This week, the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) is proud to present the four clubs and their respective projects which have been selected for the shortlist of the More than Football Award 2022.
FC Twente, Newcastle United, Northampton Town FC and Athletic Club de Bilbao made it to the ‘final four’. The winner receives not only recognition for having implemented the most innovative and impactful Community and Social Responsibility programme in European football, but also wins a complete branded Mini-Pitch System modular sports solution which will be developed in partnership between the winning organisation, EFDN, and sponsor Musco Lighting.
The four clubs who made it to the shortlist are invited to present their project during the 18th Conference in Budapest. Attendees of the event will vote for their favourite project and the winner will be announced during the More than Football Award Gala Dinner on Tuesday, November 15th.
After the More than Football Action Weeks this spring initially, a longlist of 10 clubs was announced with also Juventus FC, VFL Wolfsburg, SV Werder Bremen, Fundación Alcoraz of SD Huesca, Feyenoord Rotterdam and Falkirk FC Foundation on it.
The shortlisted four projects go through and will compete for the Morethanfootball Award 2022 powered by Musco:
Within just two days of the first lockdown, the Northampton Town Community Trust developed a project set out to support older fans who may be at risk of loneliness or isolation brought about by COVID and government lockdowns. The project has supported 1210 people aged 50+ to reduce the feeling of loneliness and improve their mental health and well-being.
The impact it has been made is wide reaching, the case study videos of Audrey & Michael outline the impact they have made where the project has reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation, helped develop new friendships and improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.
"We are fiercely proud of our impact in the local community and nominations such as this show just what an impact that work has," said Chairman Kelvin Thomas.
"Having made some calls to supporters as part of this project myself, I know just what an impact we have made. Congratulations to Phill and all the staff at the Community Trust, this is truly special recognition for a truly special project and we are so, so proud."