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    Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

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    RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

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      Michael Schumacher’s F1 star son Mick opens up on life with dad after accident and reveals ‘I had to find my own feet’

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son Mick has candidly opened up on life after his dad’s devastating ski accident in a rare interview.Schumacher’s family have been fiercely private when it comes to Michael’s health since he sustained life-changing injuries in the French Alps in 2013.Mick Schumacher has opened up on his relationship with his dad in a rare book interviewThe 25-year-old heartbreakingly revealed: ‘I had to find my own feet’Schumacher is arguably the greatest driver in F1 historyHis long-term wife Corinna has even created a so-called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.Mick, who was only 14 at the time of his dad’s accident, pursued his dream of reaching F1 without the icon’s guidance.He raced with Haas for two seasons before becoming a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023, the team his dad came out of retirement to race for between 2010 and 2012.In a new book “Inside Mercedes F1”, author Matt Whyman, who had unrestricted access to the team, includes a conversation with Mick about his father’s influence.READ MORE ON F1The 25-year-old told Whyman: “I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did.”He was really supportive and a lot of fun, but could also be challenging. “One time in a karting race I braked very late going into a corner and gained a lot of time. When I told him about it, he said, ‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’.”Whenever he felt like I was not taking it seriously, he would say, ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we do not need to do all of this’.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I insisted that I wanted to race and he said, ‘Okay, then let’s do it properly’. So we started doing more European karting and I was getting better.”Mick later explained that learned “a lot of technical points” from his dad that he “still uses today”.Formula One’s Highest EarnersHe added: “I started racing in the Formula classes the year after the accident and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet.”I started karting aged three. I was six when I first went scuba diving. Aged 10 I was skydiving. “My dad was always very open to me trying out whatever I wanted to do and racing is all I wanted to do, because I enjoyed it the most.”Schumacher fell metres away from a popular ski slope that resulted in critical head injuries when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.The F1 legend fractured his skull on another rock and was left with a brain injury. He was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma after surgery on his brain.Schumacher is being cared for by his wife CorrinaThe F1 legend had a tragic ski accident 11 years agoThe coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Schumacher hasn’t been seen publicly since the accident or even heard from.But he is said to have recently broke cover to attend his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca.Mick, who also attended his sister Gina’s nuptials, is dating model Laila Hasonovich.The Bosnian-born social media star was forced to rubbish the rumours surrounding her and the Mercedes reserve driver’s engagement this week.In a post on her Instagram showing off her jewellery, she wrote: “And no it’s not an engagement ring u guys.”Hasonovich, 23, has reportedly been let into the inner circle of people who are able to see Schumacher.The lingerie model was given the vote of confidence before Gina Schumacher’s wedding.Meawnwhile, unlike the successes enjoyed by his dad, who shares the record with Lewis Hamilton (seven) for the most titles, F1 has proven an unforgiving environment for Mick. He looks set for another season on the sidelines after failing to win a permanent seat for the upcoming campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was reportedly an option for the vacant Sauber seat – however that has now been taken up by F2 talent Gabriel Bortoleto.He was also snubbed by Williams when they needed a replacement for the under-performing Logan Sargeant, but they instead opted for Franco Colapinto.Mick Schumacher with his girlfriend Laila HasanovicF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s coach and legendary boxing mentor who helped turn him into world champion dies aged 85

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      THE BOXING coach who helped turn Tyson Fury into “The Facebreaker” has died.Dave Stacey, who has died aged 85, was the first coach to teach young Fury boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club, in Devon.The coach helped train Tyson Fury when he was youngerCredit: GettyThe veteran was credited with helping the future champion pick-up the fundamentals during long stints when he stayed with family in the South West.It helped cement the talent that saw him nicknamed “The Facebreaker” after he shattered an opponent’s jaw and eye socket as an amateur.Mike Reardon, the club’s chairman, said Mr Stacey had been the heavyweight’s first coach.He said: “Tyson would have taken part in group sessions for beginners where they learn the basics like stance and how to punch.Read more sport“We have a lot of boys and girls coming and going at the gym and it’s impossible to remember them all, but I think Dave always remembered Tyson because of his size. He was tall for a lad his age.”Fury has said that after his parents separated he spent a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.He said in an early interview: “They helped me learn how to read and write. I went swimming and surfing. The first gym I went to was in Torquay.“My dad would hold up his hands and say “one two,” but that was all. He never said he wanted me to box or took me to the gym. Most read in Boxing”He didn’t even know when I first started going to the gym.”The gym where Fury trained was at a former church and Stacey was the head coach there.Fury went on to join Jimmy Egans’s Amateur Boxing Club in Manchester and had his first amateur bout for them when he was 16 years old, in March, 2005.There was a riot after his second amateur bout in Hinckley, Leicestershire, two months later.Dave’s daughter Nicole led tributes, saying: “First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father and we really felt that love.”He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself.“He had the ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.”If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn’t dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on. I suppose that’s the boxing mentality and focus.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPaying tribute, a Facebook post from Torbay Boxing Club added: “Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.”RIP Dave you were a true legend.”Dave Stacey pictured alongside Tyson FuryFury trained at Torbay Boxing Club after spending a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson vows to ‘SLAUGHTER’ Jake Paul and drags his own mother into war of words ahead of Netflix fight

