Hublot Loves Football... Sorta'

HUBLOT CREATES FOOTBALL HISTORY AGAIN PELÉ AND MARADONA TOGETHER FOR ONCE IN A LIFETIME MATCH!

Yes, clearly English is a tricky language... 

Hublot has partnered with some famous footballers - past and nearly present - and played a bit of five a sides -

Team Pelé – Ferdinand, Hierro, Dida, Crespo and Bebeto and Team Maradona – Trezeguet, Peruzzi, Ferrara, Materazzi and Seedorf 

Yawn...

Courtesy of Hublot

In a sporting event filled with about as much drama and suspense as a movie you've seen 30 times, 10 old farts rambled around a wildly improbable football pitch more likely found at a millionaire's estate than the real world where the rest of us live.

Because, you know, Hublot loves football!  

The concept was a "dream team" of world football greats to play in a game that we've apparently always longed to see.

Oh, and new watches and Hublot wall clocks were handed out.  

The new Euro watch was unveiled, limited edition of 100 pieces.

Courtesy of Hublot

Now what would be interesting is if they partnered with Tag Heuer for a smart watch function that could accurately keep a record of:

1.  Number of breaches of ethics and or conduct that happen at FIFA HQ each day

2.  Number of times those breaches are dismissed or ignored by the FIFA "ethics" committee

3.  Total dollar amount of bribes served up in FIFA land to secure the rights to world cups

4.  Number of foreign workers killed while constructing the stadiums for the Qatar World Farce

5.  Number of children in Nepal and other countries who now don't have fathers so that Qatar can build the stadiums for the World Farce that will be obsolete following the tournament

Courtesy of Hublot

And if I sound a bit pissy, you'll have to forgive me.  In fairness to Hublot they actually had a charitable aspect to this circus of the stars - 

At half time, there is a penalty shoot-out for the UEFA Foundation, “UEFA Foundation for the children”. 

This was so important to Hublot that they buried it in the press release and devoted an ENTIRE SENTENCE to it, making no further reference to the amount, what sort of work the UEFA Foundation does, etc.

So since Hublot couldn't be bothered to tell you about what exactly the UEFA Foundation does, allow me -

UEFA for Children was the initiative of Michel Platini.  An organization with very good intentions, the goal is to provide opportunities for less advantaged children in Europe and around the world.  

Hublot, I am really and truly happy that you have started incorporating charitable actions into your events and promotions.  I suppose we shouldn't look a "gift Big Bang" in the mouth.  But you have an audience of millions.  You could actually do something on the level of Omega with Orbis, but of course that would mean that you'd actually also have to WANT to do it.

So Mr. Biver, Mr. Guadalupe - I am throwing down the gauntlet once again. Quit the bullshit and do something real.



Having said that, for those of you out there that really do love football, and actually love people, here are some charities you could consider for a small donation.  No pressure from me, but just so you know they are out there.  

And Tempus Fugit will be making an admittedly modest donation to both organizations this summer -

Charity Ball

What is Charity Ball?

Courtesy of Charity Ball

Charity Ball is a soccer charity that provides, new, quality soccer balls to kids in poverty-stricken communities around the world.

Why?

Good question. Why invest in a soccer ball when there are so many other ways to help children? Consider the following:

• Children in developing countries are forced to deal difficult things like HIV/AIDS, contaminated water and civil war. One way for them to cope is by playing the game of soccer.
• Soccer is an excellent way to learn how to work together and succeed. It promotes friendship and fair play.
• Soccer promotes good health through physical fitness.
• Soccer reduces crime because kids have something constructive to do.
• Many children in developing nations will never get the opportunity to touch or kick a real soccer ball.
• Soccer can help a child develop a strong identity and sense of self worth.

How did Charity Ball start?

Charity Ball Soccer Charity was started in 2010 by Ethan King, who was 10 years old at the time. During the summer of 2009 he visited Mozambique (Africa) with his dad. While his father rehabilitated water wells, Ethan played soccer with the village kids. In one particular village, he decided to give his soccer ball away and quickly discovered the power of generosity. After returning to the United States, he decided that he wanted to do more. He gathered with some friends and officially launched Charity Ball. Read Ethan’s bio

Courtesy of Charity Ball

How does Charity Ball Work?

When you donate $25, a new, quality, soccer ball is purchased for a child. With basic criteria, affiliate organizations help us identify needy villages. When communities are approved, partner organizations help us with shipping and transportation. All Charity Balls are hand delivered. Nobody ever has to wonder if their Charity Ball actually made it into the hands of a child.

Soccer Without Borders

Courtesy of Soccer Without Borders

Soccer Without Borders first began programming in 2006 to address three critical issues facing young people in underserved communities throughout the world: 

1. A lack of safe spaces where young people feel cared for, have a voice and can experience the joy of sport.
2. A lack of opportunity for youth to actively explore social issues and community challenges.
3. A lack of social capital and access to potential opportunities for education, employment and personal growth.

Why soccer?

 

While there are many positive sport experiences, soccer is the most universally accessible; at its most basic level it offers playing opportunities that are low-cost, physically beneficial, inclusive and enjoyable. Soccer also enjoys worldwide popularity, making it the perfect platform from which to develop physically, socially, and individually.

Soccer Without Borders believes that the potential of soccer to make change is deeper than simply playing the game. Rather, our programs are built around the philosophy that soccer’s interpersonal environment has unique potential to meaningfully impact participants. Within that environment, youth are exposed to the benefits of soccer and team sports for their bodies, voices, and minds, and supported in the application of these benefits to their everyday lives and future goals.

When it comes to marginalized populations such as refugees, soccer offers an accessible, familiar space to build friendships and social capital, gain confidence, experience success, acclimate to new surroundings, and heal.

Soccer provides an avenue for positive engagement, a platform for personal growth, and a toolkit for a brighter future.

So as we roll into summer and get excited about the Euro tournament, consider putting a few dollars towards some organizations that are doing something positive through soccer to benefit people who could really use the help.