Hope United features footballers from across the Home Nations who will look to drive support for the scheme.

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BT has enlisted athletes from across the Home Nations in Hope United, who will drive more support for change and educate the nation on how to protect themselves and be good digital citizens.

The squad is made up of male and female footballers from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with the ’management’ coming from Rio Ferdinand and Karen Carney and ‘coaching’ from Robbie Savage and Eni Aluko.

Drawing on their own experience of online hate, the players will feature in BT Tech Tips content - which are free resources helping to give people the digital skills they need to tackle hate online. In the first two weeks of the campaign, these will cover recognising hate crime, being our best selves online, supporting our kids online, and being a good team player online. 

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s consumer division commented: “With the European Championships on the horizon, all eyes will once again be on the footballing world and with the inevitable online hate that comes with this BT is taking action.

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“Our mission is to connect for good and Hope United will galvanise the nation to make a stand against social media hate, providing people with the necessary tools not only to understand the devastating effects of online hate, but also to show them how to be part of the solution. It’s part of our commitment to help 25 million people to make the most of life in the digital world through our Skills for Tomorrow programme.

Full Hope United squad

Managers
Rio Ferdinand & Karen Carney

Coaches
Robbie Savage & Eni Aluko

Players
Jesse Lingard – England
Jordan Henderson – England
Marcus Rashford – England
Gareth Bale – Wales
Andy Robertson – Scotland
Lucy Bronze – England
Demi Stokes – England
Trent Alexander-Arnold – England
Rebecca Sellar – Scotland para-footballer
Liam Palmer – Scotland
Ethan Ampadu – Wales
Dan James – Wales
Helen Ward – Wales
Jamal Lewis – Northern Ireland
Charlie Fogarty – Northern Ireland para-footballer
Lauren James – England

“That is why this summer, and as lead partner of the Home Nations, we are asking the country to make Hope United their second team. If everyone stands together, unified through both words and action, hope will emerge victorious over hate.”

Ferdinand added: “My work, both on and off the pitch, has taught me that there is no hiding place from social media abuse.”

“Passions run high during big football tournaments and having seen the devastating effect that can result from online hate first-hand, it is more important than ever that sport unites to combat it.”

“I am delighted to have been appointed the manager of Hope United.  I’m proud to head up a team of players from across the Home Nations who want to work together in a bid to rase awareness of online hate and encourage people to spread positivity and hope ahead of the Euros this summer.”