As the countdown continues to this summer’s football showpiece, some of football’s biggest names have given their support to the Street Child World Cup which begins in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.
Brazilian legend Pelé, along with Manchester United legends David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson have all shown their support for the 10-day tournament.
Organised by the UK-based charity, 230 street-connected children aged 14-17 from 19 countries will be competing in the competition.
As well as playing the beautiful game the children will participate in a festival of arts and visit iconic sites of Rio de Janeiro, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Maracanã stadium, with the sole aim of the event to provide a platform for the teenagers to turn their lives around after enduring an unfortunate past.
“I scored my 1,000th goal in Rio de Janeiro and I offered my 1,000th goal to children. I am very happy to be part of Pelé Sports which will work with SCWC (Street Child World Cup) to be held in Rio de Janeiro,” said three-time World Cup winner Pelé.
Former England captain David Beckham is also looking forward to the event.
“I look forward to Brazil when street children from around the world will play football and represent the millions of children who still live or work on our streets,” he said.
“I know from personal experience just what power football can have to inspire and change young people’s lives whatever their background or nationality. “
“This is what the Street Child World Cup is all about and I give it my full support.”
“I look forward to Rio 2014 when street children from around the world will play football and represent the millions of children who still live or work on our streets.”
Iconic ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson echoed Beckham and Pelé’s sentiments.
“No child should have to live on the streets and I fully endorse this campaign giving street children a voice to claim their rights,” said the 72-year-old.
