Football clubs are often called families, and Benfica just proved why. The Lisbon giants launched a new program this past Thursday, aiming to support their most vulnerable members. It’s called Benfica Social. The club wants to make sure everyone can still feel connected, even when times are tough.
This move makes good on a promise made by club president Rui Costa earlier this year, on February 22. During a special ceremony for long-time members, Costa spoke about strengthening the Benfica family. He stressed that no member should ever feel forgotten, especially when facing hardship. Costa then laid out a vision for a more supportive club. He promised that members facing economic and social difficulties would get help. This help would include lower membership fees and free tickets. He called for a stronger, more supportive Benfica, deeply connected to its members, who are truly the club’s soul.
The new program has clear goals in mind. It aims to help members struggling financially. It also wants to ensure everyone can experience being a Benfica supporter. This fosters a strong sense of community, solidarity, and belonging among the fan base. To make this happen, the club will offer various types of aid. Each season, 5,000 tickets will be set aside. These tickets are for home matches played at the Stadium of Light. They cover both the men’s and women’s football teams. Games included are from the league championship, the Portuguese Cup, and the League Cup. The Benfica Foundation will also provide study grants. On top of this, membership fees will be reduced for those who qualify.
Two main initiatives drive the Benfica Social program. First is “Mais Solidário,” which translates to “More Supportive.” This offers a 20% discount on membership fees for a full year. The second initiative is “Mais Benfica,” meaning “More Benfica.” This gives eligible members one free ticket per year. These tickets are for national competition games held at the Stadium of Light, during the project’s active period.
To qualify for the Benfica Social program, members need to meet a few conditions. They must have been a member for over a year and be an adult. Alternatively, they can be part of an eligible family unit. Their membership fees must also be up to date. Those who hold a Red Pass, a special season ticket, cannot apply. Applicants must be beneficiaries of the Social Energy Tariff. This also applies if a household member at the same address receives this benefit. Finally, applicants cannot have used this specific benefit in the same season.
Applying for the program is straightforward. Interested members can submit their application using the form on the club’s website. Benfica has committed to reviewing and validating applications quickly. They promise a decision within four working days. Once an application is approved, the benefits will begin in the following month. This program truly embodies the spirit of a club that stands by its supporters, ensuring the heart of Benfica beats strong, together.