Equiti, which is known for offering forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) services, has become the naming rights sponsor of the Youth Football League (YFL) in Dubai. The league will now be known as the Equiti Youth Football League.

"As the UAE champions 2025 as the Year of Community, this sponsorship reflects our commitment to investing in initiatives that bring people together and create lasting impact," said Iskandar Najjar, Equiti Group CEO and co-founder. "The Youth Football League gives us a powerful opportunity to help build stronger, more connected communities for the future."

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Strengthening the Brand, Locally

Although small globally, the Youth Football League has significant appeal within the UAE. It provides a structured and competitive environment that supports talent development across various age groups.

According to its website, more than 4,500 registered players compete in the league across over 400 football teams. Furthermore, over 8,000 matches have been played under the league. In terms of social media outreach, the league’s official Instagram account has 25.4k followers, and it has a few thousand more on Facebook.

Equiti’s interest in the league is not new. The broker had already sponsored the shirts of one of the teams in the league. Its branding has also appeared across various real estate in the playing arena.

The announcement today (Tuesday) further detailed that Equiti will support the league's growth through interactive experiences, financial literacy programming, and events that engage players, parents, and fans.

“This partnership will enable us to broaden opportunities for young athletes by investing in the future of youth football across the region, uniting the passion of sport with the power of financial education and innovation,” said Andrew Toward, co-founder of the Youth Football League, following the broker’s onboarding as the naming sponsor.

Sports Sponsorships Are Hot

Equiti’s sports presence goes beyond the Youth Football League. Last year, it became the sleeve sponsor of Abu Dhabi’s football club, Al Wahda. The broker appears to be focusing its branding efforts in the Middle East, where it has a strong base.

Meanwhile, other retail brokers are spending heavily on sports. FinanceMagnates.com reported earlier that Swissquote spent $15 million on sports sponsorships during the ongoing season, while eToro and Plus500’s expenditures totalled $10.7 million and $10.5 million, respectively.

Source: Finance Magnates