Vincent Kompany pledges to tackle Manchester’s homeless crisis

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has revealed that he will donate all profits from his testimonial season to homeless people in the north-west city.

The Belgian defender is celebrating his tenth year at the club and the BBC reports he will host a testimonial match in August 2019.

Kompany, 32, is regarded as one of City’s best-ever signings. Since joining from Hamburg SV in August 2008 he has captained the club to three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three League Cup wins.

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While the club and Manchester as a whole has seen a “spectacular rise” in the past decade, Kompany says a major downside is the city’s homeless crisis.

Tackle4MCR

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) reports that Kompany has joined forces with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. They have set up a new initiative called “Tackle4MCR” and the proceeds from Kompany’s testimonial season will go towards Burnham’s Homelessness Fund.

Speaking at the launch of Tackle4MCR, Kompany said: “I’ve received much from Manchester: a great career at the highest level, unconditional support from the fans through thick and thin, a lovely family and so much more to be grateful for.

“Over the past decade I’ve been lucky to have witnessed and played a part in Manchester City’s rise as a club and a brand. This has also run parallel alongside the rise of a whole region.

“However, with this spectacular rise, comes a very visible downside: more and more people are left out of and have no access to the benefits of the rapid development, often leaving them no choice but to end up on the streets.”

Kompany and Burnham say it’s a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to inspire social change, the MEN reports, and they aim to provide a bed for every rough sleeper.

As well as the testimonial match, events taking place to raise funds include a gala dinner and a #footballFriday campaign.