About Us
The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation is a UK registered charity founded in 2011 by football legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
While visiting Cambodia as an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Sir Bobby witnessed first-hand the devastating impact that landmines and the legacy of forgotten wars were still having on innocent civilian communities. In particular, he could not believe that children going out to play football, just as he and his brothers did as kids, could come back with life-changing injuries by inadvertently standing on a mine – or not come back at all.
The emotional impact of his visit moved him to set up his own charity (originally called Find a Better Way) so that he could do something practical to help the people he had met in Cambodia and thousands like them around the world.
Sir Bobby’s first focus was on developing new technologies for better detection of landmines and other explosive remnants of war, and improving surgical techniques for those suffering from blast injuries and limb loss, forming partnerships with universities in the UK. This pioneering research evolved into more direct support for war-affected areas: the Foundation partnered with NGOs in Cambodia, Jordan and Iraq, delivering medical support, art therapy and landmine education programmes to refugees and other vulnerable communities.
Today
The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation works in Cambodia, Ukraine and in Greater Manchester. Cambodia is where it all began. We have two projects, one partnering with Exceed Worldwide to fund the provision and fitting of prosthetic limbs to give mobility and opportunity to those who have suffered blast injuries from past wars and current conflicts, enabling them to live fulfilling lives. We also work with Spirit of Soccer to provide football and mine education in the conflict zone on the Thai-Cambodian border.
In Ukraine, we partner with FC Shakhtar to provide safe places for children to come together to play football and forget, however briefly, the traumas of war. At home, we partner with the Manchester United Foundation and the Sir Bobby’s Street Reds in Moss Side, one of Manchester’s most diverse communities, enabling young people living in challenging circumstances to play football, build their confidence, and develop team building and leadership skills.
Sir Bobby believed passionately that everyone has the right to live, work and play freely, equitably and safely no matter where they are in the world. It is our privilege at the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation to ensure that Sir Bobby’s vision continues, and that his legacy in helping vulnerable people lead better lives continues to thrive.
Our Mission
To support, inspire and empower children, families, people and communities affected by past and present conflicts.
Our Vision
The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation wants every person affected by conflict, wherever they are in the world, to enjoy a healthy, fulfilled and empowered life, safe and free from fear.
Our Values
Empowerment
We work to make conflict-affected communities stronger and more confident by equipping them to take control of their lives and realise their rights;
Inclusiveness
We prioritise people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as those who have physical or psychological disabilities and those that suffer from discrimination;
Collaboration
We believe that the best results are achieved by working together with others particularly those that represent conflict-affected communities;
Integrity
We believe in honesty, transparency and consistency in all that we do in order to gain and maintain the trust of the conflict-affected communities we seek to support.