This coming weekend, the Jupiler Pro League, Challenger Pro League and Lotto Women’s Pro League will make way for the Younited Pro League. For the 18th season in a row, the Pro League is joining forces with its social partner, Younited Belgium. Together with clubs, players, partners and supporters, Belgian professional football is committed to a society in which no one is left on the sidelines. Because football is for everyone.
After the final whistle, players will donate their signed and ‘match-worn’ shirts to charity. From 6 to 13 November, supporters can bid via mws.com/proleague on these unique shirts, as well as on a host of other special items and experiences. The proceeds will go to Younited Belgium.
A team where everyone counts
For Younited Belgium, football is much more than just a game. The non-profit organisation brings people in socially vulnerable situations together in football teams where solidarity, trust and a sense of belonging are central. It is a place where everyone can be themselves, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. This belief aligns seamlessly with the unifying and inclusive spirit embodied by Belgian professional football.
Through the annual auction campaign, the Pro League, its clubs, DAZN and various partners aim not only to raise funds, but also to draw extra attention to the work and social impact of Younited Belgium. League partners Jupiler and Lotto are also throwing their weight behind the initiative. This weekend, they are symbolically stepping aside to make way for the Younited Pro League, thereby putting the campaign even more in the spotlight.
Lorin Parys, CEO of the Pro League: “Football is at its strongest when no one is left out. Younited Belgium makes that a reality every day: it brings people together, builds trust and opens doors to new opportunities. That is why, in November, together with our clubs, partners, players and staff, we are throwing our weight behind this campaign. With a record number of unique auction items, supporters can get their hands on something special and really help someone get ahead. I’ve already chosen my favourites and will, of course, be bidding myself.”
Jersey auction and an exclusive range of unique specials
This coming weekend, all players in the Jupiler Pro League (matchday 11) and the Challenger Pro League (matchday 10) will wear the Younited Belgium logo on their sleeves. After the matches, these shirts – including signed team shirts from the Lotto Women’s Pro League clubs – will be auctioned online via mws.com/proleague.
Once again this year, supporters can snap up a whole host of special items and experiences. For example, they’ll have the chance to take a look behind the scenes at DAZN and various clubs, secure VIP tickets for top national and international matches, or bid on signed shirts from the Red Devils and Red Flames.
Former Pro League players are also doing their bit, with a particularly wide range of unique items that they’ve made available especially for the auction. Will you snap up a signed shirt from Doku or Tielemans? Discover all the special items on the MWS auction platform.
Ceremonial kick-off
The Younited Pro League will be officially launched today at two venues. At Sporting Hasselt, this will take place ahead of the Limburg derby against Patro Eisden, whilst at Sclessin it will be ahead of the match between Standard de Liège and SK Beveren. A day later, there will also be a symbolic kick-off for the live-broadcast match between Club YLA and OH Leuven Women.
Meanwhile, the online auction via MWS opens today, 6 November at 12 noon. Supporters can bid on the unique auction items until Friday 13 November at 8 pm. DHL Express, the campaign’s official courier partner, will ensure that every item won is delivered quickly, safely and reliably to the highest bidder’s home.
Finally, on 21 November, following the international break, the final total raised by the campaign will be announced at KV Mechelen. Evert Winkelmans and Lorin Parys will do so alongside the Mechelen Younited delegation and reveal how much the Belgian football family has raised together for Younited Belgium.
Bert Ballegeer, coordinator of Younited Belgium, on the impact of the initiative and the collaboration with the Pro League: “With 62 teams, Younited brings together people for whom finding a place in society is not always a given. In their football teams, 2,200 players do find their place, and that is an important step. The support from the Pro League and its clubs means not only financial backing, but also recognition and appreciation for our players and everything Younited stands for.”
About Younited Belgium
Younited Belgium brings people in socially vulnerable situations together in football teams where they can be themselves and find a new sense of purpose. The slogan ‘My team, my home’ aptly sums up that mission. For players facing challenges such as poverty, addiction, mental health issues or housing problems, their team is much more than just a place to play football. It is an environment where they can build trust, forge connections and feel part of a group once again.
Younited Belgium also offers its players a supportive framework in which sport goes hand in hand with personalised support. Through their team, they find structure, support in tackling their challenges and contact with support workers and people who share similar experiences. In this way, Younited Belgium contributes to their wellbeing and helps them, step by step, to build new opportunities, both on and off the pitch.
