Waterford FC make the final four shortlist for More Than Football award

Waterford FC in the Community have found out in the past week that their Autism friendly projects have been selected in the final four shortlist for the European Football Development Network More Than Football Award to be held in Belgium in November.

The Autism-Friendly inclusion project has been selected as one of the final four projects in the running for the European Football for Development Network’s “More than Football” Award 2024 powered by Musco Lighting.

The four club projects selected by the EFDN staff and EFDN Board members are seen as the more innovative among the Europe wide entry of Football and Social Responsibility projects.

Waterford’s autism programme features two main initiatives. The Autism friendly match day experience where appointed volunteer Club Ambassadors are on hand at all times to assist children and parents whenever they attend a game at the RSC. The second centred on playing opportunities for children with autism and Waterford FC facilitates the weekly Football Friends programme where parents can bring their children to play in an inclusive, safe and secure environment at Ozier Park.

Speaking on the news that our work has been selected for one of Europe’s top community awards, Waterford FC Head of Community Development Colin Power said:

“Waterford FC in the Community are delighted to be in the final four of the European Football Development Network #MoreThanFootball award.

This recognizes all the work we have done to make Waterford FC an autism-friendly club. Everyone involved deserves great credit for getting this far particularly the volunteers who give up their time helping us to run all the programs and the families for attending. We now look forward to a trip to Leuven in Belgium in November where the winner will be announced.” 

The other three clubs represented are Bristol City, Aberdeen, and Salford City.