Charities Unite for a Global Goal: Rio Ferdinand Foundation and FOOTBALL4iMPACT Launch International Youth Exchange
The Rio Ferdinand Foundation has announced a new partnership with Geneva-based charity FOOTBALL4iMPACT joining forces on a shared mission to empower young people and connect diverse communities through the power of football.
The collaboration will see a group of 16 young participants from FOOTBALL4iMPACT’s school-based programme in Switzerland travel to South Africa in 2026. There, they will unite with young leaders from the Rio Ferdinand Foundation’s programme in Cape Town, delivered in partnership with eta College.
The international exchange will foster cross-cultural connections, knowledge sharing, and personal growth, providing participants with a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and form lasting friendships. Each young person will also raise £500 to support the continuation of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation’s community projects in South Africa. This gesture reinforces the partnership’s commitment to social mobility and creating the next generation of global changemakers.
“At FOOTBALL4iMPACT, we believe real change happens when young people connect across cultures and work together. Our collaboration with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation strengthens that mission -uniting Geneva and Cape Town youth through football, leadership, and shared purpose to create lasting social impact.”
“Football has an incredible power to break down barriers and bring people together, no matter where they live.
I am delighted to announce a new partnership with FOOTBALL4iMPACT that will bring together young people from Geneva with young leaders from my Foundation’s programmes in Cape Town, South Africa.”
“This partnership withFOOTBALL4iMPACT is about giving young people the chance to see the world, to learn from each other, and to realise that they have the power to make a difference, not just in their own communities, but globally.
“We are proud that the Foundation continues to create opportunities like this. Through the power of the game, we are helping the next generation to build confidence, skills, and lasting connections.”
