Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! UNICEF scores for world’s children at World Cup
While the planet’s top soccer players score goals for their national teams in the World Cup on the playing fields of
Germany, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today teamed up with the sport’s governing body to score one for
the world’s youngsters, kicking off a campaign to promote human values on websites, videos and in print.
“Whether they are playing on busy streets, in crowded refugee camps or amidst the chaos of conflict, children find joy
through sport,” UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said.
“But sport is more than just a game – it is also one of the best ways for children to learn team work, tolerance and the
value of play. UNICEF and FIFA share a common commitment to transforming young athletes into upstanding citizens,” she
added, referring to the governing soccer body Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
The Unite for Children, Unite for Peace campaign spotlights the power of soccer in promoting values of peace and
tolerance within communities and at the international level.
It includes public service announcements featuring some of the world’s top players, including UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
and England’s captain David Beckham, an interactive website, video profiles of 11 children who have overcome situations
of violence, and a manual for players and coaches designed to combat violence and discrimination, particularly against
girls.
The manual will be published in English, French, Spanish, and German and will be distributed globally. The announcement,
produced by MTV International and featuring a 15-man “Team UNICEF” of World Cup players, is being shown before each of
the matches.
The Team comprises: David Beckham (England), captain; Emmanuel Abedayor (Togo); Christoph Metzelder (Germany); Didier
Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire); Thierry Henry (France); Tim Howard (United States); Rafael Marquez (Mexico); Lionel Messi
(Argentina); Hidetoshi Nakata (Japan); Ji-Sung Park (Republic of Korea); Eduardo Tenorio (Ecuador); Francesco Totti
(Italy); Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands); Paolo Wanchope (Costa Rica); Dwight Yorke (Trinidad and Tobago).
The campaign website spotlights these players and highlights video stories of the 11 children who have overcome
situations of violence and conflict through the power of football.