[International] England team announce support for Street Child World Cup
Monday 8 Mar 2010
The Team England Footballers Charity have announced their support for the Deloitte Street Child World Cup, which takes place in South Africa later this month.
Former England captain David Beckham, said: “I know from personal experience just what power football can have to inspire and change young people’s lives whatever their background or nationality.
"This is what the Deloitte Street Child World Cup is all about and I give it my full support.”
The England players will fund the participation of Manchester Youth Project M13, the ‘UK ambassadors’ for the tournament in South Africa in March.
The investment forms part of the players’ Outreach Programme, an initiative developed by the squad to improve opportunities for disadvantaged children and young adults across the country.
The week long event is an initiative led by UK Human Rights organisation Amos Trust. Street children from countries including Brazil, India, Ukraine, Tanzania and of course South Africa will unite in their love of football and demand street children are given their rights.
Chris Rose of the Amos Trust: “We are thrilled to have the England team support the M13 Youth Project’s participation in the first event Deloitte Street Child World Cup.
"The England team know better than anyone the pride of representing your country and together we can make the voices of street children be heard.”
Helen Gatenby from M13 Youth Project: “Although children in the UK clearly do not face the same issues as those living on the streets in other participating countires, the UK team will go to listen, learn, participate on an equal footing and share their own valuable experiences of life in Ardwick.”
The tournament has the backing of leading international politicians, dignitaries and football figures.
The Right Honourable Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister, commented: “I commend the Street Child World Cup for providing a platform for the rights of street children to be heard.”
Biza Madolo, former street child and coach of Umthombo FC, the South Africa street child team, said: “The Deloitte Street Child World Cup and it's legacy is not only wonderful news for Umthombo and street children in South Africa but also for street children from across the world. I am proud to be a part of this unique event.”
For more information the Street Child World Cup, please visit www.streetchildworldcup.org
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Hope Powell
"I hope that groups across the country seize the opportunity to get involved in the weeks, particularly the women and girls' teams out there."
Hope Powell, England Womens Manager