On May 26, the world of football will come together for the inaugural World Football Giving Day, a unified effort to make a positive impact. Backed by over 100 organizations and supported by notable figures such as Jurgen Klopp, Juan Mata, and Vivianne Miedema, this initiative aims to bring people together to participate and donate.
Powered by Common Goal, a movement launched by Mata in 2017 where football figures pledge to donate 1% of their salaries, World Football Giving Day seeks to harness the power of collective action to drive social change. With the support of partners like adidas and Right to Dream, this movement has already raised millions for projects worldwide. Common Goal's CEO, Mary Connor, emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in this effort, stating, 'Football can mirror the world or it can choose to shape it.' By choosing to shape it, World Football Giving Day provides an opportunity for the entire football community to unite and make a difference. The initiative has already seen success in various parts of the world, from organizing girls' football in Nicaragua to addressing issues like teen pregnancy and gender-based violence.
As Connor notes, 'Football can challenge assumptions and bring people together.' With the launch of World Football Giving Day, the goal is to create an annual tradition that mobilizes resources and unifies people around the world. To get involved, visit the World Football Giving Day website to donate to one of the 100+ registered non-profits or find your own way to give back in your local community or globally.