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The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation is a football charity using the power of the beautiful game to make the world a better place.
Our remit is simple. We work in both the U.K. and further afield to help people, particularly children and young people, by using football as a tool to tackle complex social issues. Our projects include:
Belfast
Project Playmaker
A mentorship programme in Belfast, helping young people into employment
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
Nelson Mandela
"Stanley Matthews taught us the way football should be played." Pele
The story of Stanley Matthews is the stuff of dreams. Signed as a 16 year old apprentice by his local team, Stan went on to become one of the most famous and beloved footballers on the planet. The first winner of the Ballon D'Or, he dazzled fans wherever he went. An England superstar before superstars even existed, he was simply the best player in the world. Despite his fame, however, Stan never forgot where he came from or what it was like to dream big dreams. After his retirement he moved into coaching, traveling across Europe, North America and Africa to teach children not only how to play football. but how to play with honour, respect and character. The Foundation carries on today to keep his legacy alive.
Stan's story isn't over just yet....
"Young people today, for all their awareness and sophistication with modern technical innovations, are still basically the same as youngsters in my day, no better, no worse. I am convinced that some people would benefit from taking up a sport, even a sociable kickabout with mates in the park. I've seen the value of youngsters playing football in just about every country in the world. That's why since my retirement as a player, I have traveled the globe preaching the gospel of football."
Sir Stanley Matthews
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