A host of celebrities attended the launch of The FA’s International Charity Partner Coaching For Hope’s South Africa programme at Soho Square last Tuesday.

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick and Director of Corporate Affairs Simon Johnson were joined at the bash by Fat Boy Slim (aka Norman Cook), his father-in-law Johnny Ball, who was compere for the night, England and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson and England Women’s Head Coach Hope Powell.

Coaching For Hope uses football to empower vulnerable young people in the developing world and help make them aware of the dangers of HIV and AIDS. It does this by training local coaches and educators to provide football and HIV and AIDS education to vulnerable children in their communities.

The charity already works in Mali and Burkina Faso and is expanding its programme to South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup there. Powell has been invited to become an Ambassador for the charity and will take part in the first workshop to be delivered in Cape Town in December.

Coaching For Hope director Jane Carter said: “We are very grateful to The FA for all the support it has shown our charity this year and since we started in 2005.

“The launch has been a real success and as a result we have had several organisations approach us with a view to getting involved.

“We are also very pleased that Hope Powell has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador for the charity, as she is the perfect role model for the young women we try to empower through football.”

Powell added: “I’m delighted Coaching For Hope has asked me to take on this role.

“Empowering young women through football is something I strongly believe in.

“You only have to look at the increased awareness of the women’s game following the recent World Cup in China to see what impact football can have on young girls.

“I am pleased I will have the chance to deliver some coaching at the first workshop in December, when the South Africa project begins in earnest.”

To donate to Coaching For Hope, text GOAL to 82085 to donate £1*

http://www.coachingforhope.org/

*Calls cost £1 plus network charges