The Football superstars become the latest to join forces with Premier League stars and business leaders to promote opportunities for young people who have been affected by the pandemic Everton midfielder André Gomes and BBC sports pundit, Gary Lineker, have pledged to become ambassadors to the new Football For Change initiative which will work to promote opportunities for young people from challenged communities. The pair will join Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jamie Carragher, Leeds United’s Jack Harrison and Wolves captain Conor Coady as ambassadors for the charitable initiative. Football for Change will kick off this year with a variety of major fundraising events including a gala launch dinner planned for November in Liverpool. It will distribute grants to organisations supporting young people, in the most deprived areas of the country, with a focus on helping them into education, employment and training.
André Gomes said:
“As professional football players and worldwide known figures, we must be role models to society. Through Football For Change, we can make a difference in young people’s lives, supporting them in their social, educational and sportive paths. With this platform, youngsters from challenged communities will be given the fundamental tools to prepare themselves for a brighter future. I’m truly happy to be part of this initiative and I hope that we can be an example to those kids that dream and aim to be better.”
Gary Lineker said:
“Football for Change is a great example of footballers working together to help young people in some of the most socially and economically challenged neighbourhoods in the country. The pandemic has hit young people particularly hard so this initiative, which is working to deliver opportunities in education and employment, is needed more than ever. I am proud to support it.”
The initiative is being chaired by Swinton Insurance CEO, Ian Donaldson, who says:
“Football for Change is special. It is a unique and powerful collaboration between sports stars and business leaders who have come together to help young people who are facing hardship in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. Our aim is to help them overcome the social and economic challenges they face to build better futures. Having personally experienced a tough upbringing, the aims of Football for Change are particularly close to my heart. I am incredibly proud to have helped launch this initiative and I am delighted that Swinton is playing a major role as founding partner. I am delighted that Jack Harrison is now part of it.”