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The comprehensive social commitment of the DFL Foundation (DFL Stiftung) continues to receive international recognition. In 2015, the DFL Foundation received the “Humanitarian in Sport Award” in London for its contribution to the integration of young refugees.
In 2017 it was nominated for the “Peace and Sport Award” as Foundation of the Year in Monaco together with the Foundation of football clubs FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The European Union also appreciates the commitment of the DFL Foundation. The EU Commission has already honored a DFL Foundation project with the “BeInclusive EU Sport Award” and granted funding to the foundation from the “Erasmus +” program.
Now Amnesty International along with representatives of the FA, Aston Villa, Chelsea FC, Fulham FC, Leicester City FC and FC Middlesbrough, and the English Professional Players Association – PFA, visited the DFL Foundation in Frankfurt to discuss integration. Most recently, in March, the DFL Foundation fought for social cohesion with an action day and a broad-based campaign under the motto “Stroke by Prejudice” in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2.
Special interest in “Welcome to Football”
The English clubs are interested in an adaptation of the “Welcome to Football” program initiated by the DFL Foundation and supported jointly with the Federal Government’s Integration Commissioner. The project, implemented by the German Children and Youth Foundation, provides football, language and educational opportunities to young refugees at 23 locations nationwide. Clubs of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 cooperate with amateur associations and civil society organizations to support the integration of refugees.
“‘Welcome to Football’ is an outstanding example of how football clubs work with local organizations to promote integration and make a significant difference in people’s lives,” said Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International’s Director of Supporter Campaigning and Communications UK.
“We are happy that we can learn more about the project on site. The insights gained help us to establish the program in the UK as well.”
In addition to the DFL Foundation, the group of English club, association and interest representatives, run by Amnesty International UK, is visiting locations throughout Germany for the “Welcome to Football” program with participation of the DFL clubs SV Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund, SC Freiburg, 1.FSV Mainz 05 and FC St. Pauli.
