Sydney FC and Football United have teamed up to launch the Australian Football for Hope squad that will take on the world at the FIFA Football For Hope festival in Brazil during the final two weeks of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Sydney FC and Football United have teamed up to launch the Australian Football for Hope squad that will take on the world at the FIFA Football For Hope festival in Brazil during the final two weeks of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The squad, consisting of three girls and three boys from varying cultures, were officially unveiled at Allianz Stadium by Socceroos Technical Director Han Berger, who praised the multicultural aspect of the initiative.
“Football is the world game and it-s the world game because it-s a game for everyone,” Berger said.
“You can play it everywhere in the world regardless of your nationality your age, your colour and that-s what makes this game the world game. It-s a game for everyone from everyone.
“I think this is a fantastic initiative.”
Sky Blues goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic and defender Ali Abbas are the ambassadors for the Football for Hope squad who will fly to Rio de Janeiro.
Janjetovic said he was pleased that football was being used as the catalyst for social development for disadvantaged youth.
“I think it-s a brilliant initiative,” Janjetovic said.
“Australia-s a multicultural country, especially Sydney and especially our team because we have so many nationalities playing for us.
“Bringing everyone together through football I think is the way to go and I think it-s going to give a lot of kids opportunities throughout life and hard times.
“Working with Football United has been an absolute pleasure so I look forward to doing it for a few more years to come.”
The FIFA Football for Hope Festival will be held during the later stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and will see 32 teams converge on Rio to participate in a milestone event for the entire ‘Social Change Through Football- community.
