Football for Change UK, a new initiative aimed at aiding young people from disadvantaged communities, has been rolled out by Atlanta Group chief executive Ian Donaldson (pictured) with the backing of Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold, retired footballer Jamie Carragher, and Everton FC’s Anthony Gordon.
Sponsored by Swinton Insurance, the collaborative undertaking unites business leaders and Premier League stars in offering support to talented young people who face economic and social barriers to fulfilling their potential, as well as providing grants to organisations helping school leavers in deprived areas of the north west.
“Football for Change is special,” said Donaldson, who is in charge of Ardonagh’s Atlanta Group – the collective entity comprising Swinton Insurance, Carole Nash, and Autonet Insurance. “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.”
The CEO said the goal is to assist these young people in building better futures for themselves.
Donaldson shared: “Having personally experienced a tough upbringing in Stoke-on-Trent, 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.”
For Alexander-Arnold, Football for Change UK is about helping young people on to a positive path.
“It is footballers and football fans coming together with a goal to help improve the life chances and opportunities of young people from some of the most challenged neighbourhoods in the country,” noted the right-back. “It is a brilliant initiative, and I know from growing up in Liverpool that it is needed now more than ever.”
While introduced today (August 07), Football for Change UK will hold its official fundraising gala launch in February 2021.
Meanwhile, commenting on what the initiative is capable of accomplishing, Carragher stated: “Football for Change can change lives by giving young people, who’ve often felt left out or left behind, a fair chance in life.
“It is all about giving them the tools to do something positive whether that be in education, employment, or in sport. It is fantastic to have the support of Ian who I know is incredibly passionate about making a difference with this.”
