The 20 top-flight captains have reached an agreement on the foundation of a charitable fund named #PlayersTogether based on player contributions.
Since the unprecedented COVID-19 made it’s way to the world and ensured all football is suspended, there has been a long will among the league’s players to support the National Health Service (NHS) financially.
Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson pitched the idea to his fellow Premier League captains. The fund will be administered by himself, Harry Maguire, Troy Deeney and Mar Noble.
A Player statement read, “The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways.”
Acting as club representatives, the captains have spent recent days in conference calls and they had a variety of issues to tackle.
Among them was how to pitch the level of the contributions from each squad while everybody is mindful that some earn more than others. Meanwhile, to solve the issue, it was decided each squad’s donation to arrive anonymously into the central fund. Thereafter, it will be distributed locally and nationally.
Just as the statement read, “donations depend on what payers are comfortable with donating. It’s the power of everyone coming together.”
Unsurprisingly, the players wanted their money to work in hospitals close to their clubs. Although, there was the added complication of overseas players wanting to do their bit for their home countries.
Each captain has tried to fix a base percentage of their monthly pay packets to give. Although, if anybody can contribute more, then that would be gratefully received.
The reactions
West Ham midfielder, Robert Snodgrass tweeted that Hancock should “do your homework on what we do and who we are as people. It’s not about us, it’s about the real heroes-the NHS”
Former Stoke and Burnley striker Jonathan Walters praised the players for establishing their own initiative. He said, “They do get paid a large wage. It’s going to affect the money that’s going into the tax. This initiative is donating directly to the charities that they want the money to go to.”
“It’s not as easy if they are taking a cut and it’s going back to the owners.”
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green said it was a “brilliant idea.”
“Shock, horror. Footballers are nice people and do have the best interests of the community at heart. I think it’s brilliant that they have done something that works on an individual basis and they are giving what they can give straight to the NHS.”
On the other hand, former Liverpool player praised the “absolutely brilliant” Anfield captain, Henderson for driving the captains’ initiative.