Ex-players take centre stage

The role of former top football players is among the items on the agenda of the biennial Congress of the UEFA-backed Sports Group of European Former Football Players Associations (EFPA) in Barcelona from 23-25 March.
Former stars

As part of the congress, a cycle of conferences will feature addresses by stars such as former FC Internazionale Milano and Belgium midfielder Enzo Scifo: ex-AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi; former Spanish international and Real Madrid CF coach José Antonio Camacho, and Josep Guardiola, former FC Barcelona stalwart and member of the EFPA honorary council. Football as a means of social integration and the adaptation of former players to a new life after their playing careers are matters for discussion.
Created in 2004

The EFPA is the first European federation to join together former top-flight players' associations within UEFA countries. The body was created in 2004 with the objective of fostering public, social and institutional recognition of former players as a piece of living history of European football, as well as for their contribution to developing collective identities, integrating communities and being a model of sportsmanship.
Consultative body

Objectives include guaranteeing a minimum quality of life from the financial, medical, social and employment points of view for former players and their families; promoting friendship and exchange among European former player associations: acting as a consultative body for the main sports authorities across Europe in all issues concerning life after professional football; and fostering sportsmanship and the practice of football through former players, as well as promoting and furthering the tradition of professional football and fair play. "The congress portrays the desire of the association of promoting fair play, partnership, integration and respect," said EFPA chairman Ramón Alfonseda.
Youngsters project

Following the Congress, FC Barcelona will also be hosting the first edition of the 'Youngsters' project. Legendary former and active football players, along with some 1,000 children, immigrants and people at risk of social exclusion, will gather on the playing field to promote football as a tool of cohesion and to disseminate the values of fair play, solidarity and sportsmanship.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.