Right to Dream and Vodafone - Supporting the next generation of football heroes.........

August 2010

THE RIGHT to DREAM Academy and Vodafone Ghana have signed a three-year Partnership Agreement to provide elite academic and professional football opportunities to underprivileged Ghanaian children.

The Right to Dream Academy, a "not for profit' organisation, was established over ten years ago to offer disadvantaged children the opportunity to develop their sports skills and talents while striving for academic excellence. Under the project, these underprivileged children are offered five-year scholarships at 11 years-of-age and given the rare opportunity to rise to sports stardom and academic excellence. Many students go on to receive full scholarships in the US or the UK and some, like King Osei Gyan, who made his debut for the Black Stars at just 19 years-of-age, have already been able to pursue their football careers at a professional level.

"We are pleased to announce this three-year Partnership Agreement with Vodafone Ghana," said Tom Vernon, Founder and Director of Right to Dream. "The deal with Vodafone confirms their commitment to invest in the future of football in this country. Their endorsement of the unique Right to Dream philosophy promoting excellence and self sustainability allows the children of Ghana an unparalleled opportunity to study at an elite sports academy with a strong focus on education and ethics."

Vodafone's involvement in the project signals a new era for Right to Dream, a charity delivering not only world class coaching but also a specialised programme of personal development, education and leadership skills to some of the brightest but underprivileged young football prospects in Ghana.

According to Paul Ryan, Director External Affairs of Vodafone Ghana, the sponsorship confirms the company's dedication to investing in the young ones of today and assisting them to become world class citizens of tomorrow's Ghana. "It also forms part of Vodafone's belief that social circumstances should neither be barriers to education nor limit the opportunities available to our children. I am delighted to confirm the partnership with Right to Dream as part of our continuing commitment to promote quality and excellence." Paul Ryan added.

As part of the collaboration, Vodafone will also be sponsoring the search for the stars of the future through Right to Dream's nationwide recruitment programme, which comprises 12 week-end gala events, designed to ensure that as many children as possible get the opportunity to try and secure a coveted place at the Academy.

With Vodafone's help and support, Right to Dream will continue to identify and nurture some of the brightest young football talents in Africa, serving as a reminder that every child has the right to dream of a better future.