Following its establishment in the United Kingdom and subsequent successful roll-out in South Africa, the United States and Italy, the Twinning Project – an innovative initiative supported by the FIFA Foundation that uses football to improve the lives of incarcerated people – is set to continue its global expansion by debuting in at least five countries this year. The Twinning Project launched in 2018 in partnership with the United Kingdom’s HM Prison and Probation Service, with the objective of pairing each prison in England and Wales with a nearby professional football club. Its aim was to engage approximately 50 inmates per year at 117 correctional institutions in football-based programmes to improve physical and mental health, while offering access to education and qualifications designed to enhance their prospects following release. Inspired by its mission to tackle global challenges and drive positive change through football, the FIFA Foundation committed funding to the Twinning Project in 2024. That year, the programme expanded to Italy, South Africa and the United States.

This year, further support from the FIFA Foundation will allow the Twinning Project to reach participants in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Singapore and Uruguay, while conversations remain ongoing about getting the initiative up and running in other countries. “We are proud to support the Twinning Project. It is a transformative platform – a bridge to rebuilding lives,” FIFA Foundation Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri said when the two organisations first joined forces. “It enables a better future, benefiting the lives of entire families and communities in equal measure. Football is a global game with a global reach. It’s important to expand this programme.” Hilton Freund MBE, Global CEO of the Twinning Project, added, “I am deeply grateful for FIFA’s belief in the Twinning Project and for the FIFA Foundation’s vital support in helping us expand into new geographies. Football is the global game, and its unique power to connect people, inspire hope and change lives transcends borders, cultures and circumstances. Through this partnership, we are harnessing that power to strengthen communities, build trust, and contribute to safer societies around the world. The FIFA Foundation’s commitment makes this ambition possible, enabling us to scale our impact and ensure that football continues to be a force for positive social change where it is needed most.”

The partner clubs already confirmed for this year’s expansion are Australia’s Melbourne City, Brazil’s Bahia, New Zealand’s Auckland FC, Singapore’s Young Lions and Uruguay’s Montevideo City Torque. The Twinning Project is guided by the principle, “Don’t look down on someone unless you are helping them back up.” Research shows that access to structured education and employment pathways significantly reduces reoffending. Football provides a powerful platform for building discipline, teamwork and a sense of belonging, all of which support rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Coaches and staff from the participating clubs use the game to assist inmates with improving physical and mental health, communication and reflection, planning, leadership and conflict resolution. Once launched, Twinning Project activities run for a three-month period, after which participants graduate and are encouraged to apply what they have learned beyond the programme.