England: Wayne Rooney

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

Wayne Rooney said, "I was made up when FIFA and SOS Children's Villages 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."

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 in Portugal.

Through his ambassadorial role, Wayne is hoping to use his internationally growing reputation to further help some of the most disadvantaged children in the world by helping FIFA and SOS Children's Villages to provide family homes where they can grow up with brothers, sisters and an education.

FIFA welcomes 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."

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 other 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 (currently there are about 16 million). 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."