A host of Brighton & Hove Albion FC players have joined forces with UNICEF to celebrate the unstoppable spirit of children ahead of World Children’s Day.
Players including Fran Kirby, Jack Hinshelwood and Kaoru Mitoma have been sharing what made their childhoods unstoppable – and encouraging fans to do the same. It is part of the Club’s partnership with the world’s leading child rights organisation which aims to use the power of football for good and strengthen UNICEF’s efforts to build a world where every child is happy, healthy, and safe.
Fran Kirby said: “I experienced loss and grief at a young age, and I lost myself and my love for football for years. What helped me find my way back was the love of my family and friends. They gave me space to heal and reminded me it’s okay to ask for help. That support made me unstoppable.”
Jack Hinshelwood said: “I’d say specifically my granddad [made me unstoppable]– we played a lot of golf together…and he took me to a lot of games. He played a big part in my childhood… He passed away a few years ago, and he played for Palace, so when I scored that goal against Palace, it was quite an emotional moment for me.”
Kaoru Mitoma said: “Education made me unstoppable as a child. It opened my world, kept me curious, and showed me what’s possible. Education and sport together gave me the chance to go far, to grow, and pursue my dreams.”
Danny Welbeck added: “UNICEF is supporting children all around the world who need it the most – believing in their potential and helping them stand tall no matter the challenge. I’m really proud that Brighton & Hove Albion have teamed up with UNICEF, and this World Children’s Day we can all help build a world where every child can keep dreaming, and childhood never has to stop.”
A film featuring the footballers’ experiences is being showcased at two of Albion’s matches as part of takeovers hosted by UNICEF to highlight it’s new ‘Making Childhood Unstoppable’ campaign – an empowering initiative that aims to amplify children’s voices and celebrate them as an unstoppable force, raising awareness of UNICEF’s work to build a better world for every child.
Right now, children around the world are caught up in crises beyond their control, from ongoing conflict in Sudan and Gaza to climate emergencies, devastating their lives and threatening their childhoods. UNICEF is working with partners and communities in over 190 countries, to clear the path and make the world ready for children, so childhood never has to stop.
Dr Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK’s Chief Executive, said: “Children are born ready – to learn, play, grow, and thrive – yet global crises such as wars and climate change are threatening their childhoods.
“We’re hugely grateful to our partners Brighton & Hove Albion FC for supporting UNICEF in its mission to transform the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children, meaning we can scale up our efforts to support the wellbeing of children everywhere. Together we are making childhood unstoppable.”
Paul Barber OBE, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman at BHAFC, said: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with UNICEF and all that we have achieved so far, helping them to deliver some of their vital programmes supporting children across the world.
“It’s an honour to have them host takeovers at two of our matches, and we hope our fans will join us and show their support for UNICEF too.”
Fans who attended Brighton & Hove Albion’s match in the WSL v Leicester City on Sunday November 16 were invited to share their own ‘unstoppable’ stories on social media, with fans attending Albion’s Premier League v Brentford Football Club this Saturday November 22 able to do the same.
Fans will be able to choose from a unique selection of BHAFC and UNICEF face painting and temporary tattoo designs and donate to UNICEF via QR codes around the stadium.
Fans will also be able to learn more about Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s ‘One Goal’ – a sector-leading plan, guided by UNICEF’s expertise, that puts the rights of all children including fans, players, and those engaged in Foundation activities, at the heart of the Club.
Find out more and donate: https://www.unicef.
