Kick for Children with Cancer launch 2010

Football legend Gary Lineker has shared his penalty-taking tips with pupils from a school in Surrey to encourage young people across the UK to join in with CLIC Sargent’s Kick for Children with Cancer campaign this summer.

Pupils from Carew Manor School, a community special school in Wallington, helped Gary launch this year’s annual football fundraiser for CLIC Sargent by practising their penalty skills. The school took part in the fundraising campaign last year and raised more than £750 through special sponsored matches and a ‘beat the goalie’ competition.

Top football icon and CLIC Sargent Patron Gary Lineker says, “With the World Cup kicking off in June, football fever will be sweeping the country. Penalties will surely come into play in the tournament at some point and it’s been great talking to pupils about their technique. Practising how to beat the goalie is a fun way to get fit and active and I think you’re never too young to start trying to score a spot kick!

“I know only too well how important it is for families to have the specialist help that CLIC Sargent provides. By taking part in Kick for Children with Cancer, whether it’s through a sponsored penalty shoot-out or a fancy dress match, you’ll be helping families affected by childhood cancer across the UK,” adds Gary.

More than 450,000 children have taken part in Kick for Children with Cancer since the campaign launched five years ago and over £700,000 has been raised to date. Registration is now open for this year’s campaign with schools and youth football clubs encouraged to hold events between May and July 2010. As well as raising money for CLIC Sargent, schools and clubs can choose to keep 25% of the funds. Sponsorship money raised by the campaign goes directly towards helping children and young people with cancer, and their families.

Danny Murphy, captain of Fulham Football Club and a Premiership penalty star, is also backing the campaign. “Penalties are part of the game,” says Danny. “Stepping up to the penalty spot is nerve-wracking but you just need to keep your cool, pick your spot and score! And practise does make perfect. Whether you’re a budding football star or you just like a kick around with your mates, why not get sponsored to beat the goalie and raise money for CLIC Sargent at the same time. I’m delighted to be supporting Kick for Children with Cancer this year and I hope young people across the UK will get behind the campaign.”

Kick for Children with Cancer encourages schools and youth football clubs to organise sponsored football-themed events for children of all ages and abilities to raise money for CLIC Sargent. The charity provides a free event pack with everything teachers and youth club leaders need to hold an event including fundraising tips, advice on how to get publicity for the event and template certificates.

For more information, or to register to take part in Kick for Children with Cancer, call 08451 20 22 32 or register online today.