Weir Joins Common Goal

Scottish midfielder becomes 150th Member

Caroline Weir says she is delighted to join the Common Goal movement after the Manchester City and Scotland midfielder became the 150th player or manager to take the pledge.

The 24-year-old, who has 71 caps for her country, joins the ranks alongside international teammates Jane Ross, Christie Murray, and Sophie Howard as well as club teammates Janine Beckie and Pauline Bremer.

Having been voted player of the season at Liverpool in 2016, Weir joined Manchester City where she was voted MVP in the WSL Cup Final in which City defeated another former club, Arsenal.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Common Goal team, it’s a fantastic initiative,” said Weir.

“It helps to raise funds and awareness for causes that I am passionate about, such as gender equality and female empowerment, as well as providing necessary relief for those in need during the current pandemic.

“Teamwork is a fundamental part of football, and Common Goal epitomises the importance of working as a team to achieve a shared ambition.” 

Juan Mata, who became the first member of Common Goal in August 2017, welcomed Weir to the movement.  

“At this time of crisis, the need for teamwork is clear,” he said. “Collaboration is the best shot we have of ending COVID-19, and tackling the other challenges we face.

“It gives great hope to see so many diverse players stepping forward to work together on providing immediate solutions. A couple of weeks ago a talented 16-year-old from Real Madrid, Bruno Iglesias; last week the first Austrian to join the team, Wolfsburg’s 22 year-old midfielder, Xaver Schlager; and today, one of the brightest talents in the women’s game, Caroline Weir. Welcome to the team Caroline, Common Goal member number 150!”

Weir has directed her pledge towards programmes focused on female empowerment thorough football, and this will be channeled through the Common Goal Covid-19 Response Fund, which was launched in April.

The fund is open to all players and football industry professionals, as well as Common Goal members, and invests directly into community organisations within the movement’s existing network of football NGOs that are hardest hit by Coronavirus. 

Manchester United striker, Jane Ross, who was the first Scottish player to join Common Goal in 2018, said: “It’s fantastic to see Caroline has become the 150th member of the Common Goal team.

“We may be the fiercest of rivals on the pitch at club level, but we share the commitment to doing what we can as professionals to help others reach their full potential through football, and at the same time helping the sport realise its full potential as a catalyst for positive social change.”