A philanthrophic businessman from Stoke-on-Trent has gained support from some of England’s biggest football stars in his battle to help young people living in poverty.
Ian Donaldson, who was born and raised in Kidsgrove, is CEO of the Atlanta Group – which includes Autonet, Stoke-on-Trent, and Manchester firms Swinton Insurance and Carole Nash.
The 46-year-old was inspired by his tough upbringing to launch a new charitable initiative called Football For Change last year.
It aims is to bring together sports stars and business leaders to help young people get into education or find employment opportunities, as well as helping others from challenged communities who face barriers unlocking their full potential.
Football for Change has already gained support from Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold, club legend Jamie Carragher and Everton midfielder André Gomes.
Now the scheme, which will be sponsored by Swinton Insurance, has won the backing of a number of other famous faces – including football pundits Gary Lineker and Gary Neville.
Gary Lineker said: “Football for Change is a great example of footballers working together to help young people in some of the most socially and economically challenged neighbourhoods in the country.
“The pandemic has hit young people particularly hard so this initiative, which is working to deliver opportunities in education and employment, is needed more than ever. I am proud to support it.”
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Gary Neville added: “Too many young people from socially and economically challenged communities face a real struggle to reach their potential.
“The situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic and Football for Change is about giving these young people a platform towards a better future. It is an incredible initiative with an important goal to change lives for the better.”
Recent statistics show that even before the pandemic, two in three children were living in poverty in parts of Stoke-on-Trent and – according to The Children’s Society – things look set to get ‘significantly worse.’
Ian said: “Now, more than ever, the gap between the rich and the poor is too big. As business people, sports stars, TV and media – we must pass on the experiences we’ve had to show we’ve not all come from affluent backgrounds.
“The belief that if you’re born rich, you stay rich, and if you’re born poor, you stay poor, is a real myth that needs quashing – particularly in poorer areas.
“It’s time some of these people see role models from different backgrounds and understand where they’ve come from and got to.
“Our aim with Football For Change is to level the playing field and help these young people overcome social and economic challenges they face to build better futures and I am incredibly proud to have helped it launch.”