European Football Supporters Award

The Belgian association “Fan Coaching”, winner of the 2011 European Football Supporters Award

For 20 years, the Fan Coaching association has been carrying out initiatives against violence in sport. This Belgian non-profit organisation has now been added to the auspicious list of winners of the Supporters’ Prize, which each year recognises a supporters’ group that has made a special contribution to restoring a positive atmosphere around our football stadia!

The Jury – composed of distinguished representatives from the European Commission, the Council of Europe, ESM i.e. European Sports Magazines, the City of Brussels and the Association “Sport and Citizenship” and EFSA’s representants has selected the Belgian association « Fan Coaching ».

For years, courtesy of a partnership between the city council, the University and Standard Liege, and with the support of the Belgian Federal Public Service Home Affairs, Fan Coaching has been conducting numerous social and educational actions aimed at preventing violence among supporters. Moreover, its expertise is also recognised by national and international institutions (such as the Council of Europe or the European Union).

On announcement of the award,Manuel COMERON,a spokesman for FAN COACHING, declared: on behalf of the Fan Coaching association, I woud like to thank the organisers of the EFSA for seeing fit to reward our association at this 2011 edition. This prestigious prize underlines the quality of the work put in by those on the ground and the role of the institutions who support our activities, along with the importance of social and educational prevention at local and international level”.

EFSA’s initiator and spokesman, Philippe Housiaux, said that theEFSA was “particularly pleased with the final outcome regarding this exceptional choice confirming once more the importance of fair-play in and around football stadiums. This partnership between three bodies (university, public body and club) constitutes a very fine example of a successful collaboration that is contributing positively to ‘the beautiful game’. »

“Fan Coaching” will receive a prize of 6,000 euros in cash and a trophy that will be presented on their favourite team’s pitch.

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