor Gezondheid is een project waarbij voetballers uit de Eredivisie kinderen van de basisschool aanzetten tot een gezonde leefstijl. Zij geven het goede voorbeeld in bewegen en gezonde voeding. Het project start met een clinic en een fit- en gezondheidstest bij het Goffertstadion van N.E.C. De kinderen ondertekenen daar een gezondheidscontract met één van de spelers. Op school komen vervolgens vijf thema’s over voldoende bewegen en gezonde voeding aan de orde. Hierbij worden studenten van ROC Nijmegen en HAN ingezet. N.E.C. Doelbewust werkt samen met GGD regio Nijmegen om het project aan te laten sluiten bij het beleid in de regio.

However, the impact that almost all European clubs are having on society is much more than just the 11 players on the pitch.

CSR has developed an instrumental role in European football and has evolved into a strategic tool for clubs to demonstrate their accountability and commitment to society; to protect their reputation, develop brand loyalty and foster competitive advantage. Football-based community projects delivered by clubs, foundations, community trusts, football associations and leagues across Europe have had significant impacts addressing a variety of social issues in their respective communities.

Showcasing and broadening the reach of CSR initiatives

In order to further showcase and broaden the reach of CSR initiatives in European football the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks have been established.

After the success of last year’s campaign, this year’s #Morethanfootball Action Weeks will see the participation of more than 150 organisations.

Become a part of the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks and register now.

Who can participate?

5The #Morethanfootball Action Weeks is an annual initiative for all European football clubs, foundations, community trusts, leagues and football associations that would like to showcase their community and social responsibility work within the framework of a European campaign.

All organisations that are committed to using the power of football as a tool for social development are invited to participate in the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks.

Organisations can now register here. Upon registration, participants will receive the required information, material and resources.

The participation in the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks is free of charge.