The work that the Foundation carries out daily through its Community, Inclusion, and Culture projects becomes especially visible during this month
October becomes a special showcase for the Athletic Club Foundation. Thanks to specific initiatives and events held during this month, the Foundation’s ongoing social work gains greater visibility.. Backed by the strength of the Athletic brand and its unique identity, these projects embody the essence of a club deeply rooted in its community and driven by the desire to inspire social change.
The projects developed by Fundazioa in three main areas – Community, Inclusion, and Culture – using football and culture as tools, are particularly strengthened and supported in October thanks to the power of the Athletic brand and its unique identity.
These areas of action reflect the essence of Athletic, a club deeply rooted in its land, whose reach goes beyond football to act as a driving force for social transformation.
Three Pillars for a Single Goal: Transforming Through Values
- Community, promoting health, sport, respect for the environment, and social cohesion.
- Inclusion, developing programs for people and groups in vulnerable situations, fostering participation and equal opportunities.
- Culture, using football as a tool for reflection, dialogue, and social transformation.
Initiatives That Bring October to Life
While the Foundation’s work continues all year round, several key initiatives take place in October, highlighting the club’s unwavering commitment to its community. Each one blends football, culture, and inclusion to create a positive impact and strengthen the bond between Athletic and its people.
- Thinking Football Film Festival
From October 6 to 12, the 13th edition of the Thinking Football Film Festival took place at Sala BBK. Organized by the Foundation, this event combines cinema and football to explore issues such as equality, human rights, and mental health, establishing itself as a benchmark cultural event.
Audiences filled the theater daily and engaged in discussions with special guests after the screenings. This year’s participants included Sammy Lee, Honey Thaljieh, and George Dowell.
- UNRWA Project: PALESTINE
On October 10, San Mamés hosted the official presentation of the UNRWA: PALESTINE project, which supports 8,000 Palestinian children in vulnerable situations and refugee camps in Syria. Thanks to the Athletic Club Foundation, these children will receive physical education classes in 16 schools run by UNRWA — the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.
As part of the initiative, Honey Thaljieh, Athletic’s 125th anniversary ambassador and project patron, joined UNRWA representatives and Palestinian refugees living in the Basque Country to receive the heartfelt applause of San Mamés before the Athletic vs. Mallorca match on October 4.
- Follow Something Unique
On October 1, in Dortmund, the Foundation launched the Follow Something Unique campaign — a Champions League pre-match event celebrating values and friendship between fans. The program included a Walking Football match, the planting of an oak tree, and a shared post-match gathering.
Next to the oak, a plaque was placed with the message in German:
“We arrived as rivals, we leave as friends. Thank you, Dortmund, eskerrik asko.”
The initiative was warmly received in the German city and is set to continue in Athletic Club’s upcoming European journeys.
- Utopía Project
Part of the Foundation’s Inclusion program, the Utopía Project supports women in vulnerable situations. Through sports and training workshops, it promotes physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, and mutual support networks.
Now in its second decade and held weekly, the project recently gained new sponsorship from Ilunion Facility Services.
- Honoring Long-Standing Members
Each year, the Club hosts an emotional ceremony to honor members celebrating 50 and 75 years of loyalty. Without their dedication, Athletic Club as we know it would not exist. This year’s honorees will receive their commemorative badges at San Mamés on October 23.
- Pediatrics and Hospitals Project
As part of its Hospitals Project, the Foundation supports initiatives that create more welcoming pediatric spaces and bring positivity to hospitalized children. From Athletic-themed decorations to diplomas and “txapeldun” medals, these efforts aim to spread hope and happiness.
This autumn, the project is being relaunched at Basurto Hospital, featuring new decorations and activities designed to brighten children’s stays.
- Educational Project and World Mental Health Day
The Foundation also organized two special morning screenings for schools as part of the Thinking Football Film Festival. Nearly a thousand students gathered at Sala BBK to reflect on gender equality and mental health through the films Copa 71 and Tigrar.
The screening of Tigrar, on October 10 — World Mental Health Day, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to the cause. Through a video Fundazioa made, featuring Mikel, a participant from the RSM project, Fundazioa underscored the importance of mental well-being and inclusion.
Through all these initiatives, the Athletic Club Foundation shows that its social mission goes far beyond football – transforming lives both on and off the pitch.
Discover more about the Foundation and its projects here.
