In a refreshing departure from traditional sports narratives, a groundbreaking initiative in Portuguese football is redefining what it means to win. It`s less about goals scored and more about the impact made in the community, earning it a prestigious Social Responsibility Award.
The Fundação Benfica, the philanthropic arm of the renowned Portuguese football club, has been honored with the Social Responsibility Award from the Fundação do Futebol for its exceptional `Community Champions League` project. This recognition, the first under the new leadership of Reinaldo Teixeira, highlights a program that leverages the universal appeal of football to cultivate responsible citizenship among vulnerable youth.
At the heart of the `Community Champions League` lies a fascinating and, frankly, ingenious premise: success isn`t solely measured by points earned on the scoreboard. While the thrill of competition remains, participants learn that discipline, respect, and tangible contributions to their community are just as crucial, if not more so. In a remarkable twist, points can actually be deducted if young players fail to demonstrate these essential values off the pitch. Imagine, a football league where a missed act of kindness costs more than a missed penalty!
This innovative approach, operating in Portugal since 2019, aims to do more than just develop budding athletes. It seeks to forge active, conscious citizens. Through the engaging medium of sport, young individuals from challenging backgrounds are instilled with core values: respect for opponents and teammates, unwavering commitment, diligent effort, the power of teamwork, tolerance towards others, and the crucial skill of resilience in the face of adversity. It`s a curriculum delivered not in classrooms, but on the football field, where life lessons are as important as tactical formations.
The project`s reach is impressive, encompassing approximately half of Lisbon`s parishes. It’s a collaborative effort, promoted by Fundação Benfica in partnership with Gebalis, and integrated into the broader European Football for Development Network (EFDN). This extensive network underscores the global relevance of using football as a vehicle for positive social change.
As Carlos Moia, Executive President of Fundação Benfica, articulated upon receiving the award, the initiative fundamentally connects young people to their community through sport, shifting the focus from mere athletic victory to broader societal contributions. The sentiment was echoed by Bernardo Azevedo of Liga Comercial, who emphasized football`s unique power to educate and empower those most in need. This isn`t just a game; it`s a mechanism for strengthening communities and nurturing future leaders.
The `Community Champions League` perfectly exemplifies how organized sport, beyond its commercial spectacle, can serve as a profound engine for social transformation. By aligning its objectives with the United Nations` 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Fundação do Futebol`s recognition of this project reinforces the global agenda for positive change. It`s a testament to the idea that true champions are not just those who lift trophies, but those who lift up their communities.
Ultimately, this award is more than just an accolade; it`s an affirmation of a powerful idea: that football, with its unparalleled ability to captivate and unite, possesses an immense, often untapped, potential to foster a better, more responsible society. Fundação Benfica`s `Community Champions League` is not just winning games; it`s winning hearts and minds, one responsible citizen at a time.
