Dan is the Founder of nonprofit organisation Aniko, whose mission is to use the universal language of football to promote health and social inclusion for displaced people.
Since August 2015, Dan has worked in the field addressing the refugee crisis at various stages. His experience has seen him distributing aid in camps, working shoreline rescue on the island of Lesvos, running a community space in Thessaloniki and so much more.
With the evolution into a longer-term situation in Europe, and Greece in particular, Dan saw an opportunity to look beyond emergency response and develop a project that addresses the changing needs of displaced people and the communities they join.
Football was a natural step. Not only was it in huge demand, but football has always been a huge part of Dan’s life, as a fan and a player.
“I know first-hand how 90 minutes on the pitch can make a difference long after the final whistle is blown.”
Now, Dan takes the lead with planning the future of Aniko, dreaming up the big ideas that will see the organisation grow, while taking the necessary steps to get there. He also coaches, running training sessions for Aniko’s multiple projects.
In his personal time, Dan will continue to participate in search and rescue missions and direct action when, and where, he’s needed.