"Instead of starting my own foundation, I thought that the Common Goal project with Street Football World was a better fit, and I was willing to lead the way. I believe in this project, and I am passionate about this. That's what I told Jürgen at the beginning. I like your project, and I want to be fully involved," said Juan Mata (ESP) Manchester United player, explaining his Common Goal initiative for footballers to support the Street Football World foundation, at the Soccerex Global Convention on 05/09/2017.
The 2017 edition of the Soccerex Global Convention took place from 04 to 06/09/2017 at the Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester (ENG).
"I want to say this project is not about me. I'm here now, because someone has to start, and I'm happy to make the beginning. But I want this to be a football project, and a movement, and really connect professional football with that other side of football, where it brings joy to those in difficult situations all over the world. This can be a players-led movement," added Juan Mata.
Common Goal is the pledge of professional footballers to donate 1% of their salaries to the Street Football World foundation, led by founder and CEO Jürgen Griesbeck (GER). Street Football World leads football-based development programmes to make street football safe, accessible, and more involved in over 80 countries in the world. The foundation has been active for over 15 years. The Common Goal pledge began with Juan Mata in August 2016. He was quickly joined by Mats Hummels (GER, FC Bayern Munich).
Jürgen Griesbeck indicated the Common Goal pledge currently has 13 professional footballers (9 male and 4 female), with the next player ambassadors to be announced soon. "It's not about secrecy, or hiding these players. Rather, this is simply to give each player the space to make their announcement and tell their story in their own way," said Jürgen Griesbeck at the Soccerex Global Convention.
"I'm living a dream, and I realize that. This project is about bringing a small part of this dream to others" (J. Mata, Manchester United)
"Football has always been a big part of my life. My dad was a professional player, so I was born with football. So when I was growing up, I remember nothing but good things about football. I'm living a dream, and I realize that. So this project is about bringing a small part of this dream to others.
I am a human being before a footballer. So a few years ago I started thinking how lucky we are as professional players. So, like many other players, I started thinking about starting my own foundation. As I started looking at different projects and different things, I met Jürgen Griesbeck and Street Football World."
"Football is a massive force; I'm always amazed at the number of people that come to see the clubs and players (abroad)"
"Football is a massive force. Through the national teams, or the great clubs I've played for, football has a great power. Through all my travels, I am always amazed at football, and the number of people that come to the clubs and players (during trips abroad).
But I also saw some shocking moments when I traveled with Street Football World. In India in particular. The life there, where we went, is very difficult. But I saw what joy football can bring to even the most difficult of circumstances.
So instead of starting my own foundation, I thought that the Common Goal project with Street Football World was a better fit, and I was willing to lead the way. I believe in this project, and I am passionate about this. That's what I told Jürgen at the beginning. I like your project, and I want to be fully involved."
"I'm here because someone has to start, but I want this to be a football project"
And that's what football is all about. As professionals we are all part of a big family. So I think Common Goal has a great potential with this family."
Juan Mata, a Manchester United player, about the Common Goal project for professional footballers to pledge 1% of their salary to the Street Football World initiative
