The 49ers’ community relations efforts in 2014 earned the organization Sports Team of the Year in a ceremony Tuesday in London, the club announced.
The 49ers were recognized by Beyond Sport, a global organization that centers around the use of sport to create social change across the world. The other finalists for the honor were the Chicago Fire Soccer Club (USA), Saracens Rugby Club (UK) and SV Werder Bremen (Germany).
“The San Francisco 49ers demonstrate how sport can contribute to solving many of society’s issues,” said Nick Keller, founder of Beyond Sport. “The direct impact they have on the lives of thousands of children annually through their weekly hands-on community service programs that keep kids ‘Safe, On Track, and In School,’ is truly inspiring.