Danny Batth has urged more footballers to up their charity game after seeing first-hand the small cost of making a huge difference to people’s lives.
Batth set up Foundation DB with his partner Natalie Cutler and the pair visited India to witness how a charity they are supporting is helping young girls into education.
“I wanted to help people who are less fortunate,” said Batth, who recently secured a loan switch to Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough. “I have obligations with charity through the club, but I have the free time to help more people and I will be able to do more when I move out of football.”
The visit had a profound impact on Batth, whose dad is Indian. And, thanks to Natalie’s media skills, a film called Married to the Game was produced documenting Danny’s coaching trip to the YUWA Academy.
“It was a bit off-the-cuff,” admits Danny. “We were planning to go to India and we decided to film the visit. Natalie directed and edited it. We wanted to use it as a testimony so people could get a concept of what a day in the life of one of those girls would be.”
RED CARPET
In May, Married to the Game was premiered in Wolverhampton in front of teammates, politicians and local influencers. “We had a great response at the premiere,” said Danny. “People gave handsomely and we hope to go into schools to showcase the film so kids can relate to how fortunate they are.”
The plight of some of the girls is harrowing. “I read a story today about a family who had already had four girls,” said Danny. “When the new baby was born they tried to kill her by pouring salt into her mouth and stoning her. But through the YUWA programme she has now gone into education. She is growing and developing.”
CLOSER TO HOME
It’s not just causes overseas that have caught Danny’s eye. West Midlands project, YMCA Black Country Open Door, is benefiting from his support too. The scheme helps to rehouse young homeless people.
“One of the things that stood out is the rise of homelessness and when I looked into it, I found it’s not just older adults,” said Danny. “Youth hostels and charities are taking in young people who need help. A bit of intervention could change the path for kids.
“Like YUWA, this cause is one that perhaps doesn’t get the attention it should. You have to be passionate about a cause and you have to care about effecting change.”
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Former head of media at Wolves, Paul Berry is helping out with the foundation and he believes the success of the project is driven by the strong partnership between Danny and Natalie.
“Danny has all the characteristics to make this work - he has a fantastic determination and great attitude,” said Paul. “He will be in it for the long haul. Natalie is the same. What is so important is that this is not just about giving money to people, but really helping people to develop – girls in India to get an education or helping people to help themselves at home.”
While Danny is a champion of charitable work, he is mindful that setting up a foundation carries a degree of responsibility: “If you’re in it for the right reason and don’t take it lightly you can make a difference.
“You have to remember that you might be accepting money from people with working class backgrounds - they are giving up hard-earned cash to support causes. You have to make sure that money is going where it needs to go.”
Building A Foundation
The PFA’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, John Hudson on setting up a player foundation:
“It’s vital that our members get the correct advice during the early stages of development to ensure that their foundation is correctly incorporated as a charity and bespoke to the individual player’s aims and objectives. We are keen to encourage players, family members and friends who want to make a difference through their time, effort and charitable giving to inspire and help many worthy causes.”
The PFA supports an increasing portfolio of foundations, including:
– James Milner Foundation
– The 23 Foundation [Jamie Carragher]
– Zesh Rehman Foundation
– Jason Roberts Foundation
– Russell Martin Foundation
– Jermain Defoe Foundation
– DT38 Foundation [Dylan Tombides]
– Isaiah & Lillian Stein Foundation
– Alan Shearer Foundation
– The Agger Foundation [Daniel Agger]
– Chris Mitchell Foundation
– Heart4More Foundation
– The Sacred Heart Foundation [Keith Alexander]
– Robbie Elliott Foundation
– Oddballs Foundation [Steve Harper]
The PFA can provide initial advice and support towards the legal costs of setting up the foundation through charity specialists Muckle LLP. Members interested in finding out more information can contact the PFA Community department on 0161 236 0637.
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