– David Beckham, Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Kieran Gibbs, Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand and Oguchi Onyewu attend the Grassroot Soccer fundraising gala –
Tuesday 1st December, to mark World AIDS Day, a number of football stars attended the Grassroot Soccer fundraising gala, along with leaders in business and media. Big names included David Beckham, England International Kieran Gibbs, and Rio Ferdinand, GRS Pro Ambassadors Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pirès, alongside other well-known public figures, such as Sir Alex Ferguson and USA International Oguchi Ongyewu.
GRS Pro Ambassador Freddie Ljungberg, GRS Global Board member Gregg Lemkau, GRS CEO and Founder Tommy Clark, GRS Ambassadors Council member Ric Lewis, England International Kieran Gibbs, GRS UK Board member Nik Haigh, GRS Co-founder and Africa CEO Methembe Ndlovu, GRS Ambassadors Council member Walid Bouzid, GRS Pro Ambassador Robert Pires.
The event raised £700,000 for Grassroot Soccer, largely through a live auction that took place with prizes including a 1-2-1 tennis lesson with two-time Wimbledon champion, Boris Becker; lunch with Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis; and an opportunity to play a 8-a-side game with club legends, Robert Pirès and Freddie Ljungberg. The funds raised on the night will be spent on a range of unique football-based health education programmes in southern Africa.
David Beckham
The Ferguson Family: from left, Mark, Cathy, Sir Alex, and Fiona Ferguson.
Robert Pirès said: “Grassroot Soccer uses the language and beauty of the game to break down barriers, build trust, and educate young people to adopt healthy behaviours. Soccer becomes part of the solution.”
The London Community Gospel Choir performs, including leading guests in rousing renditions of football anthems.
Grassroot Soccer would like to extend our thanks to the many individuals and organisations who donated so generously to the auction and to L’Oreal for the wonderful gifts donated to all our guests. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed towards the event; the funds raised will make a true impact in the lives of young people.
GRS Pro Ambassador Oguchi Onyewu