EDP Club Runners Portugal
Social inclusion
The end of the school day is a decisive moment for many young people. Between leaving school and returning home, not everyone finds accessible spaces where they can stay active, develop new skills, and build trusting relationships.
It was to meet this need that, in 2024, the EDP Club Runners was created. Aimed at young people between 6 and 16 years old, the program promotes access to sports through regular training sessions and close support, with the goal of helping participants build confidence, discipline, commitment, and teamwork. Developed in partnership with Social Innovation Sports, the program has a dedicated team for implementing and coordinating activities on the ground.
The EDP Club Runners began in 2024 in the neighborhoods of Cova da Moura and Zambujal, in the Lisbon region, where EDP was already developing social investment projects and was closely familiar with the needs of these communities. In 2025, the program expanded to Porto, involving young people from the neighborhoods of Cerco, Falcão, and Monte da Bela. In the same year, it also reached new communities in the Lisbon region, in Monte da Caparica and Loures, reinforcing the commitment to create more opportunities for access to sports and development for young people.
Each club follows a common model, adapted to the needs of the local community:
- Two training sessions per week, led by a qualified coach;
- Close support from a community leader and a mentor;
- Involvement of local associations, which help bring the program closer to young people and their families;
- Monthly outings outside the neighborhood, which make it possible to discover new spaces and experiences.
The project also promotes social integration, strengthening the sense of belonging and pride among participants. The goal is for these teams to gradually begin competing in official events, such as the EDP New Generation, the youth race that will precede the EDP Lisbon Marathon.
Much more than running
Improvement of quality of life
Making new friends
Increase in self-confidence
No prior access to a similar running club
Improvement of 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.
