Words by Cheyanne Bryan
Unfortunately it wasn't a win for England in this year's Euros, and if you’re like me, you'll be grateful to not hear the chants of ‘it’s coming home!’ whenever you pass a pub.
While I may not be the biggest sports fan, I do like charities, so let’s dribble up some momentum for a brief overview of the charitable endeavours the golden boys of the England Euros 2024 squad have supported over the years.
England’s man between the sticks and Everton’s #1, Jordan Pickford has been involved in many charitable activities. Noticeably, he did a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic such as donating £5,000 to help people in Sunderland and gifted a pair of signed football boots to a Christmas raffle for disadvantaged children. He is often a guest at charitable events too.
Sporting the number two jersey, Kyle Walker has participated in numerous good deeds, as he got his start in football at Sheffield-based charity Football Unites Racism Divides. In March of 2024, he launched his scholarship at The Sheffield College which will start from September this year. For MHAM in 2022, he partnered with PUMA, EA SPORTS FIFA and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to release a limited-edition home and away kit. In 2021 donated £1,000 to aMan City Fan with cerebral palsy. And if you were around for it in 2016, you were able to vote on his goal celebration for which aimed to raise £5,000 for charity.
Many may know him as the left-back for Manchester United, but Luke Shaw has shown a lot of support for charitable causes. In 2020, he donated signed Manchester United shirts to raise money for the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. Shaw has also taken part in charity matches and events to raise funds for different organisations, contributing to the community through his involvement in philanthropic efforts.
Some may not know that Declan Rice, the defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the England national team, is an ambassador for CALM, and has been involved in other charitable activities. Like many of his fellow teammates in 2020, Rice donated signed West Ham United merchandise to help raise funds for the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. Additionally, he has continued to be vocal about giving back and making a positive impact beyond the football field.
Loved on and off the field John Stones, who serves as a centre-back for Manchester City and the England national team, was mobbed by fans when he teamed up with The Salvation Army in 2023 to help vulnerable individuals and communities. In 2018, Stones generously donated his England match shirt to aid in fundraising for the British Red Cross, providing assistance to individuals affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Additionally, he has actively taken part in his fair share of charity football matches and events to champion diverse causes.
Defender for Crystal Palace and the England national team, Marc has been involved in initiatives that aim to give back to the community. For example, he has worked with Palace for Life Foundation work alongside fellow player Eberechi Eze and other famous faces. He has also publicly discussed the importance of his family legacy and Black History Month.
The young rising star of north London, Bukayo Saka has done an impressive amount of charitable work despite his young age. Earlier this year, he received a thank you letter back to kids he has supported though the Children’s medical charity BigShoe. In 2020, Saka donated signed Arsenal shirts to raise funds for the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic and has a reputable history of visiting schools and youth organisations to inspire and engage young people.
Outside of football, Alexander-Arnold dedicates his time as an ambassador for the Liverpool-based charity An Hour for Others that offers a range of services, including food hampers, toys, cooking lessons, and science classes. In 2021, he was amongst other icons and business leaders that united to launch Football For Change (FFC), aiming to empower young people nationwide through transformative initiatives. The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the lives and opportunities of youth across the country.
Three Lions captain Harry Kane has taken on many philanthropic efforts over his 15-year career as a pro-footballer. But let us focus on the work of his own charity. On World Mental Health Day in October 2022 he established the ‘Harry Kane Foundation’ which supports various causes such as health, education, and sports for underprivileged children, and we have been quite lucky at Smiley News where we have been able to witness the partnership between Haven House Children's Hospice and the Smiley x Harry Kane Foundation. The partnership aims to raise awareness and funds for children with life-limiting conditions. And a special note to Harry Kane Foundation being a finalist in 2023.
If building a school is not impressive, then I don’t know what would wow you. Jude Bellingham, the young English superstar and recent Champions League winner, has helped build a school in Kenya, donated to support children’s education, and has involved his family in his charitable deeds. Together with his brother and fellow footballer Jobe Bellingham, they have made a lifesaving donation to fund three Community Public Access Defibrillators which will be installed outside three schools in Birmingham.
Who would have thought Phil Foden and McDonald’s would come together in the name of charity? Well the ever-dangerous for Manchester City with his tight ball control and creative vision, worked with the food supergiant in collaboration with FareShare for their charity campaign. The Manny-native also partnered alongside footballer Ella Toone and teamed up with Nike, JD Sports and the Football Beyond Borders charity to launch a brand new all-weather football surface in Moss Side.
Kieran Trippier, who’s had a large part to play in this Euros despite not playing in his favoured position, has shown his charitable side by supporting various causes. He kicked off 2024 with becoming a charity ambassador for the St Oswald's Hospice Children and Young Adults Service. His efforts to give back to the community demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football field, such as surprising a young brain tumour survivor and 'Child of Courage' at the 2023 Pride of Britain Awards with a surprise visit.
Cool-as-you-like Ivan Toney, who’s unique penalty-taking method took the internet by storm recently, has participated in many international and national voluntary initiatives. One of note is when he supported a fundraising campaign for those impacted by a 2021 volcanic eruption on the island of St Vincent in the Caribbean which forced thousands from their homes, leaving many without basic necessities. He has also shown on-the-pitch support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Aston Villa’s goal machine and semi-final hero Ollie Watkins is known for being inspiring about his generous ways. An example worth mentioning is his engagement with the Tackle Africa, which utilises football as a tool to educate youth in Africa on sexual health and HIV prevention. Additionally, he has created waves encouraging kids to read, raising funds for his club’s foundation, and supporting the charitable works of his fellow players.
Just before kicking off the Euros, dynamic Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, debuted his very own foundation, committed to offering career prospects and inspiring experiences for students in London. Giving back to the next generation is a key ethos that Eze follows in his good deeds as in 2021, him and other fellow players took part in an initiative that will honour Black accomplishments in sports, music, and culture, while also offering financial resources to aid Black communities worldwide. He also had prominent involvement in the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, where he has used his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination in football and society.
Cole Palmer, the electric Chelsea midfielder who fans have affectionately dubbed ‘Cold Palmer’, has supported various causes throughout his career. For World Children’s Day, he surprised Premier League Primary Stars students with City in the Community. And recently, he fronted the Re-Kicks initiative.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Football Beyond Borders. This charity works with young people from areas of socio-economic disadvantage who are passionate about football but disengaged at school, helping them finish school with the skills and grades to make a successful transition into adulthood. Learn more here.
Youth Sport Trust. This is a UK-based charity that aims to improve every young person’s education and development through sport and play.. Find out more here.
London Irish Foundation. This charity is the official charity of the London Irish Rugby Football Club with the aim to use the power of sport to make a lasting, positive impact. Support them
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For The Goals.
