Recently, Waterford FC in the Community were thrilled to hear that our autism project’s have been long-listed on the EFDN (European Football for Development Network) in the final 10 for their ‘More than Football’ Award 2024 powered by Musco Lighting.
The ‘More Than Football’ award honours the best social initiatives run by a club, league or Football Association in the EFDN network, with Polish stalwarts Legia Warsaw named winners in 2023.
Waterford FC are delighted to be announced in the final 10 of the 2024 competition alongside well-known European clubs such as of FC Groningen, SV Werder Bremen, Aberdeen FC, Bristol City & Salford City. Our Autism initiatives in particular have been nominated and these include our Autism Friendly Matchday Experience at every home game in the RSC, our Quiet Room & our Football Friends Autism Friendly training session every Tuesday.
It’s a credit to everyone involved to get this recognition. We have had over 70 families attend on matchdays who previously would not have been able to go to games without the changes implemented. Our Football Friends runs every Tuesday for 50 weeks of the year with an average of 18 attending every week. The Quiet Room is used at every home game, and we have now started using it outside of matchday.
None of this can happen without the help of so many people. Particular mention must go to the Community Ambassadors who attend every home game to make sure the kids and their families have an enjoyable experience. All the coaches who attend Football Friends on Tuesdays in all weathers. Waterford & District Junior League who provide Ozier Park for our use & The Butler Community Centre who do the same with their venue.
We also thank Healthy Ireland for the funding they give for our FSR Officer role and everyone at Waterford FC and to the many others who have helped along the way. It has been – and continues to be – a pleasure for all of us to have this opportunity to be involved with all the kids and their families in what has been a hugely enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Speaking on the nomination, Head of Community at Waterford FC Colin Power said:
“Waterford FC in the Community are delighted to make the final 10 in the prestigious EFDN #MoreThanFootballAward for our Autism friendly initiatives. . Other finalists include SV Werder Bremen, FC Groningen & Aberdeen. The final 4 will be announced on the 16th Sept.
Huge credit must go to everyone involved including all at Waterford FC, Healthy Ireland and everyone who has helped in anyway over the last 12 months. On a personal level I would like to thank the Community Ambassadors who attend every home game in the RSC no matter what the weather to make sure the kids and their families can enjoy the matches and the coaches who give their time every Tuesday so the kids can enjoy an hour of football. And most importantly the kids themselves for giving us all the opportunity to be involved in such an enjoyable experience.”
We look forward to finding out in September if we have made the final-project shortlist!
#MoreThanFootball
