NEOM And AFC Launch Champions Of Progress Initiative To Celebrate Football Community Heroes

NEOM, in partnership with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has launched the "Champions of Progress" initiative. This programme aims to honour community heroes in football across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia. The initiative seeks to leverage football's global reach to foster positive change, nurturing talent from grassroots levels to elite players in AFC competitions.

The collaboration with AFC aligns with NEOM's vision to enhance football in Saudi Arabia. It aims to integrate sport into daily life and establish the region as a global sports hub. By inviting nominations for 'unsung heroes' who have significantly contributed to football's growth, Champions of Progress celebrates efforts that promote community engagement and diversity.

Champions of Progress is open for nominations from individuals aged 18 and above or projects that have impacted football development at the community level. The initiative focuses on increasing participation and improving accessibility across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia. Nominations are evaluated by a panel of experts from NEOM and AFC based on specific criteria.

The six winners of the 2025 Champions of Progress will be honoured for their contributions. They will be invited to the AFC Champions League Elite event at the start of the 2025/2026 season. Here, they will meet senior members of Saudi Arabia's football community, further promoting their inspiring stories through selected partnership channels.

This initiative not only highlights extraordinary contributions but also aims to inspire future generations to participate in football both on and off the field across Asia. By showcasing these stories, Champions of Progress hopes to drive awareness and encourage positive changes within pan-Asian football communities.

Nominations for this initiative are open until a specified date, with winners announced later. Detailed information about nomination criteria and submission processes is available at www.championsofprogress.com.

With inputs from SPA