UK-based esports organisation Fnatic have announced they are partnering with charity UNICEF to tackle issues affecting children globally.
Funds raised from the partnership will contribute to UNICEF programmes around the world, working to create a safer, happier and better world for every child.
The partnership will kick off later this month with a programme of charity streams and content that promotes positivity in gaming with the #GotYourBack campaign.
Fnatic players and influencers, as well as UNICEF supporter and Manchester United and England international footballer Marcus Rashford, will be involved to help raise funds for UNICEF programmes around the world.
Toxic behaviour is a part of online gaming and other communities, with some players experiencing racism, homophobia, sexism, hate speech and other forms of bullying through interactions with other gamers.
#GotYourBack will promote positivity in gaming as well as giving players and the community a platform to discuss their experiences and share methods on how to deal with toxic behaviour. It will aim to create a better environment for gamers, and in particular children.
Funds raised throughout the campaign will support UNICEF’s programmes worldwide.
Fnatic is raising funds for programmes such as UNICEF’s child friendly spaces initiative. Child-friendly spaces offer a safe place where children can be themselves, as well as learn and play together. These sanctuaries also offer essential health services such as vaccinations and counselling and help to protect children from exploitation and trafficking.
Marcus Rashford said:
“I have experienced the effects of toxic online behaviours myself, I know what that feels like, so partnering with UNICEF and Fnatic to promote positivity in gaming was a no-brainer for me.“
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
“It’s important our platforms are used positively to offer a voice to causes and, in this case, children, who sometimes struggle to be heard. I’m very happy to provide that.”
Fnatic COO Glen Calvert added: “Toxicity online is one of the biggest challenges we face in our industry as it creates barriers to entry and enjoyment for players and fans alike.
“Together with UNICEF we can help our community tackle this problem and work to build a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all, while raising money for the world’s most vulnerable children.”
Sue Adams, UNICEF UK Director of Partnerships, commented: “UNICEF is committed to creating a better world for all children, wherever they are – online or offline.
“We therefore welcome this opportunity to work together with Fnatic to tackle online toxic behaviour, whilst also raising funds for our on the ground programmes.”
#GotYourBack kicks off with Marcus Rashford streaming with British world number one FIFA player star Donovan ‘Tekkz’ Hunt on January 23rd.
For more information visit https://tiltify.com/unicef-uk/gotyourback
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
