THE Sun’s amazing Footie for All campaign has won a prestigious award honouring campaigning journalism.
Our campaign which ran during the last football season in partnership with Tesco handed out grants totalling £300k to hundreds of grassroots kids’ football clubs across Britain.
We launched our ‘Footie for All Fund’ after a Sun investigation found financial pressures triggered by the Cost of Living Crisis were forcing kids to ditch recreational football.
The initiative was backed by England footballers such as Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, John Stones, and Harry Maguire.
Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp is also a huge advocate of the campaign.
The Sun has officially won the Making a Difference Award, organised by News Media Association (NMA), for the brilliant scheme.
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The award highlights how journalism benefits society.
NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “The Making a Difference shortlist this year has highlighted the exceptional dedication from UK news brands, who have worked tirelessly to inform and engage the public.
“The Sun can take great pride in their achievements.
“The ‘Footie For All Fund,’ serve as prime examples of how journalism can effectively spotlight critical issues, demonstrating to us all the vital role of trusted, independent journalism.
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“My congratulations to you.”
Our Footie for All Fund was voted for by members of the public.
It came about when local football clubs told how they’d seen a membership drop as parents struggled to find the cash to pay for their kids sport fees.
Some even said they were tragically forced to stop their child playing sport as they couldn’t find enough money for a bus fare.
Tesco went on to provide us with our grants through its Stronger Starts programme which funds healthy activities for kids.
Celebrities across the country also dropped into regular footballing sessions to see how the funds were being spent.
They noted how good it was to see the difference it has made to the children who could still play.
It was also supported by singer Olly Murs, 40, who visited Crown and Manor football club in Hackney, London.
He said: “In 2024 the cost of living is so high for so many families.
“For the kids to suffer and not be able to come and play football because their parents cannot afford it would be such a tragedy.
“So the fact The Sun and Tesco did this will help families to get their children playing football.
“That’s the good thing about this campaign. The grants are there to ensure no kid gets left behind.”
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel, 37, also visited Wapping FC in East London last November.
He greeted 20 excited children who were bounding with enthusiasm when the beloved ex-Chelsea ace went to meet them.
Obi Mikel said: “For many kids, growing up nowadays you play a sport or you’re on the street.
“I chose sport, just like these kids, and it completely changed my life. I don’t know what I would have been without football.
“I remember being this age like it was yesterday.
“It’s great to still see kids running around and enjoying themselves. That’s the most important bit.”
Founder Nahimul Islam, 25, started Wapping FC, in Mile End, East London, when he was just 17 to give kids a place to play football and stay out of trouble.
Now more than 250 children are on their books – including 50 girls and 16 players with a range of disabilities.
Nahimul said: “We operate in one of the most deprived areas of the country, and this incredible grant will help us give the boys high-class training and facilities without passing that cost on to mum and dad back home.
“Having someone like Mikel come visit the club is inspirational to our players. It shows them just what is possible.”
One grant recipient Mike Smith, 54, who runs Curzon Ashton FC in Ashton-Under-Lyne promises income is no barrier to playing with the club. They also take children with disabilities.
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Mike used the club’s Footie for All grant to start a new girls team.
He said: “Thanks to the funding from The Sun and Tesco we’re able to give girls the opportunity to play and learn new skills.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
