PETALING JAYA: Football in Asia is set to get more inclusive as ShekhinahPR and Portugal-based Integrated Dreams signed a strategic partnership at the World Football Summit Madrid on Tuesday.
Under this agreement, ShekhinahPR will coordinate and lead Integrated Dreams’ football programs across Asia, starting with a series targeting increased leadership roles for disabled individuals across Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia in 2027.
“Football is for all. No one should be left behind,” said ShekhinahPR chief operating officer Datuk Christopher Raj.
He added that it was an honour to join hands with the Portuguese outfit following their successful Football For All Leadership Programme (FFALP) in Kuala Lumpur last year.
The FIFA Foundation-supported initiative was Integrated Dreams’ first venture in Asia and was a resounding success that provided leadership, football, and sports industry training to 40 disabled participants from across the region.
“We look forward to bringing this vision to life in Malaysia and the region,” added Christopher.
Integrated Dreams founder Jose Soares noted the partnership will help expand their efforts in Asia, leveraging local partners with communications and sports industry experience to create long-term impact.
“We are very excited to partner with ShekhinahPR as we take our work further across Asia," said Soares.
"Inclusion is not simply about giving people access to football; it is about creating opportunities for people with disabilities to lead, contribute and build careers within the sports industry.
"This partnership gives us a strong local partner to help turn that vision into meaningful programmes and lasting impact.”
More programs across Southeast Asia are set to be launched in the coming months.
