SK Beveren’s unique initiative: supporting Kinderkankerfonds
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10 Jan 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes SK Beveren, a football club playing in the Belgian Challenger Pro League, has made a historic decision that is already making headlines. Instead of displaying a traditional sponsor on its jerseys, the club has chosen to highlight the Kinderkankerfonds, an organization dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. A unique initiative in Belgium that is reminiscent of FC Barcelona’s with UNICEF.
“At SK Beveren, we are on a trajectory where community impact is at the heart of our priorities.”
Bart Foubert, CEO of the club
For several years, SK Beveren has been multiplying societal initiatives under the banner SKB Everybody, aimed at uniting the local community around inspiring projects.
A model of solidarity
This exceptional collaboration was made possible thanks to a unique alignment of circumstances. In Belgium, a new regulation prohibits casino sponsors as the main advertisement on football shirts. This could have been a constraint for the club, but PepperMill Casino, former main sponsor, immediately supported this noble cause.
“We were very enthusiastic about supporting such a project.”
Jorn Stifter, representative of PepperMill Casino
This support was complemented by that of Bondec, new partner, and several other sponsors, proving that solidarity can transcend financial objectives.
An involvement far beyond the shirts
The collaboration between SK Beveren and the Kinderkankerfonds is not limited to the display of the logo on the players’ shirts. The club is planning a series of actions to strengthen its commitment. The players will visit hospitalized children, an opportunity to brighten the day of these children and also to better understand the cause they support. In addition, several families affected by this terrible disease will be invited to attend matches in the stadium’s VIP boxes.
“Football is much more than just a sport. It can be a powerful vehicle for solidarity and hope.”
Bart Foubert
This message also resonates with Dierik Van den Meerssche, chairman of the Kinderkankerfonds.
“Normally, we are neutral towards clubs, but we will make an exception and actively support SK Beveren this season.”
Dierik Van den Meerssche
An inspiration for the future
By putting aside direct financial gains in favour of societal commitment, SK Beveren is showing courage and innovation. The spotlight often remains on the top division teams, but the club is proving that it is possible to use its platform to make a significant difference, even in a division that is considered less attractive.
This season, the club’s jerseys will not only be symbols of the team, but also bearers of hope for many families affected by cancer.
“We hope that this initiative will inspire other clubs to rethink their role in society.”
Bart Foubert
There is no doubt that this unique collaboration between SK Beveren and the Kinderkankerfonds will remain in the annals of Belgian football.