The conference
The conference, titled "Challenges for Football", took place 20-21 June 2011 at Aarhus University during the U-21 European Championships in Denmark.
Sports journalists, sports leaders, sports practitioners, academics and others were invited to participate in the two-day conference.
The aim of the conference was to share information and knowledge about football in a broad perspective. At the same time, the event provided opportunity for networking and promoting international cooperation in this field.
During the conference participants from various countries presented scientific approaches, current studies, and experiences with a focus on football.
News from the conference
Conference venue
The conference took place at
Søauditorierne
Aarhus University
Bartholins Allé 3
building 1250
8000 Aarhus C.
Conference themes
Four themes were explored at the conference :
- Regulation
UEFA has taken action to introduce new financial regulations in order to curb the financial difficulties experienced by many European football clubs in recent years. What are the measures which UEFA will introduce? Is a stricter regulation of European professional football going to work? And what are the reasons for the huge financial difficulties in many European leagues?
- Health
Recent research has shown that football has huge potential as a health enhancing activity. But is the football world ready to embrace new groups of unskilled teenagers or adults? And is there a hidden treasure for football clubs or commercial forces, since football is far from reaching its potential in terms of active players? - The Perfect Player
The demands of football are extremely complex and many different skills are required to become a perfect footballer. High level coaches are constantly on the lookout for new performance improvement strategies.
But how does the application of important scientific findings fit into real world match-play? - Technology/Innovation
Advanced technology has gained ground in football and is used together with new equipment for technical training in high level performance.“Social media” provide new and interactive hubs for great sporting events, giving journalists, spectators, tourists, event organizers and clubs new opportunities. We take a look at new technology and its potential.
Keynote speakers
The European Club football landscape and the need for regulation
Stephanie Leach, Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play, UEFA
During the last years, UEFA has taken action to introduce new financial regulations in order to curb the financial difficulties experienced by many European football clubs in recent years. What are the measures which UEFA will introduce? Is stricter regulation of European professional football going to work? And what are the reasons for the huge financial difficulties in many European leagues?
The reassuring stability of football capitalism
Stefan Szymanski, Professor, CASS Business School
One of the leading sport economics in the world, Stefan Szymanski, will give his opinion on the question: Is it possible to regulate European professional football better through the new licensing system, and is the system going to improve the financial stability of the clubs and the enormous excitement for European league football in the public?
UEFA and the development of grassroot football
Technical director Andy Roxburgh, UEFA
An insight into the strategies, priorities and results of UEFA's programmes to develop football for all in Europe.