Teenage twin girl footballers in England who are dedicated members of their local church have created a novel method for raising awareness of international Christian aid agency Tearfund.
Lily and Bella Wharin, 16, who live near Bristol, recently signed to South West Women's League Premier Division team, Frampton Rangers Ladies Football Club.
Player sponsorship means that whenever Lily or Bella score a goal, or are named player of the match, Tearfund is mentioned on the team’s social media feeds.
"When we learnt that we could help promote the work of Tearfund as part of our contract, we jumped at the chance as they are a charity close to our hearts that we’ve been supporting for eight years now," Lily said.
Both sisters are passionate about using their footballing success to champion Tearfund.
The sisters, long-term supporters of the charity alongside their family, want to highlight the needs of people living in extreme poverty and conflict around the world by raising awareness through their sport, according to a press release by the charity.
“Tearfund are really amazing at working with local churches and the community, getting to know them and understanding the needs of the people, and we just find that so inspiring. Injustice and poverty around the world bothers us,” said Bella.
“The fact that some people have so much and others have so little makes me angry! But we can all do something to help by raising awareness and money. We can end poverty.”
Money raised by the soccer skills duo from their own sponsorship will be used to hand make cards to sell at their local church. This fundraising method has proven very popular before, according to the twins.
“In the past, we’ve fundraised for Teafund by selling loom bands and cards raising around £1,800!” said Lily.
“Our church family has always been so generous when we've fundraised for Tearfund – we're really thankful.”
Stuart Lee, Tearfund’s Director of Global Fundraising and Communications, praised the kind actions of the twins in thinking about impoverished people in the midst of their success at football.
“Lily and Bella are incredibly talented young athletes, and we are so grateful they've chosen to use their sporting success to advocate for those in need,” said Lee.
“Tearfund works in some of the world's poorest countries, and it’s supporters like Lily and Bella who help make a difference to people living in extreme poverty. We are truly blessed to have them on our team.”
Founded in 1968, Tearfund is a Christian relief and development agency, which is also a member of the Disasters’ Emergency Committee. The charity works across the world helping people affected by various disasters and supporting poor communities.
