Game Changers en_US

Stand Up Speak Up

NikeGamechangers — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:38:14 GMT

Launched in 2005, Stand Up Speak Up raised the issue of racism on the football pitch on an international stage. The symbol, black and white interlocking wristbands, was worn across Europe and by top footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

All told, five million wristbands were sold and the proceeds distributed to innovative projects across Europe that use the power of football to combat racism on and off the pitch.

Check out the video to see one example of the hundreds of projects supported by the efforts Stand Up Speak Up.

Homeless World Cup- The Championship

NikeGamechangers — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:44:45 GMT

Though the teams may be gone and the army barrack tents where they stayed taken down, the energy remains. Relive the grit and glory of the final match- Ukraine v Portugal. The Ukraine pulled it out in a closely-contested match, where one teams goal always seemed to meet with a counter goal from the other squad. But words can't do it justice. Check out the video to see the joy of victory and the agony of defeat unfold for yourself. And to get one last jolt of energy from lives being changed.

Homeless World Cup- Behind the Scenes

NikeGamechangers — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:41:40 GMT

The Homeless World Cup may be over (Ukraine took the cup over Portugal in the finals), but the fun continues. Take a look as Buddy goes behind the scenes with Malawi team to check out their digs during the tournament.

Homeless World Cup- Meet the Players

NikeGamechangers — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:24:52 GMT

Fierce footballers on the pitch, catch the video and check out the player profiles at www.homelessworldcup.org to get a sense of what the players of the 2009 Homeless World Cup are like off the pitch.

Homeless World Cup- A Taste of the Glory

NikeGamechangers — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:59:41 GMT

Fueled by the energy on the pitch, Buddy tries to get in on the action.

In other Homeless World Cup action- Nigeria, Brazil, Denmark, Kyrgyzstan and Argentina sit atop their respective groups while the other three are locked in ties. For the most up-to-date results, go to www.homelessworldcup.org

Homeless World Cup- On the Pitch

NikeGamechangers — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:44:29 GMT

Excitement runs high as players hit the court for the first time in the 4v4, street soccer setup. Check out the fast-paced, high-energy action.

And of course, follow the latest results at www.homelessworldcup.org

Homeless World Cup- The Parade

NikeGamechangers — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:11:31 GMT

Teams showed their national pride on the streets of Milan one last time before getting down to business on the pitch.

Homeless World Cup- The Draw

NikeGamechangers — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:56:10 GMT

The tournament gets under way with all of the 48 teams gathering to find out which bracket their in and scope out the competition.

Homeless World Cup- The Adventure Begins

NikeGamechangers — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:45:32 GMT

The 7th Annual Homeless World Cup is underway in Milan. Throughout the week 500 players from 48 nations will battle it out street soccer styles (22 meter x 16 meter court, 4 players a side, 7 minute halves) to be crowned 2009 Homeless World Cup Champions.

Started in 2003 the Homeless World Cup unites teams of people who are homeless and excluded to represent their country in an annual weeklong tournament. As a result of their participation, 73% of players change their lives for the better, coming off of drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, educations, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro soccer teams. Those are big time results- bigger than any win or loss on the pitch.

This year we have an inside look on the tournament happenings in the streets of Milan thanks to our friend, Buddy. Check out the first installment, as Buddy finds his way through Milan to the tournament site.

And of course keep up on the latest Homeless World Cup results at www.homelessworldcup.org

Football Photographer Comes Into His Own in South Africa

NikeGamechangers — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:59:20 GMT

Back in 2005 Nike distributed 1,000 disposable cameras to football crazy kids across South Africa through nonprofit partners. Three winners were chosen for their excellent shots. Morris was one of the young winners, and his photography was exhibited and auctioned at the Nike Point, Click, Shoot Exhibition in Johannesburg and Amsterdam. The money raised from the exhibit was used to pay the tuition fees and equipment for each of the winners to attend photography school. Morris is now a true photographer and has already shot community sport events with more coming his way.

UK Project Takes Home Big Award

NikeGamechangers — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:41:58 GMT

Kickz, the groundbreaking football project aimed at engaging young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK, has received a big time award for its work. It scooped the Community Programme Award at the Sport Industry Awards 2009, held recently in Central London.

“Football clubs have a crucial role to play in their communities and Kickz is perhaps the best example of the positive impact a club can have. The Premier League is at the heart of Kickz; bringing not just the resources to help deliver it, but also the commitment of our clubs and their players who are crucial in encouraging young people to become part of the project”

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League

Not only does Kickz give athletes (generally aged 12-18) the chance to play quality football and other sports, it also offers them an opportunity to volunteer in their community, learn to coach and officiate in the game and in many cases gain employment in the clubs themselves. At the same time, it's breaking down barriers between the police and young people, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and encouraging them to think about serious social issues such as the dangers of being involved in gang activity, carrying guns and knives or alcohol and drug abuse.

Nike has offered support to Kickz through integrating Nike Football initiatives into the programme. The latest development has been on the delivery of the legacy following the successful Nike 5 campaign. Both programs look to provide young urban footballers a platform to demonstrate their skills and abilities in a positive environment.

Kickz is a Premier League, Football Foundation and Metropolitan Police project. Check them here

MÉS: More Than Football

NikeGamechangers — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:52:47 GMT

It’s a big week for football/soccer Gamechangers. In addition to the Homeless World Cup, Nike has announced a partnership with FC Barcelona and UNHCR to launch MÉS.

MÉS is more than football. It’s an opportunity to help young refugees rebuild their lives through sport.

How does that happen? The net proceeds from the sale of MÉS-branded products will be distributed through the FC Barcelona Foundation and UNHCR's ninemillion.org campaign to raise awareness and fund projects which contribute to sports and education for some of the most disadvantaged youth in the world.

On December 6th look for MÉS at the FC Barcelona versus Valencai CF match. It'll be on the game ball, FC Barcelona jerseys, banners...

To join the team, go to www.mesfootball.org, where you can spread the message, take action, donate and join the community.