Ruud van der Knaap, commercial director of Feyenoord, thinks it is logical that the Feyenoord Foundation will be in the spotlight during the club's European campaign. 'We are incredibly proud of the impact we have had for years with the many initiatives we are able to develop with the help of the Feyenoord Foundation. A more beautiful stage to show that to the whole world than the Champions League is hardly imaginable.'

UEFA rules give Feyenoord the space to dress the spot on the back of the match shirt differently from national matches, which gives Feyenoord the opportunity to highlight the Feyenoord Foundation. Van der Knaap: 'Together with our social partners, we make a positive difference every day and reach an enormous number of people, whether it's with the various projects on Rotterdam-Zuid or with Christmas dinners and iftars for the less fortunate. After all, the strength of Feyenoord is that we do not only show ourselves on the pitch, but also contribute outside it.'

New social policy
In recent years, Feyenoord's social initiatives have focused on Rotterdam and the city's immediate surroundings. In the coming years, the club will explicitly broaden its social horizon, in order to realize the success of its projects elsewhere in society.

Ton Strooband, manager of Social Impact & Development at Feyenoord: 'We are going to expand our activities from our hinterland to our supporters. This means that in the coming years we will also use sports outside Rotterdam-South as a motivator to develop talent and motivate people to live healthier lives. We know that Feyenoord can inspire people to get moving, so we want to achieve that in as many places as possible.'

Feyenoord social initiatives
Feyenoord, with the help of the Feyenoord Foundation, has been putting itself out there for many years to get and keep people moving. For example, the club is closely involved in sports and learning programs at many schools in Rotterdam-Zuid, children are taught new skills appropriate to modern society through Club1908, and young people are given tools to further develop their talents through the Zuidblinkers program.