Whenever one reads about the latest football player donating a sum of money to a charitable cause, one can’t help but cynically question his — or his publicist’s — motives. In an age where players are earning up to £300,000 per week, there is growing resentment from fans who can’t relate to the ever-climbing astronomical wages being commanded from players. Whilst the fans’ position that is understandable, does it really matter? Is it really worth questioning one’s motives when, on the surface at least, they seem sincere and more importantly benefit a good cause?
Welcome to my series which seeks to highlight fifteen of the most charitable football players past and present who are using their financial advantage and star power to make a real difference to those less fortunate.
Craig Bellamy (retired)
Former clubs: Norwich City, Coventry City, Newcastle United, Celtic (loan), Blackburn, Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester City, Cardiff City (loan), Liverpool, Cardiff City
Charities supported:
- The Craig Bellamy Foundation
- UNICEF
The very well-travelled Craig Bellamy has been inspirational in his efforts to assist underprivileged children in Sierra Leone, Africa, through his Craig Bellamy Foundation. Through sport and education, the foundation’s goal is to help each youth achieve his potential personally, and in being a responsible member of his community.
In 2007, Bellamy visited Sierra Leone, one of the world’s most impoverished countries, where he witnessed first hand the very limited potential of its inhabitants. Lack of resources and basic fundamental needs such as healthy water and food was obvious. He also found that, despite having limited equipment, there was a real desire to engage in sport, with football being played by many children.
He returned to Sierra Leone with the idea to create a feeling of positivity by providing footballs. And whenever he saw a game, he was quick to join in.
Taking the idea one step further, he created the Craig Bellamy Foundation Academy. The goals of the academy are to provide resources and proper coaching to aspiring football players who show promise, whilst also teaching respect for fair play and education. In conjunction with UNICEF, the academy initiated the CBF League in 2009, where teams are formed and compete. The foundation offers five-year scholarships to offset the costs for players who live and train at the academy.
When asked about the £1.4million of his own money, the Welshman responded: “I’m pleased I’ve done it but I wouldn’t necessarily call it unselfish because it’s been a huge benefit to me as a human being. As far as I’m concerned, what I’m doing in Sierra Leone will be my legacy. Not how many goals I scored or how many medals I won or how many Premier League appearances I made. I’m proud of those things, too, but they don’t really matter.” (Interview with Mirror, June 2, 2013)
Next instalment: Emmanuel Adebayor
To follow along with the series, please visit Charitable Football Players.
