Wayne Rooney becomes official Ambassador for SOS Children

01/02/2006
FIFA/SOS Ambassador Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney, PFA Young Player of the Year 2005 and top England and
Manchester United striker, became an official "FIFA for SOS Children's
Villages" ambassador in October 2005. Wayne also underlined his
support for the FIFA 2006 World Cup charity campaign "6 villages for
2006".

In February 2003 Wayne Rooney became the youngest footballer to play
for England. In August 2004 he became the world's most expensive
teenager when he signed for Manchester United, and his reputation as
one of the world's most exciting young players was further enhanced by
his hugely impressive performances for England at Euro 2004
Championships in Portugal.

Perhaps less well known is his very personal commitment to raising
money for Claire House and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.
Through his ambassadorial role for FIFA/SOS, Wayne hopes to use his
internationally growing reputation to further give some of the most
disadvantaged children around the world a family home in an SOS
Children's Village, where they can grow up with brothers, sisters, an
education and hope for the future.

Wayne Rooney said "I was made up when FIFA for SOS Children's Charity
asked me if I would get involved. The work they do is for kids who
have suffered and have no families to help them. I know how much it
means to have a family that supports you, so I am delighted I can give
my support to these kids."
Wayne Rooney ambassador for SOS Children

FIFA welcomed the appointment of Wayne Rooney as "FIFA for SOS
Children's Villages" ambassador for England. FIFA President Joseph S.
Blatter said of the England player's appointment: "Rooney is one of
the most exciting young talents of our days and it is encouraging to
see that he is committing himself to support the cause of some of the
most vulnerable and needy children around the world."

Wayne joins a list of leading world football stars in accepting this
ambassadorial role. See more information about other FIFA/SOS
Ambassadors here.

Andrew Cates, Chief Executive, SOS Children's Villages UK commented
"We are really delighted that Wayne has become an ambassador for the
campaign. Wayne follows footballing greats from around the world in
recognising the needs of the world's rapidly increasing number of
children who are alone with no one left to care for them. When someone
of Wayne's public stature shows such strong support for our work, we
are confident that England will follow his lead helping children with
nowhere else to turn."

For more details phone Chrissy Davey on 01223 365589 or email
chrissy@....

Relevant Countries: Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Vietnam.