Emiliano Marcondes on his desire to change lives of youngsters

The affable Dane has spoken in the past about his desire to give back and use his platform for the greater good.

There is no clearer example of that than his latest venture.

The 28-year-old, currently out on loan from Cherries at FC Nordsjaelland, has called on some help from his footballing friends to set up the campaign named ShirtsForChange.

Anybody can enter the raffle from as little as five euros, with a chance to win a match-worn shirt from a host of Premier League and international stars, including some from Cherries.

Some of the 54 shirts include those worn by Nathan Ake, Philip Billing, Christian Eriksen and Ivan Toney.

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Money raised goes to the El Cambio Academy in Uganda, a charitable organisation where more than 50 children aged between nine and 16 play football. It provides everything from school, medical care and football facilities, with Marcondes hoping money raised from ShirtsForChange can go towards improving football pitches for the talented youngsters.

Asked to explain this campaign and why he is doing it, Marcondes told the Daily Echo: “I find it very fascinating and very motivating to do something.

“I think it comes from when I was a little kid. I have family in Brazil and an upbringing with my dad in Denmark, where we didn’t have the same things and money as all my friends.

“Noticing that when I was little made me feel that it was unfair and also that I have to work even harder to achieve my dreams.

“When I see that in other people as well, it really tugs my heart.”

Marcondes also works with Right To Dream Academy, which helps children in Ghana, and is closely linked to Nordsjaelland.

“From the first time when Right To Dream came here, I was living with some of the players on training camps and I heard their stories where they have lost their family members,” he explains.

“I remember a story with Godsway Donyoh, who I was close with. He lost his mum and I have lost my mum as well. I feel connected in a different way.

“I want to create something or help or start something that is bigger than just playing football and use my platform that way as well, as a footballer.

“I am really interested in creating an environment and a platform for kids to grow and to develop that they would not have the possibility like El Cambio and Right To Dream is doing.”

Looking to find a way he could help, Marcondes turned to El Cambio founder Thomas Thor.

Cherries’ midfielder said: “I was talking to Thomas Thor about, how can I help more and use my platform as a footballer?

“I was thinking to maybe find some shirts from a lot of players.

“I remember the feeling to win a shirt when I was a kid and how much it meant for me to be motivated and to be connected to a professional footballer and actually feel close to being a professional.

“If I can just give one kid the same feeling that I had, it would make me very happy.

“That’s what I dream about, to inspire and motivate the next generation and feel a part of starting a dream and being inspirational.

“Because that’s the players I remember when I was growing up, that really started a fire in me and an inner drive to actually make it real and realise that you can achieve your dreams, no matter where you are from.”

Marcondes was insistent on ensuring the shirts did not simply go to the highest bidder, instead every entrant having a chance of winning.

At the time of writing, €1,750 had been raised in donations, with the final date for entries May 17.

“I have been to El Cambio in Uganda,” said Marcondes.

“They really need new pitches down there and the equipment is not good enough for them to take the next step.

“They are really, really talented and just loving kids from Uganda. It is a bit of a different culture from Ghana and Egypt, where I have also been.

“I can really see a big potential, if they get new pitches especially, balls and just new equipment so they can play faster, which is what they will face when they come to Europe.

“I think with help and with players also sharing the shirts and just getting a bit more attention, then I hope to create some new pitches down there.

“That is what I dream about.”

Marcondes, who is planning to alternate his trips between Ghana and Uganda each summer, says he has had interest from other players in joining his mission.

“They have asked me if they could join next time and see how things are and having a bit more purposeful travelling,” he said.

“I know that maybe sometimes just sitting on a beach can be nice, but not for too long.

“They actually want to have a bit more meaningful travelling. I believe that going to Ghana and these places where you actually learn something about yourself and see new things and new cultures, it is for me something that I want to do and I hope players want to join me and see the benefits of it.”

Marcondes, who joined Cherries on a free transfer from Brentford in the summer of 2021, helped the club to promotion from the Championship last season.

He has scored seven goals in 24 appearances for the club, before heading to Nordsjaelland for more game-time.

A foot injury is currently ruling him out of action, but he is hoping to play his part in the coming months, with two trophies still up for grabs.

Discussing his return to Denmark, Marcondes said: “I was really enjoying myself and I like the way we play here in Nordsjaelland and all the philosophy of the club.

“Unfortunately an old injury has come back and it is keeping me back a bit.

“I can’t train 100 per cent and it is a bit frustrating, because it was going so well.

“I came here to play football. I want to get out there as quick as possible, but I have to hold back a little now and cope with the pain until the season is finished.”

Marcondes received a hero’s welcome when he returned to former club Nordsjaelland in January.

“I think it is something that football players sometimes forget,” he said.

“It means a lot for fans to see familiar faces or players that have come through an academy or done something special for their club. These moments as a football player are priceless.

“The feeling I want to have as well, as a player, is to be remembered for something that was not just being a footballer, but actually made an impact in a club and changed something.

“I had other options as well, but I am really happy for choosing this right opportunity to get back and also playing for something.

“It is interesting and exciting to be on the journey of this still young club, that want to achieve big things.”

While everything is going well back in his homeland, Marcondes is still keeping a close eye on the goings on at Cherries.

Asked if he misses anything about life in Bournemouth, the former Denmark under-21 international said: “I am watching all the games and of course I miss the beach and the good weather and the good people down there.

“I’m looking forward to coming back in the summer as well, for hopefully some good weather and hopefully still in the Premier League.

“It was a good win at the weekend with Philip Billing scoring. I am still in touch with him and telling him how to score. He is listening, I can see!”

Marcondes added: “I’d still love to come back and make an impact and I believe I can do it.

“Things can change so quickly in football. I like the club, I like the way we play in Bournemouth.

“To play in the Premier League is still my biggest dream and to go and win something.

“That’s what I believe in and hopefully this last period here (at Nordsjaelland) I can gain some more game-time and come back with some more motivation and confidence and some new thinking of football and hopefully some new energy.

“Hopefully I can make a great impact.”

• To enter the raffle to win a shirt and donate, visit go.rallyup.com/shirtsforchange