City star backs campaign
ENGLAND and Manchester City Women’s captain Steph Houghton is backing our campaign to help hundreds of children who are facing poverty or neglect this Christmas.
Football hero Steph – a key member of Team GB’s London 2012 games – has visited numerous schools to speak about the importance of self-confidence.
An active NSPCC ambassador, the City star is now urging M.E.N. readers can get behind the Light Up Christmas for Children campaign, which is raising money for the NSPCC’s Childline service.
“I’ve been involved with the NSPCC for about two years now. It was something I had always wanted to know more about.
“As a footballer you realise how much it means to the kids who come to watch us play. I come from a big family with lots of younger cousins, and I love spending my time away from football with the kids.”
The three-time Women’s Super League champion added: “Christmas is obviously an incredibly special time of year. It’s important to realise though that not everyone has a family they can talk to when they need help – and that’s where Childline can come in.”
Having been involved in youth football, Steph knows the pressures and challenges young people can face at any time of the year but believes the public can send out a powerful message to young people in need by supporting the Light Up Christmas for Children campaign.
She added: “A key part of the campaign is letting as many people as possible know about Childline and other NSPCC services. As a role model for young people, being in a position to help raise awareness of Childline and encourage children to speak out is a real privilege.”