10:19, 27 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
For World Football Day, we throw back to our visit of the Rehydrate the Earth Gala at the beginning of May hosted by Football for Peace Gala.
The Rehydrate the Earth Gala was an inspiring evening co-hosted by Football for Peace (FfP), Burnley Football Club, and Baringa.
The event brought together global leaders, athletes, and changemakers with one shared mission: to raise awareness and drive action around water sustainability and peace-building.
Water scarcity isn’t just a climate issue, it’s a humanitarian crisis affecting billions. Groundwater depletion, contamination, and insecurity are fuelling conflict, displacing communities, and putting lives and futures at risk.
Across many countries, football is a medium that brings together communities under a shared interest and this gala was a reminder that sport, especially football, can be a powerful force for change, and it was inspiring to see so many prominent faces in football show up to support the cause.
Have a look at our summary video below:
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 for Peace. This nonprofit organisation strives to use football as a social diplomacy tool to make a positive impact on the world. Learn more here.
Football For Future. This charity aims to boost awareness of the relationship between football and climate change, and support football clubs in England to become more environmentally sustainable. Support them here.
Football 4 Climate. This is an initiative aimed at harnessing the power of football to address the urgent challenges of climate change. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Clean Water and Sanitation, Partnerships for the Goals.
