Ukraine football icon helps launch education charity
Andriy Shevchenko told the BBC he wants to empower the next generation in Ukraine
At a glance
Andriy Shevchenko is supporting the launch of a new charity to support students in the war torn country
The football star attended a press conference to help launch the Oxbridge Foundation
The charity will fund up to 20 placements on a one-year academic programme
- Published
Former world footballer of the year Andriy Shevchenko has helped launch a charity in Oxford that aims to pay for Ukrainian students' education.
The Oxbridge Foundation will fund up to 20 scholarships for 17 to 19 year olds, whose education has been impacted by the war.
Shevchenko, his country’s all-time record goal scorer, said supporting educational development was going to be “essential to empower the next generation”.
The scheme is also being backed by his compatriot Oleksandr Zinchenko, who currently turns out for Arsenal in the Premier League.
Oxbridge Foundation was established by Stephen and Helen Clark, who previously lived in Ukraine
The Oxbridge Foundation aims to fund one-year intensive programmes made up of A-level studies, supported by innovation and entrepreneurship courses and camps in Oxford and California.
Former AC Milan and Chelsea forward Shevchenko told the BBC: "I think it's a great opportunity for students who don't have the financial opportunity to become the best student, to come and study and be involved in the future of Ukraine."
Shevchenko, who retired from playing in 2012, said the charity would do "vital work" and that his contribution was part of his "ongoing commitment to supporting the lives of all Ukrainian people who have been affected by the war".
He added: "We’re privileged here in the UK and we can make a difference by working together - the support here has helped so much.”
The foundation will host a gala dinner next year to raise funds and awareness
Stephen Clarke, who was a diplomat for the British government in Ukraine and is now trustee of the Oxbridge Foundation, said: “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has affected the educational opportunities of so many bright, young Ukrainian people.
"We hope through the work of our foundation, we will empower them to continue their studies and restore their learning and development opportunities.”
The foundation was established in the spring in partnership with Cherwell College Oxford, University of California, Football for Ukraine, Top Five Management and the Bush tennis centre in the US.
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