The final conference of the European PATHWAY program, which is co-funded by the European Union and was implemented in collaboration with the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), Anorthosis, Panserraikos, and soccer academies from Greece and Bulgaria.

The conference was attended by representatives of teams from all CFF divisions and women’s soccer, as well as other stakeholders in soccer, such as the PASP, the Coaches’ Association, the Veterans’ Association, and others. 

The CFF was responsible for coordinating the program’s implementation, with Deputy Director Andreas Moria serving as the program manager.

This program supports soccer’s transition toward sustainability, brings together clubs and federations from various countries, and helps soccer organizations integrate sustainability into their day-to-day operations.

“Soccer as a sport—and its sustainability—is not limited solely to competitive activities. It extends to good governance, sports facilities, accessibility, waste management, participation, and social inclusion,” said CFF President Haris Loizidis in his opening remarks at the conference, adding:

“This was also the framework of the PATHWAY program, the implementation of which we, as the Cyprus Football Association, coordinated, with the support of worthy and capable partners and collaborators.  The program is aimed at all levels of soccer, from academies and amateur soccer to professional teams and federations.”

MEP Michalis Hatzipantelas addressed the conference from Brussels. He congratulated the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) for coordinating the initiative and all the partners who contributed to its successful implementation.

“I believe in the power of sports, and especially soccer, which fosters values and influences millions of citizens; therefore, sustainability in soccer is essential,” Mr. Hatzipantelas said, among other things.

Andreas Morias, Deputy General Director of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), presented the program’s objectives and progress toward implementation, as well as the program’s key contributors.

Nikos Nikolaou, UEFA Licensing Director at the CFF, presented the social and environmental criteria within the framework of UEFA club licensing, as well as how structuredis becoming increasingly essential for clubs and soccer organizations.

During the conference, program coordinator Alexandros Partouridis presented the PATHWAY Sustainability Checker, a free online self-assessment tool for soccer organizations on sustainability issues. 

Dr. George Giapanas also gave a presentation on addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in youth soccer. Mr. Giapanas is the coordinator of the relevant program at the University of Nicosia.