Danny Welbeck
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood recently revisited a significant moment in his career, reflecting on a goal he scored against Crystal Palace two seasons ago. This goal was not just a triumph on the pitch but also a personal milestone, as it was against the club where his late grandfather, Paul, once played. As Brighton collaborates with UNICEF, Hinshelwood shared his thoughts on the influence of his grandfather, alongside fellow players who discussed the figures and experiences that made them feel unstoppable.
Jack Hinshelwood said: “I’d say specifically my grandad. We played a lot of golf together and he took me to a lot of games. He played a big part in my childhood. He passed away a few years ago, and he played for Palace so, when I scored that goal against Palace, it was quite an emotional moment for me.”
Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma added: “Education made me unstoppable as a child. It opened my world, kept me curious, and showed me what’s possible. Education and sport together gave me the chance to go far, to grow, and pursue my dreams.”
Albion’s WSL star Fran Kirby said: “I experienced loss and grief at a young age, and I lost myself and my love for football for years. What helped me find my way back was the love of my family and friends. They gave me space to heal and reminded me it’s okay to ask for help. That support made me unstoppable.”
Brighton & Hove Albion’s partnership with UNICEF is part of a broader initiative to highlight the charity’s new campaign, “Making Childhood Unstoppable.” This empowering initiative aims to amplify children’s voices and celebrate them as an unstoppable force, raising awareness of UNICEF’s efforts to build a better world for every child. As part of this collaboration, a film showcasing the experiences of Hinshelwood, Mitoma, and Kirby will be featured during Albion’s matches against Leicester in the Women’s Super League and Brentford in the Premier League.
Fans attending these matches are encouraged to share their own ‘unstoppable’ stories on social media. They can also engage with unique Albion and UNICEF face painting and temporary tattoo designs, and donate to UNICEF via QR codes around the stadium. This initiative not only celebrates the resilience and potential of children but also underscores the importance of supporting those affected by crises worldwide, from conflicts in Sudan and Gaza to climate emergencies.
Albion striker Danny Welbeck commented: “UNICEF is supporting children all around the world who need it the most – believing in their potential and helping them stand tall no matter the challenge. I’m really proud that Brighton and Hove Albion have teamed up with UNICEF, and this World Children’s Day we can all help build a world where every child can keep dreaming, and childhood never has to stop.”
Albion deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber stated: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with UNICEF and all that we have achieved so far, helping them to deliver some of their vital programmes supporting children across the world. It’s an honour to have them host takeovers at two of our matches, and we hope our fans will join us and show their support for UNICEF too.”
This collaboration between Brighton & Hove Albion and UNICEF exemplifies how football can be a powerful platform for positive change, inspiring fans and players alike to contribute to a cause that transcends the sport itself.
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