Wayne, PFA Young Player of the Year and England international, has also underlined his support for the FIFA 2006 World Cup charity campaign "6 villages for 2006".

In February 2003, Wayne Rooney became the youngest footballer to play for England. In August 2004 he became the world's most expensive teenager when he signed for Manchester United, and his reputation as one of the world's most exciting young players was further enhanced by his hugely impressive performances for England at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Perhaps less well known is his very personal commitment to raising money for Claire House and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Through his ambassadorial role for FIFA/SOS, Wayne is hoping to use his internationally growing reputation to further aid some of the most disadvantaged children in the world by helping FIFA/SOS provide family homes.

"I was made up when FIFA for SOS Children's Charity asked me if I would get involved," said 19-year-old Rooney. 

"The work they do is for kids who have suffered and have no families to help them. I know how much it means to have a family that supports you, so I am delighted I can give my support to these kids."

Under the "6 villages for 2006" campaign, donations will be collected for the construction of six new SOS Children's Villages.

The six new SOS Children's Villages will be built in Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa and Vietnam and will provide new homes in a family environment for hundreds of orphaned, abandoned and destitute children.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter welcomed the appointment of Rooney as an ambassador for England.

“Rooney is one of the most exciting young talents of our day and it is encouraging to see that he is committing himself to support the cause of some of the most vulnerable and needy children around the world.”

Andrew Cates, Chief Executive of SOS Children's Villages UK, added: "We are really delighted that Wayne has become an ambassador for the campaign.

"Wayne follows other footballing greats from around the world in recognising the needs of the world's rapidly increasing number of children who are alone with no one left to care for them.

"When someone of Wayne's public stature shows such strong support for our work, we are confident that England will follow his lead helping children with nowhere else to turn."

For more information about the "6 villages for 2006" campaign, click here.