In partnership with Almaviva – final stage on Nov. 18, 2025, Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
Social Football Summit officially launches SFS EXTRATIME 2025, the startup competition dedicated to innovation in the soccer and sports industry, created in partnership with Almaviva, an Italian leader in digital transformation.
The challenge, now in its new edition, will be held as part of the8th edition of SFS – Social Football Summit, scheduled for Nov. 18 and 19, 2025 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, offering startups and SMEs a unique opportunity for visibility, networking and discussion with industry players.
SFS EXTRATIME aims to select the most innovative and high-impact technological, economic and social solutions that can meet the current and future challenges of the football industry.
Applications will be collected from September 18 to October 31, 2025 through the official website www.socialfootballsummit.com.
A maximum of 6 finalist projects will be selected for Demo Day, during which teams will present their pitch in front of a panel of industry experts.
Startups and SMEs will be able to apply for projects in four main areas:
-Technologyand performance-innovations for athletes, teams, and sports data analysis.
-Fanengagement and new experiences-digital and interactive solutions to engage fans.
-Business modeland sustainability-business models with economic, social and environmental impact.
-Media, content and entertainment-new formats and strategies for telling and experiencing soccer.
The winning team will receive a prize of 5,000 euros in cash, as well as access to special mentions and opportunities offered by partners.
All finalists will also have the opportunity to:
-Participate for free in SFS 25 (with two passes per team);
-take part in a pitch preparation course;
-present their project in front of an international audience of stakeholders, clubs, media and investors.
“With SFS EXTRATIME, we want to give space to those who bring innovative ideas and solutions to improve soccer in a sustainable and digital way“-said Gianfilippo Valentini, CEO of SFS. – “The partnership with Almaviva further strengthens our mission of fostering the meeting of sports, technology and entrepreneurship.”
“Innovation in the world of sports, thanks in part to Artificial Intelligence, is not just ‘supporting technology,’ it is becoming an integral part of the way we practice, experience and follow activities and competitions,” said Antonio Amati, Deputy CEO of Almaviva. ” Each new idea can evolve sports tactics, performance, the business and entertainment. Hence the importance of a challenge to design the future of increasingly sustainable and inclusive soccer.”
“Since the first edition in 2018, then called ReSoccer, we have launched many challenges during SFS editions that have allowed us to discover and accompany innovative projects that we now see growing and consolidating. With this new challenge taking shape in Turin, we hope to identify original initiatives capable of interpreting new trends and bringing a concrete contribution to innovation in soccer and sport.”, dichiara Vincenzo Filetti, responsabile della startup competition di SFS.
Key dates:
-Nov. 18, 2025 – Demo Day and awards ceremony at Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
-September 18, 2025 – Opening Call
-October 31, 2025 – Closing Call
-November 6, 2025 – Communication of finalists
-Nov. 12, 2025 – Kick-off meeting and pitch training
SFS EXTRA TIME 2025 kicks off: soccer innovation startup competition
In partnership with Almaviva - final stage on Nov. 18, 2025, Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy Social Football Summit officially launches SFS EXTRATIME 2025, the startup competition dedicated to innovation in the soccer and sports industry, created in partnership with Almaviva, an Italian leader in digital transformation. The challenge, now in its new edition, will be held as part of the8th edition of SFS - Social Football Summit, scheduled for Nov. 18 and 19, 2025 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, offering startups
SENSATIONNELLES 2025: Intermarché in support of women’s soccer and inclusion
Launched in 2022 as part of the partnership between Intermarché and the French Football Federation (FFF), the SENSATIONNELLES by Intermarché program continues to promote women's soccer in amateur clubs, contributing to the personal growth of young people and strengthening ties with local territories and sports realities. Since its inception, the project has received 777 applications and awarded nine clubs for their initiatives aimed at social inclusion, accessibility, disability support, health and personal development. On the occasion of International Women's Day,
AEK Athens FC: Football and Social Action for a Sustainable Future
Guided by its history and roots, AEK Athens FC has developed a social action plan that harnesses the unique power of football to raise awareness about major societal challenges and issues. With consistency and dedication, the Club organizes a range of initiatives designed to make a difference. AEK Athens FC has launched activities in several key areas: fighting racism and all forms of discrimination, promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion with full respect for human rights. Health and education, aiming to
Italy and Saudi Arabia in Telerehabilitation: Innovation, Exchange, and Industry Growth
The role of digital innovation in healthcare is rapidly growing, and on January 5, 2025, Riyadh will host a pivotal event dedicated to the future of telerehabilitation. Organized by SFS in collaboration with ICE – Italian Trade Agency and the Embassy of Italy in Riyadh, the event will take place at Casa Italia Riyadh (Localizer Mall, Al Olaya), hosted by Almaviva. It represents a unique opportunity to explore innovative ideas and collaborations between Italy and Saudi Arabia in the field of
Physical health: safeguarding football players
The world of professional football has reached unprecedented levels of intensity and competitiveness. However, with the increased pressure on performance, the physical health of footballers has become a crucial issue to be addressed. At SFS24, we propose to explore innovative strategies and established practices to protect the physical well-being of athletes, addressing the challenges and opportunities related to their health. One of the primary objectives of our meeting is to promote a culture of prevention. Injuries represent one of the biggest
The Future of Sports Tourism at SFS24
The Social Football Summit, now in its seventh edition at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on November 19-20, 2024, promises to be an unmissable event for sports, marketing, and tourism enthusiasts. This year, one of the key topics will focus on tourism. In an era where the connection between sports and tourism is increasingly evident, this panel will provide an in-depth overview of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Events such as the World Cup, the Olympics, and European cup
Community Development, Local Causes and Interaction: The Premier League Experience at SFS24
Nel contesto del SFS24, uno dei temi più centrali sarà il panel dedicato a "Community Development, Local Causes and Interaction: l’approccio della Premier League", che offrirà uno sguardo approfondito sul modo in cui il calcio può essere uno straordinario motore di cambiamento sociale. Il calcio è molto più che un semplice sport: rappresenta un potente veicolo per l’inclusione, lo sviluppo delle comunità e il supporto a cause locali. Questo tema verrà trattato da esperti del settore e protagonisti della Premier League,
Football and Business: The New Frontier for Corporate Networking and Branding
In recent years, the business-to-business (B2B) events sector has decisively shifted towards the world of sports, with a special emphasis on football. This sport, with its large following and deep emotional connection, represents a unique opportunity for networking and corporate marketing. It is no coincidence that the number of B2B events linked to football is on the rise, as companies realize the enormous potential for building relationships, increasing visibility, and generating value. Football as a Networking Platform Football has the unique ability
The Future of Soccer in the United States: Opportunities and Challenges for International Athletes and Clubs
With soccer rapidly expanding in the United States and increasing demand for international players and coaches, the opportunities for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations are more abundant than ever. However, the U.S. immigration system, regulated by complex and specific rules for sports professionals, presents several challenges, ranging from selecting the appropriate visa to complying with the requirements of U.S. sports federations. Giorgio Polacco, partner at Arce Immigration Law, shares his expertise in helping players, coaches, and clubs navigate this intricate
EXTRATIME Innovation Tour Stops in Rome: A Unique Opportunity for Startups in the Sports World
On October 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM, the second stop of the EXTRATIME ALMAVIVA Innovation Tour will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, following the first event in Turin. This startup competition, organized by SFS in collaboration with Almaviva, will showcase how startups can participate in the SFS Extratime Almaviva, giving selected startups the chance to present their projects to industry experts, investors, and innovation leaders. This is a valuable opportunity to highlight innovative ideas, build strategic connections, and access essential resources to