March 1 – David Ginola, the former France winger and current England 2018 World Cup Bid ambassador, today took part in a special coaching session with children at the Escuela de Espranza in Antigua. He was joined by FIFA Executive Committee member, Rafael Salguero and former Guatemala striker, Juan Carlos Plata at the project.

The session was organised as part of an England 2018 delegation visit to Guatemala to meet with FIFA Executive Committee member, Rafael Salguero. Ahead of the school visit, England’s bid delegation including England 2018 International President, David Dein and Chief Executive, Andy Anson, made a formal presentation to Mr Salguero, at Meson Panza Verde, Antigua.

During the session more than 30 children were put through a variety of activities by David Ginola and Juan Carlos Plata at Escuela de Espranza, in the San Felipe Jesus region of Antigua. The school is supported by English charity ‘Education for the Children’ which aims to develop the education of children in Guatemala by providing them with new schools, school equipment, teachers and helpers. It also strives to relieve poverty and sickness by providing children supported by the foundation and their families with shelter, amenities and equipment.

England 2018 Ambassador, David Ginola, commented:
“This coaching session at the Escuela de Espranza has been a fantastic experience. Watching young people play football reminds me of everything great about the game. These children are clearly in love with football and it is heartening to see the work of the ‘Education for the Children’ charity gives them the opportunity to play and study in a safe environment.

“I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a number of football development projects around the world. It is something I am passionate about because football can have a powerful and positive influence on local communities. I know English football is completely committed to football development work around the world such as The FA’s International Development Programme and The Premier League Skills project. It is one of the reasons I am proud to be part of the England 2018 team. Staging the World Cup in England would help the country build on its current development work and create a legacy for the whole of world football.”

More information on The English FA’s International Development Programme can be found at www.thefa.com/internationalrelations

For more information contact:
Dan Connolly – 07832 126775 / dan.connolly@thefa.com
Phil Mepham – 07765237 236 / phil.mepham@thefa.com