Porto’s regional football association, AF Porto, announced a new initiative to decentralize its board meetings, aiming to directly engage with local clubs and municipalities across its 18-county jurisdiction.
This move, effective this month, seeks to foster closer ties with affiliated clubs and municipal governments. The association, led by President José Neves, intends to gain direct insight into local concerns and realities.
The goal is to reinforce its commitment to developing football and futsal throughout the region.
AF Porto will also use these sessions to highlight its social projects. These initiatives promote inclusion, gender equality, respect, and sustainability in sports.
President Neves emphasized the importance of this grassroots approach. “AF Porto is for everyone and by everyone,” he stated.
He highlighted the need for the board to be near those who manage daily football and futsal activities. Listening to clubs, understanding their challenges, and valuing their local work is crucial for balanced and sustained growth at the base level, he added.
The practical format will involve a working session with local clubs, mayors, and sports councilors. These local officials will then be invited to the subsequent board meeting.
The first such session is scheduled to take place in the municipality of Baião.