Soccer Legend Launches National Fostering Campaign

Soccer legend, Mark Wright is set to launch a nationwide campaign this November and bring the spotlight firmly on fostering.

In a new partnership with Foster Care Associates (FCA), the former England captain and foster carer has been appointed ambassador for the UK’s leading foster care agency, mounting a programme of initiatives to drive up numbers of foster cares in Britain and champion the rights of children in care.

‘The Mark Wright 10K campaign’ will embrace a series of initiatives across the UK, commencing this November with launch of the FCA manifesto for children and foster carers. Further activities include a UK car rally, live phone-ins, web forums and discussion panels plus key speaker slots at information events, conferences as well as children and carer award ceremonies throughout the country.

Commenting Mark said: “As foster carers, my wife and I are passionate about giving disadvantaged children the chance to thrive and lead truly fulfilling lives.

“Working with FCA and in launching the 10k campaign, we are determined to make a difference to the lives of looked after children, bring about positive change and help improve outcomes for vulnerable youngsters.

“We must look for new and innovative ways to attract foster carers, ensure they are properly trained, supported and guided in their roles. I believe that through our campaign, through conversations with the right people and by sharing information, we can further raise the profile of fostering and make a significant contribution to society and the children we care for.”

He added: “Fostering is challenging and can often seem a daunting role but with the right support and back up from professionals, it is also enormously rewarding.

“I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for life as well as giving away some of my personal experiences. I am honoured to be part of an organisation that places children firmly at the centre of what it does.

“For me, the outcomes which FCA delivers demonstrate the fantastic work carried out by its staff and carers and this is what I intend to build upon.”

Mark has already gained the backing from close colleagues and friends. Liverpool FC managing director Ian Ayre congratulated Mark on the work he is doing for foster care.

He said: “When Mark first told the Club about this campaign, he highlighted that one in five homeless people have grown up in children’s homes and three quarters of those who have been in care homes have no educational qualifications.

“There is no doubt that the 10K campaign will transform lives. As a former player, Mark is part of the LFC family and we are extremely proud of him and the work he is doing.”

Britain’s funny man, John Bishop added: “I’m delighted that mark has become a national ambassador for fostering – he and his wife are inspirational foster carers and people. I hope that as many potential foster carers as possible come forward to help children who need a family.”

FCA executive director, David Oldham said: “We are hugely proud to work with Mark and thrilled to gain his support as ambassador on behalf of FCA. As we continue to strive for better outcomes for looked after children, we are confident that our partnership will sow the seeds for improvement, inspire new foster carers to come forward and champion the needs of disadvantaged young people.”

In the UK there is currently a shortfall of nearly 10,000 foster carers. FCA is continually seeking to attract new carers who believe they have the patience, understanding and determination to succeed. Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering should visit the website www.thefca.co.uk or call freephone 0800 023 4561. FCA welcomes applications from single parents, married and co-habiting couples as well as same sex couples.