Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards row on Hudson River

Wayne Rooney, former England striker, joined former England goal‑keeper Joe Hart and former defender Micah Richards for a charity rowing event on the Hudson River on Sunday, July 15, 2026. The trio, accompanied by a crew of professional rowers, completed a 12‑meter boat course from Battery Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, raising funds for the BBC Sports charity “Football for All.” The event, organised in partnership with the BBC and the charity, attracted a crowd of supporters and media personnel along the riverbanks.

The participants said the outing was a light‑hearted way to promote football and community engagement. Rooney noted that the activity offered a “unique opportunity to bring football fans together in a different setting,” while Hart and Richards highlighted the importance of supporting youth sports programs. The event’s proceeds will be directed toward building football pitches and training facilities in underserved areas, with the BBC pledging to cover all associated costs. The rowing excursion concluded with a brief press briefing and a reception at the Hudson River Park pavilion.