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.
Ryan Giggs (Retired)
Former clubs: Manchester United
Charities supported:
- Nordoff Robbins
- Cancer Research UK
- East Cheshire Hospice
- UNICEF UK
- Levi’s Project
At the HMV Football Extravaganza in 2014, former Manchester United great and present assistant manager Ryan Giggs, was honoured with the Legend of Football Award for his work with Nordoff Robbins. Nordoff Robbins is a charity which raises money for music therapy for vulnerable children and adults across the UK. Music therapy is used to aid in the therapy of those with challenges such as autism, dementia, depression, life-threatening or terminal illnesses as well as victims of stroke and brain injuries.
Another project for which Giggs is a strong supporter is Levi’s Project, a charity set up in memory of a young Manchester United supporter who passed away in January 2014. Osteosarcoma and retinoblastoma are two forms of cancer that mainly affect children, and it is the goal of the charity to offer assistance to families who are trying to cope with the reality of these diseases as well as to further research into prevention and treatment options. To read more about the Levi Henson project, visit their website (currently offline).
Since 2000, Giggs has also worked with UNICEF UK through Manchester United’s United for UNICEF, and was named a UNICEF ambassador in August 2006 after a trip to South Africa where he met with young victims of HIV.
Several years prior, in 2002, the Welshman visited Thailand as an integral part of a UNICEF campaign to prevent children from being exposed to land mines. While there, he saw for himself the injustice effecting so many: “As a footballer I can’t imagine life without the use of one of my legs. Sadly this is exactly what happens to thousands of children every year when they accidentally step on a landmine.” (Credit BBC, April 8, 2002)
More recently, he has taken up initiatives such as his visits to Sierra Leone to help educate its people about HIV prevention (see video below). He also helped to spearhead a project on behalf UNICEF UK called “Pass the Parcel”. He called on football fans to donate to the organization so they could send sporting equipment to children living in poverty and in crisis.
Next instalment: Alexis Sanchez
To follow along with the series, please visit Charitable Football Players.
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