OXFORDSHIRE-born footballer and former England captain Mark Wright has launched a campaign to get 10,000 more foster carers signed up.

Mr Wright, who played for and managed Oxford United, has been named the ambassador of fostering agency Foster Care Associates (FCA).

The former Oxford United defender, who was born in Dorchester, will front the campaign – the UK10 – to encourage more people to become foster carers with a series of events such as conferences, award ceremonies and information sessions.

Mr Wright, 50, who played for Oxford in the early 80s before enjoying a glittering career at Southampton, Derby and Liverpool in the 1980s and 90s, said: “My wife Sue and I have been foster carers for the last six years and we are hoping to adopt a little girl. We have cared about this for a long time. It’s quite unique as there isn’t another footballer who has done this.

“It’s a big thing to want to get involved in. Caring about children and making sure we can improve their lives and give them a sense of belonging is a big must.”

Mr Wright, who has four children of his own, added: “Fostering is challenging and can often seem a daunting role but it is also enormously rewarding.

“In a nation of 80 million people we should be able to find another 10,000 foster carers.”

Mr Wright, who managed Oxford in 2001 when they were newly relegated to the Football League’s bottom division, was joined by former Liverpool stars John Barnes and Jan Molby for the launch.

He retired as a player in 1998, following 45 appearances for the English national football team. He was most notably a member of the team which reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1990, eventually losing to West Germany on penalties, and captained Liverpool to their FA Cup win in 1992.

He resigned from Oxford United in 2001 after being suspended over an alleged racist remark to referee Joe Ross but has always maintained his innocence.

His last job in football was a short stint as manager of Floriana FC last year.

The former coach, whose parents still live on the estate, said he still had a lot to offer in football.

He said: “I would love to still be involved in football and I have got a lot to offer, especially as a defensive coach.

“But at this time my focus is on Foster Care Associates as it is something I am passionate about doing.”

FCA is part of Core Assets Group, an international children services agency based in Bromsgrove, West Midlands, with 60 UK offices and 2,300 foster carers.

It was established 20 years ago and looks after 3,000 foster children. It welcomes applications from single parents, married and co-habiting couples as well as same sex couples.

s To find out more about fostering, visit the website thefca.co.uk/10k or call freephone 0800 023 4561