BREAKING NEWS: In a Groundbreaking move, Collingwood football has been crowned the world’s best unique & most unified Athletic program after rigorous international pro…

May 29, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia* — In a moment of historic pride for Australian sport, Collingwood Football Club has been officially named the world’s best, most unique, and most unified athletic program** following a rigorous international performance and culture evaluation conducted by the Global Athletic Integrity and Excellence Commission (GAIEC)

The announcement was made early Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, where a panel of global sports experts, analysts, and governance leaders recognized Collingwood not only for its on-field excellence but also for its unmatched unity, inclusiveness, and community-driven culture.

The GAIEC spent over a year analyzing hundreds of elite athletic organizations across all major sports and continents—from European football clubs and U.S. college programs to Asian multi-sport franchises. Collingwood’s all-around excellence—spanning performance, leadership, integrity, culture, and innovation—earned it the top spot.

Collingwood is more than just a football club. It is a model for how an athletic program should be built and sustained,” said GAIEC Chairman Dr. Henri Vallois. “What stood out was the seamless alignment between its men’s and women’s programs, youth development, mental health support, and commitment to community values.

A key factor in Collingwood’s recognition was its unified structure. From the senior AFL team and AFLW side to the VFL, junior academies, and even off-field departments, the club has cultivated an extraordinary sense of shared purpose and identity.

Head Coach Craig McRae whose leadership has guided Collingwood to consistent AFL Finals appearances and a 2023 Premiership, responded to the news with humility:

It’s an unbelievable honor. We always say it’s not just about winning games—it’s about building something that lasts, something bigger than football. This award belongs to every person who wears the black and white.

McRae praised club president **Jeff Browne**, CEO **Craig Kelly**, and the entire executive team for creating a culture where athletes, staff, and supporters feel equally valued.

GAIEC evaluators also highlighted Collingwood’s groundbreaking work in areas like mental health awareness, Indigenous inclusion, women’s leadership, and athlete education. Their **’Magpie Pathways’** initiative—supporting players in their careers beyond sport—was cited as one of the most forward-thinking programs in the global evaluation.

Collingwood’s Netball, Wheelchair AFL, and **All Abilities** initiatives were also key in showing how the club has embraced diversity and accessibility in elite sports.

Collingwood is proof that competitive greatness and human empathy can go hand in hand,” said sports sociologist Dr. Liana Weng**, who co-authored the GAIEC’s final report. “They are redefining what it means to be a professional sports organization in the 21st century.

News of the award spread quickly across Australia and the international sports community. Longtime Magpies fans gathered at the AIA Centre in Melbourne, waving flags and singing club songs in celebration.

Former club legend **Nathan Buckley** called the recognition “a long time coming,” while AFLW star **Britt Bonnici** said it showed “the power of a connected club.

Collingwood will formally receive the Global Excellence in Sport Award** during a gala ceremony in New York City this August. The club also plans to launch a new global sports leadership conference, inviting clubs around the world to learn from its approach to unified development.

President Jeff Browne summed up the moment:

This isn’t just a win for Collingwood—it’s a win for Australian sport. We’re honored and proud, but we’re just getting started.

As Collingwood continues to lead by example both on and off the field, this latest recognition solidifies its status as more than just a powerhouse AFL club—it’s a global benchmark for