FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Q1: What is Common Goal?
A: Common Goal is the home of football for good – a global network that connects and strengthens a community of people and organisations using football to drive positive social change. Through football we create opportunities for young people to play, learn, and thrive.
Q2: What is Common Goal’s vision?
A: Our vision is ‘An Even Playing Field for All’ – a world where football’s power to unite and transform is accessible to everyone, regardless of background, and where the game drives genuine, society-wide change.
Q3: What does football for good actually mean?
A: Football for good refers to using football as a tool for social change. This can range from structured community programmes to informal kickabouts – supporting education, improving health outcomes, advancing gender equality, building peace, and developing life skills. It’s the game beyond the final whistle, creating opportunities for people and communities to grow.
Q4: How did Common Goal start?
A: Common Goal's story began over three decades ago in MedellÃn, Colombia. In 2002, this work formalized as streetfootballworld, the first global network for football for good. In 2017, streetfootballworld launched Common Goal, introducing the 1% Pledge alongside player Juan Mata to create a simple way for the football industry to fund social impact. In 2021, the two organizations united under the single name, Common Goal
Q5: How big is the Common Goal community?
A: The Common Goal Community has grown to be a truly global community over many decades and it now comprises: - 201 Community Organisations - 12,000+ Global Workforce - 200+ Professional Athletes - 3.6 Million Young People Engaged in Programmes Yearly - 9 Million People Reached Across 117 Countries
Getting Involved: Partnerships, Members, and Donations
Q6: How can my organisation become a member of the Common Goal community?
A: Community organisations can join the network by completing a structured application process. Every potential member undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure they are a trusted partner with high-quality programmes and strong local roots, aligned with Common Goal's values and quality standards. You can find the application process on their website under "Become a member".
Q7: How can brands and other organisations partner with Common Goal?
A: Common Goal partners with brands, foundations, and institutions that believe in football's power to drive social change. Partnerships are shaped collaboratively to create long-term, meaningful impact. Common Goal offers deep community knowledge, authentic activation within football culture, and access to the largest impact collective in football. Interested parties can contact them at partnerships@common-goal.org.
Q8: I'm an individual. How can I support Common Goal?
A: There are several ways for individuals to get involved: - Become a Supporter: Make a donation to directly contribute to long-term impact across the football-for-good network. - Become a Champion: Stand with players and leaders who commit to using their platform for impact (for high-profile individuals/advocates). - Take the 1% Pledge: If you are a player, coach, or other stakeholder, you can pledge 1% of your earnings to support community-driven initiatives.
Q9: Why should I donate to Common Goal?
A: Donating to Common Goal means supporting a vetted global community of 201 organisations across 117 countries, selected through rigorous standards. Rather than funding isolated projects, you are contributing to entire ecosystems of change – aligning collective efforts for lasting impact. As an independent non-profit with over three decades of experience, our priority is long-term community impact, ensuring your support goes where it is needed most.
Community and Safeguarding
Q10: How does Common Goal ensure its member organisations are trustworthy?
A: Common Goal has a rigorous vetting process for all community members. Their quality implementation criteria are recognised by football governing bodies and partners. This ensures that all members are trusted partners with high-quality programmes and strong local roots.
Q11: What is Common Goal's commitment to safeguarding?
A: Common Goal is committed to the highest standards to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As a signatory to the International Safeguards for Children in Sport, their approach includes a Community Pledge, a Staff Code of Conduct, and a clear Safeguarding Policy. This covers child protection, addressing sexual harassment, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Q12: How can I report a safeguarding concern?
A: Safeguarding concerns can be raised safely and confidentially through multiple reporting channels, including a dedicated reporting form on the Common Goal website. This allows anyone to report concerns involving Common Goal staff or representatives of community organisations.