Ten participants from Everton in the Community’s Steve Morgan Foundation programmes who are representing Team England at this year’s Street Child World Cup in Qatar received support from HRH the Prince of Wales at St George’s Park this week.
The team - aged 14-16 - all hail from Liverpool and will be taking part in a seven-a-side tournament against other competing nations at the home of this year’s FIFA World Cup, which takes place later this year.
As part of the team’s preparations, the group received a training session from one of the coaches at English Football Association’s National Football Centre in St George’s Park as part of the venue’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, before meeting Prince William, who wished them the best of luck before they jet off on 7 October.
The Prince, who was also visiting England Men’s Senior Deaf team and England Men’s Powerchair Development squad, met the full team, as well as staff from the charity’s support programmes and Everton in the Community’s Chief Executive Officer, Sue Gregory.On the visit.
Gregory said: “The visit at St George’s Park will be one of many life-changing memories our young people will experience in the next fortnight. Not only have they experienced and trained at world-class facilities in St George’s Park, they can take the well wishes of the Prince of Wales as they head out to Qatar.”
The charity’s Team England hopefuls have previously engaged in various Everton in the Community programmes, which aim to instil confidence in young people, raise their aspirations and empower them into positive life-changes.
The players, who came though the charity’s 41 Goodison and PL Kicks programmes, also met England Manager, Gareth Southgate at the venue.
Gregory continued: “Our ten participants have been selected based on their positive engagement whilst on our programmes and their aspiration to be advocates for social change. The team will meet street-connected children from 27 countries who want an identity, protection from violence, exploitation, and access to education.
“Although our participants have had different life experiences, they all share the ambition to reduce violence and exploitation of young people within their city and beyond. Whilst more than half of our team will be travelling abroad for the first time, I am sure this experience will be a testament of their journey with us, and we hope the tournament can continue to inspire them in the future.”
The team will know their opponents a day after their arrival, with an official ceremony taking place to commemorate the beginning of the Street Child World Cup.
The nine-day tournament will coincide fixtures with educational workshops and activities, whilst each competing country will be tasked with a performance to showcase their respective country’s culture.
All fixtures will take place on a designated campus in Qatar with the finals being played out on Saturday 15 October.
