At the 2024 World Football Summit in Riyadh, just a few months after our launch, we at Al Balad FC took center stage with a panel discussing our club and the industry around us, focusing on the “Disruption of Fan Engagement.” Our Sporting Director, Alejandro Sanchez, Operations Manager, Moammar Hammad, and Marketing Manager, Aya Al Halabi, shared our mission.
We emphasized the power of storytelling, a vital part of human culture since ancient times. While storytelling has evolved in many fields, football narratives, especially in Arab football, have often stagnated. This disconnect is particularly evident with younger fans, as clubs struggle to share their daily stories. Players often overshadow the clubs. “Football players are seen as superheroes,” Dr. Alejandro noted, but we believe clubs, including our fourth division club, are just as important in having a true fan connection. We want to use media and football marketing to change that, which is where our YouTube episodes and social media efforts come into play.
Fans today crave quick, engaging content, and we are committed to understanding their new needs and even building community beyond just the game. At Al Balad FC we engage with our fans through pillars like events and initiatives, believing that football is about more than just the match itself. We’re dedicated to telling the behind-the-scenes stories—the preparations, teamwork, and real moments that matter. We are dedicated to create true and loyal fan connection from the start of our foruth division journey in Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing the need for youth development beyind media, the panel discussed how more teams and training opportunities are essential for nurturing young talent in the Saudi Pro League, thus the plans to develop academies and U17,U12 and U10 teams that would make Jeddah and even prouder football city.
Our goal is to grow from a grassroots level and aim for the 2034 World Cup, showcasing real progress along the way that fans can live in timely manner with us. We understand that real fan engagement requires a collective effort, and we’re excited to lead the way in redefining how football connects with our community through innovative approaches like our Youtube TV and content creation.
The WFS has been a great oppurtunity to meet key thinkers in the football industry, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s version will bring to the table.
National league football stadiums have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from simple venues for sporting events to multifaceted entertainment complexes that cater to the diverse needs of modern fans. As they continue to embrace innovation, sustainability, and digitalization, these stadiums will remain at the forefront of the global football landscape, uniting fans in their shared love for the beautiful game while preserving the rich heritage and traditions that define the sport.
