The global charity for children, which harnesses the power of play to shape lives, is hosting an event that taps into the buzz around the upcoming World Cup football tournament. 

Firms from across London’s financial district have signed up to take part in a World Cup football charity event at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with England’s 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst (pictured below) and former Arsenal and England star Ray Parlour as the special guests. 

Sir Geoff Hurst

Hosted by global charity Right To Play UK, Right To Play’s World Cup Party will take on Wednesday 10 June – the eve of the tournament. The event will bring together teams from across the City for an evening of football challenges, networking and fundraising. 

Right To Play – with which this publication is delighted to partner – protects, educates, and empowers children to rise above adversity using the power of play. The charity works with children in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice and heal from the trauma of war and displacement. It was founded more than 25 years ago, reaching children in 13 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Right To Play’s global programmes use sport and play to help children stay in school, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice and recover from the impact of conflict and displacement. (See an interview with the organisation.)

In the World Cup charity event, City firms will compete in a series of fun football challenges alongside prominent players, followed by World Cup insights, predictions and stories from Sir Geoff and other guests. The event will be hosted by Olympian and broadcaster Chemmy Alcott, the Alpine ski racer. 

"Our World Cup Party is an unmissable way to kick off the tournament this summer! By taking part, you will be supporting children in our global programmes to have a better future. Millions of children across the world face extreme challenges that take away their childhoods – but through sport and play we are helping them to overcome barriers, develop critical life skills and thrive,” Gillian McMahon (pictured below), executive director of Right To Play UK, said.

Gillian McMahon

Sir Geoff, the only player to have scored a winning hat-trick in a World Cup final, and who is embarking on his farewell tour this year as the last surviving member of England's 1966 World Cup squad, said: “It is a great pleasure to be a part of this event. This year marks the 60th anniversary of England’s World Cup triumph and this will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and share special memories, while supporting Right To Play’s vital work. The charity is making a huge difference to the lives of children around the world through sport and play. We hope you can join us to support this life-changing work.” 

Ray Parlour, former professional footballer and sports radio pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live and Talksport, said: "It's a real honour to be part of this event. It will be a fantastic way to mark the start of the World Cup – not only celebrating football and the way it brings people together, but also about highlighting sport's incredible ability to change young people's lives. Right To Play uses sport and play as powerful tools to support children around the world.”

Ray Parlour

Teams and corporate partners are now being confirmed, with firms from across the City encouraged to take part. To find out more and register a team, visit: www.righttoplay.org.uk/worldcup. 

Additionally, to learn more about Right To Play’s life-changing work and to donate, visit www.righttoplay.org.uk.

The FIFA World Cup tournament, the 23rd to have been held, is being hosted in 16 cities across the US, Mexico and Canada, running from 11 June to 19 July.