The England football team will donate at least £1million to charitable causes ahead of the next World Cup as part of a collective decision by the team to set up their own charitable trust, The Team England.
PFA Executive Bobby Barnes stressed what an important gesture this was by England's best players as it benefited four charities. "The move was led by John Terry and the decision will be hugely beneficial," said Barnes.
"The players have been planning this for a long time and not only will they be giving financial contributions to the charity but also making appearances to help promote their cause."
Terry concurred with Barnes' view. He said: "Every player in the England squad works in some way with local or national charities but as a team we decided to use our role as England footballers to not only contribute money and our time but to also help raise awareness of particular issues. Every player to a man is looking forward to supporting our charity."
Allied to the financial contribution being made, the Team England Footballers' Charity will use the time, influence and reputation of the players to champion chosen charities.
The four chosen charities are: The Association of Children's Hospices; WellChild; The Bobby Moore Fund; The Professional Footballers' Association charity Initiatives.
In addition to the chosen charities to benefit from collaboration with the Team England Footballers' Charity, the players are planning to launch their own grassroots initiative to help disadvantaged youth teams across the country whilst continuing to support the FA and their grassroots and charity campaigns.
Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's Director of Football, has marked out the ages between five and 11 years old as a 'golden age of learning'. Says Brooking: "Children should have a fun, safe introduction to the game and be free to develop their skills with quality coaching in an encouraging atmosphere."
The sum of £1 million will primarily be raised through the players donating all of their England match fees to their chosen charities, but it's expected the minimum figure of £1 million will be exceeded by additional charitable activities undertaken by the players.
The relationships with The Bobby Moore Fund and the PFA charity initiatives will run from June 2007 until July 2010. The Association of Children's Hospices and WellChild children’s charity will both benefit from an 18 month relationship from June 2007 until December 2008 and January 2009 until July 2010 respectively.
Stephanie Moore, Founder of The Bobby Moore Fund said: "Forty five men and women die every day in the UK from bowel cancer, often needlessly because, if bowel cancer is detected early enough, more than eight out of ten cases can be successfully treated.
"I'm overjoyed that the England squad has chosen to support the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and know that Bobby would have been delighted. Their help and involvement will be crucial in raising awareness and funds for vital research."
Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive of the Association of Children's Hospices (ACH) asserted: "We are very proud to have been personally chosen by the players themselves and we are also incredibly excited about working with the team to make a real difference in so many ways to thousands of children who won't live to reach adulthood and their families. This really is teamwork at the highest level."
Brian Barwick, Chief Executive of the FA said: "I'm obviously very pleased that the whole squad has taken this initiative and will distribute funds across a deserving range of charities. It puts an extra kick into them appearing for their country."
A Trust Account, under the name Team England Footballers' Charity has been set up via the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). CAF is a non-profit organisation committed to effective giving, providing a range of specialist services to donors, companies and charities in the UK and internationally.
On behalf of the England football team, 1966 Entertainment will manage and develop the Team England Footballers' Charity and its relationships with the chosen charities. All PR and media enquiries will be handled by 1966 and the Football Association.
