While the roar of the crowd and the thrill of a goal often dominate headlines, Portuguese professional football is quietly orchestrating a different kind of victory: a win for society. Through its dedicated Football Foundation, Liga Portugal is proving that the sport’s influence extends far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch, making a tangible difference in communities nationwide.
At a recent gathering of football minds, the Portugal Football Summit, Susana da Silva Curto, Executive Director of Liga Portugal, illuminated the ambitious efforts of the Football Foundation. She participated in a panel aptly titled “Making a Difference,” alongside representatives from other key football and social institutions, underscoring a collective commitment to leveraging football`s unparalleled reach for broader societal good.
The Unstoppable Force of Football as a Social Catalyst
Ms. Curto articulated the Foundation`s core philosophy: “The Football Foundation seeks to undertake a series of actions that harness the power of football and its capacity to amplify messages. Football reaches society, but also the individual.” This isn`t merely about charity; it`s a strategic deployment of a cultural phenomenon. Football, with its universal appeal, acts as a conduit for transmitting vital values and principles, simultaneously engaging directly with individuals to foster positive change. In a world often fractured by various divides, the unifying power of a simple football can indeed be extraordinary.
The numbers speak volumes about the scale of this commitment. Over the past year, the Football Foundation developed more than 40 projects, directly impacting thousands of lives. These initiatives are not executed in isolation but in close collaboration with the professional sports societies – the clubs themselves – ensuring a capillary reach that permeates local communities. This symbiotic relationship is crucial, transforming club rivalries on the field into collaborative efforts for common good off it.
Beyond the League Table: A Unified Front for Social Responsibility
Perhaps one of the most compelling statistics shared was the sheer volume of social solidarity actions undertaken by the sports societies. In the last year alone, they collectively carried out over 950 social solidarity actions. To put this into perspective, Liga Portugal Betclic clubs accounted for approximately 500 of these, while Liga Portugal Meu Super clubs contributed over 400. Ms. Curto highlighted this with a subtle, yet effective, observation: “It’s a more uniform theme than the teams` league standings.” Indeed, while performance on the pitch fluctuates, the commitment to social responsibility appears remarkably consistent across the board.
This unwavering dedication stems from a profound understanding that clubs are more than just sporting entities; they are integral parts of their local fabric. “The connection with their communities is crucial, not only in this aspect of social responsibility but also in bringing more families to stadiums, more young people,” Ms. Curto explained. This holistic approach connects social impact directly to fan engagement, recognizing that a socially responsible club often cultivates a deeper, more loyal fanbase. It`s a testament to this deep-seated belief that every single professional sports society now boasts a dedicated “key contact” for social responsibility – a bureaucratic detail perhaps, but one that signifies a serious, organized commitment.
Gearing Up for the “12th Player”: Educating the Next Generation
Looking ahead, the Football Foundation is already charting new territory with an exciting and ambitious project dubbed the “12th player.” This initiative, designed for students aged 12 to 15 (7th to 9th grade), is a multi-institutional partnership involving the PSP (Public Security Police), GNR (National Republican Guard), the Ministry of Education, APCVD (Portuguese Authority for the Prevention and Combat of Violence in Sport), and APAF (Portuguese Association of Football Players).
The “12th player” project aims to deliver a comprehensive educational program within schools, fostering relational skills and proactive engagement among young people. It`s an insightful recognition that the “12th player” isn`t just the loyal fan in the stands, but also the informed, responsible citizen of tomorrow. By collaborating with law enforcement and educational bodies, Liga Portugal is ensuring that the lessons learned from football — teamwork, discipline, respect — are integrated into the broader educational experience, nurturing not just future fans, but future leaders.
A Model for Impact: Football`s Enduring Legacy
Liga Portugal, through its Football Foundation, is demonstrating a powerful model for how professional sports can transcend mere entertainment to become a significant force for positive social change. It`s a testament to strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and a deep understanding of football`s unique ability to captivate and unite. As the beautiful game continues to evolve, these initiatives ensure that its legacy extends far beyond trophy cabinets, embedding itself in the very fabric of Portuguese society – a truly enduring victory.
