Daniels and Mawson join Mata in Common Goal drive

Ian Watson

Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels and Swansea centre-half Alfie Mawson have become the first English players to commit to Common Goal.

Juan Mata pioneered Common Goal, a charity initiative that sees players donate at least one per cent of their salaries to football charities around the world.

Since it was launched in August, Mata had been the only Premier League player to commit to the initiative, but Daniels, 31, and Mawson, 23, have both now joined the likes of Mats Hummels, Giorgio Chiellini and Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Daniels rose with Bournemouth from League One, through the Championship, to the Premier League.

“I’ve experienced pretty much everything that you can live as a player in England, maybe that’s why I’ll never forget where I’ve come from,” explained Daniels.

“Football is such an important part of my life, as it is for so many people in this country. It just seems right that our national sport gives something back to society.

“Common Goal is the most effective and long-lasting way for players to make a difference. If my pledge can help spread the idea of Common Goal, especially among the younger players, then it will be one of the proudest achievements of my career.”

Mawson, a semi-finalist for England in the UEFA Under 21 Championship last summer, also climbed through the divisions before getting his big break when he moved from Barnsley to Swansea last year.

“It was only a few years ago that I was playing non-league and helping out my Dad at the weekends with his market stall,” said the centre-back.

“I’m now at a great place and I want to concentrate 100 per cent on my football. I don’t want to cause any fuss or anything, but joining Common Goal allows me to focus on my career while forming part of something that can really help transform lives of those less fortunate. It’s a good thing for football.”

Mata welcomed Daniels and Mawson’s commitment.

“I’ve been speaking to several English players who have shown an interest in Common Goal and it’s brilliant that Charlie and Alfie are the first players to make the pledge. They are both top Premier League players and their commitment is a great step in the evolution of Common Goal.”