EDP Club Runners
Social inclusion
The end of the school day is a crucial time for many young people. Between leaving school and returning home, not everyone has access to spaces where they can stay active and develop new skills.
It was in response to this need that EDP Club Runners was launched in 2024: a program that promotes regular physical activity while supporting personal and social development. Through running and close support, young people develop skills such as commitment, confidence, discipline and teamwork, while gaining new experiences that can help shape their future. Developed in partnership with Social Innovation Sports, the program has a dedicated team responsible for implementing and coordinating activities on the ground.
One Iberian program, one shared mission
The program began with a pilot phase in Lisbon, in communities where EDP was already developing social investment projects and had a strong understanding of local needs. This close relationship helped identify barriers to accessing sport and the importance of providing ongoing support to young people in more vulnerable circumstances. The first clubs were launched in the Lisbon neighbourhoods of Cova da Moura and Zambujal. In 2025, EDP Club Runners expanded to three neighbourhoods in Porto, Cerco, Falcão and Monte da Bela, as well as to Monte da Caparica and Loures (Quinta do Moucho e Quinta da Fonte), in the Lisbon region. One year later, in November 2026, the program also expanded to Spain, with the launch of its first club in Ribera de Arriba, Asturias.
At EDP Club Runners, each club holds two training sessions a week, led by a qualified coach and supported by a community leader and a monitor, selected in partnership with local associations. This model brings the program closer to young people and their families, encourages community participation and creates local employment opportunities. Every month, participants also take part in activities outside their neighbourhoods, including visits to Wonderland Lisbon, the José Alvalade Stadium and Parque Oriental in Porto, helping them discover new places. Through these experiences and other initiatives beyond the training sessions, the program fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection.
The project also promotes social integration, strengthening participants’ sense of community, belonging and pride. In Portugal, the goal is for these teams to gradually begin competing in official races, such as EDP New Generation, a race for young people held ahead of the EDP Lisbon Marathon.
Beyond running
Improved quality of life
Building new friendships
Increased self-confidence
No previous access to a similar running club
Improved emotional management
Program Indicators
Registered participants
Training sessions delivered
Activities outside the neighbourhood
Get in touch to request additional information about our programs and projects, or apply for a contribution by filling out our form, and we'll get back to you.
