South Australian building and hardware specialists, Stratco, will donate $2,000 to their World Vision water and sanitation projects each time Adelaide United Football Club (AUFC) scores during the 2011/12 A-League season.
World Vision CEO Tim Costello laced up the boots on World Water Day (22 March) to mark the partnership announcement. Mr Costello took part in a scratch match with AUFC players Sergio Van Dijk, the recent winner of the Johnny Warren Medal, Marcos Flores, and a penalty shoot-out against goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.
Stratco works in partnership with World Vision to construct essential water infrastructure and introduce new techniques for water management in communities in the Solomon Islands and Tanzania.
"It is great to partner with companies like Stratco, who see the needs of those living without access to safe drinking water and creatively use their networks to make a real difference,” Mr Costello said.
“I love my football and to think that it can change the lives of children born without a chance. That is a real goal to kick."
A lack of safe, accessible water, poor sanitation and risky hygiene practices traps people, particularly women and children, in a vicious cycle of poverty.
During the 2010/11 A-League season, AUFC scored 51 goals in 30 matches and finished third in the championship behind Brisbane Roar FC and the Gold Coast Mariners FC. Stratco are sponsors the AUFC and commenced their partnership with World Vision in 2007.