On the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, West Ham United have signed up as a supporter of 1GOAL - the global education initiative aimed at getting 72 million children around the world into school.
The 1GOAL campaign officially launched in April and will run until the World Cup final on 11 July. It is about raising awareness, not funds, with the aim of securing 30 million signatures to ensure global leaders allocate funding that will see every child in the world receive a primary education by 2015. Hammers defender Herita Ilunga (pictured) is just one of those to lend their support.
The project has received high profile backing from FIFA, and will use this summer's tournament in South Africa as a platform to target football fans around the world. Barcelona, Manchester United and Internazionale are among clubs who have already pledged their support to the 1GOAL campaign and the Hammers are delighted to offer their backing too.
West Ham United Chairman David Gold said: "This campaign can make a difference to the lives of millions of children around the world so we of course offer our support. I hope others will do the same so we can ensure the World Cup leaves a lasting legacy of education for all."
For more information on the 1GOAL project and to pledge your support, visit the website www.join1goal.org/.
