The Tottenham Hotspur Football Club made history by hosting the first-ever North London derby outside London, showcasing their commitment to engaging with their international fanbase. The match was part of AIA One Billion Week, an initiative to inspire one billion people across Asia to live healthier, longer, and better lives by 2030. The event occurred at AIA Vitality Park in Central, Hong Kong, where fans enjoyed football challenges, youth clinics, and various community activities. The match marked a milestone moment for the club and global football.
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. Jo Niño, Ariel Briones Mallen, 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.”
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 proudly stood alongside the club through its most iconic moments. The partnership has gone beyond the pitch, championing health and wellness initiatives and empowering Asian communities.
“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. It 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.
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.
