NEOM, an official partner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has launched a new initiative called Champions of Progress. The program aims to celebrate community heroes who have made a significant impact in the world of football across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia.
Through this partnership, Champions of Progress will use football’s global platform to inspire positive change. It will support the development of football talent from grassroots to elite levels across AFC competitions. The initiative also aligns with NEOM’s vision to grow football in Saudi Arabia, making the sport a central part of daily life and helping to position the country as a global sports hub.
The program invites local football communities to nominate “unsung heroes” — individuals or projects that have played a major role in the sport’s growth. These contributions could include promoting community engagement, improving sports accessibility, and encouraging diversity and inclusion within football. Champions of Progress aims to shine a light on these heroes and their work, encouraging future generations to get involved in football, both as players and as fans.
Nominations for the initiative are open to individuals (aged 18 and older) or projects in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia. Nominees must have made a lasting impact on football at the community level, increased participation, or enhanced accessibility to the sport.
A panel of judges from NEOM and AFC will review the nominations. The six winners, who will be selected based on clear criteria, will be honored for their contributions. They will also be invited to the AFC Champions League Elite at the start of the 2025/2026 season, where they will meet senior figures from Saudi football. Their inspiring stories will be shared across various media platforms to raise awareness and inspire further positive change in Asian football.
NEOM is committed to making a difference in the community through this partnership, aiming to celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to transforming football at the grassroots level. The Champions of Progress initiative will help spread the values of dedication, progress, and active living, all centered around football.
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