Filipino youth meet the Spurs squad ahead of the historic North London derby
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (“Spurs”) made history as they took to the pitch for the first-ever North London derby held outside London, thrilling fans in Hong Kong. The match marked a milestone moment not just for the club, but for global football, as the Spurs showcased their commitment to engaging with their international fanbase. The event was the grand finale of AIA One Billion Week, an initiative by AIA that supports their goal to inspire one billion people across Asia to live healthier, longer, better lives by 2030.
AIA One Billion Week unfolded at AIA Vitality Park in Central, Hong Kong, where AIA once again teamed up with Spurs for a week-long community event. Fans enjoyed a week packed with football challenges, youth clinics, and a variety of community activities that brought everyone together.
More than just a game
The day before the derby, four Spurs players comprising James Maddison, Micky Van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario and Lucas Vergball engaged with students from AIA Healthiest Schools, AIA’s pioneering program that promotes healthy habits in schools across Asia and Australia. Several kids eagerly asked the players about their routines, mental resilience, and motivation on and off the pitch.
Some Filipino fans also got active with interactive football zones at AIA Vitality Park. Among them were Jo Niño, Ariel Briones Mallen and Marice Magdolot from Team Success, and Tigulang FC team A, the champions of AIA’s Here to Play tournament in the Philippines. For these rising talents, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see their idols up close.
“Our partnership with Spurs is rooted in a shared belief that sports can spark healthier habits and big dreams,” said Melissa Henson, AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer. “When young fans meet their idols or participate in grassroots clubs and matches, wellness becomes a way of life they can see and feel for themselves.”
A legacy beyond goals
Tottenham Hotspur’s rise to global prominence has been marked by thrilling performances, a passionate fanbase, and a historic Europa League triumph that solidified their place among Europe’s elite. Their journey has inspired millions, uniting fans across continents and showcasing the power of football to transcend borders.
As a long-standing Global Principal Partner of Spurs, AIA has been proud to stand alongside the club through its most iconic moments. The partnership has gone beyond the pitch, championing health and wellness initiatives that empower communities across Asia.
“Tottenham Hotspur’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and community mirrors AIA’s mission to help people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives,” said Adrian New, AIA Group’s Director of Football Initiatives. “Through our partnership, we’ve been able to inspire healthier habits and bring meaningful wellness programs to life across the region.”
AIA’s partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, now in its 12th year, is one of the longest partnerships in Premier League history and provides a powerful platform to deepen engagement with communities across Asia. Together, they have hosted football clinics attended by more than 160,000 children, connected fans through the club’s tours across Asia, and supported community causes that reflect shared values of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
An unexpected moment
During the game, an unexpected highlight came from the crowd: AIA Philippines ambassadors Wil Dasovich and Nico Bolzico playfully joined in on the fun by mimicking the viral ‘stadium kiss cam’ moment, much to the delight of Filipino fans back home.
The viral clip, showing Nico going in for a quick peck as Wil bursts out laughing, perfectly captured the weekend’s celebratory and lighthearted spirit. Thanks to AIA Philippines for bringing the duo to the game, where sports, community, and fun collided in one unforgettable night.
The Spurs versus Arsenal match capped off a momentum-filled week for AIA. Across Asia, the leading Pan-Asian insurer continues to promote health and wellness through youth football clinics, school programs, and campaigns like Rethink Healthy, which challenges how people see everyday health and well-being.
