Tim Howard: Passing is key on and off the field

9 years ago

Tim Howard: Passing is key on and off the field

USA and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has teamed up with UEFA Europa League global partner Western Union in a new role as ‘The PASS Master’ - to call on fans to go back to their school days and share childhood sports photos.

Of his involvement, Howard said: “Hopefully as PASS Master I can continue to create and raise awareness of the campaign. At Everton we pass the ball a lot; that seems to be the formula for our success. We need fans to do the same for #PassForSchool.”

Every old sports photograph of themselves that fans share via Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #PassForSchool before 23.59 CET on Friday, November 21 will automatically contribute a pass to the Western Union PASS initiative ( www.wu-pass.org).
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In collaboration with UNICEF, the campaign converts every pass into funding for better secondary education for disadvantaged children around the world - and raises awareness for global education issues.
The #PassForSchool campaign kicks off with an emotive rallying call delivered by ‘The PASS Master’ Tim Howard, calling on fans to share their childhood sports photos, from their school football team to local sports club, alongside his own old football photos. All the photos will be seen on www.wu- pass.org/passforschool.
“I’m a big supporter of what Western Union is doing with PASS and the #PassForSchool idea is a really fun way of getting fans involved but also remind everyone how the funds will support better education for kids around the world,” said Howard, who’s own football career started when he was picked, at first in midfield, for his school team at the Montclair Kimberly Academy in New Jersey, USA.

“Despite my dad being a long-distance truck driver and not being around that much when I was growing up, both my parents always made sure my brother and I got the opportunity to play all kinds of sport, which has ended up having a huge bearing on my future career.

“But not all kids will be lucky enough to play football for a living so ensuring they have access to the best education they can is crucial. That’s where PASS can make a difference. I’m loving my new role as the PASS Master. I want everyone to start passing, both on the field and by sharing their own childhood photos!”
As well as making a contribution to the PASS fund, every fan who uploads a photo with #PassForSchool will also have a chance of winning a VIP football experience to a UEFA Europa League game of their choice during the knockout stages of the competition, including the 2015 UEFA Europa League Final itself in Warsaw on May 27 next year.

PASS has been turning every successful pass made during the group and knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League in 2012-13 and 2013-14 into education for young people as part of the global payment service company’s commitment to deliver one million days of education during its three-year sponsorship of the competition.
For more information on PASS and #PassForSchool, visit www.wu- pass.org/passforschool