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      MIKE TYSON has vowed to “SLAUGHTER” Jake Paul in their fight and dragged his own mother into the war of words. The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.Mike Tyson gives Jake Paul a shoveCredit: AFPTyson’s mum Lorna, who passed away from cancer in 1982It will be Tyson’s first professional fight in almost 20 YEARS – but he remains unfazed by the task at hand. He told talkSPORT: “I see him running around, I have to catch him and slaughter him. “No, [I don’t fear him] because he stepped into the ring. If my mother steps in the ring, she has a problem with me. “Whoever’s in that ring, they have a problem. Don’t go in the ring if you don’t want that problem.”READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson’s mum Lorna actually passed away from cancer in 1982 when the boxing legend was just 16. He was raised by his trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato and the coach’s wife Camille Ewald. But D’Amato also died in 1985 just a year before Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged only 20. That kickstarted Iron Mike’s run as the Baddest Man on The Planet, which involved two title reigns. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he threw the towel in on his career in 2005 after quitting on his stool against Kevin McBride, who also works as a tree surgeon. Tyson did return for a 2020 exhibition with American great Roy Jones Jr – but it was nothing but a glorified sparring session between two icons.Mike Tyson looks ripped at 58 as former heavyweight champ shows off impressive physique before Jake Paul fightNow he will put his illustrious record on the line against 10-1 Paul – who only debuted in 2020. It has been professionally sanctioned over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves to be worn. Tyson will also have to undertake additional brain and heart tests due to his age after pulling out of the initial July 20 date due to a health precaution. He suffered an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight but was later passed medically fit to resume training. And he talked down Paul’s chances of victory when probed on the controversial 30-YEAR age gap between them. He said: “He’s a good little fighter, but he only has [11] fights. That’s considered an amateur in our field.” More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson, 58, reveals his kids’ reaction to accepting Jake Paul fight after admitting they are FANS of YouTube star

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      MIKE TYSON must put friendship and even his family’s love for Jake Paul aside for their £60million match.The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul. Tyson with son Morocco, far left, mother-in-law Rita Ali, wife Lakiha Spicer and daughter Milan, far rightCredit: Getty Images – GettyTyson with his daughters Mikey, far left, Milan middle, his wife and son Morocco, far rightCredit: WireImageIt comes after years of championing and hailing the social media star’s impact on the sport. But now Tyson has vowed to END the boxing career he helped start when professional records and reputations go on the line in Texas. He said: “This is business, this is just business, nothing personal.”Tyson, 58, once talked down ever fighting Paul, 27, revealing even his kids are fans of the former vlogger. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said on the Nelk Boys’ podcast: “I mean my whole f***ing family, everybody loves this little white motherf***er!” Tyson might be the Baddest Man on The Planet to Paul and everyone else – but to his children he is just their old man. He said: “My kids don’t have too much involvement with my boxing career, I’m dad to them.“There’s so many other celebrities they enjoy better than me but I’m dad.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson has seven kids, Mikey, 34, Rayna, 28, Amir, 27, Miguel, 22, Milan, 16, and Morocco, 13, and Exodus, who sadly died aged four in 2009. Milan and Morocco were not even born when their famous father fought as a professional for the last time. ‘There’s nothing nice about me’ – Mike Tyson’s chilling warning after saying he needs 10% of his prime to beat Jake Paul That night in 2005 – almost 20 YEARS AGO – he quit on his stool against Kevin McBride and threw the towel in on his boxing career. But now two decades later and he is back and says just ten per cent of his brutal best is enough to beat 10-1 Paul. Tyson said: “I’m just doing really well. I’m doing really well.“I’m very grateful that I’m doing well. I’m just looking forward to the fight, really looking forward to it.“Like when you think about it regardless of how old I am, this guy only has ten fights.“He only has ten fights, if I can fight a little bit with my experience, he only has ten f***ing fights, okay?“If I can fight ten per cent of what I was, he only has ten fights, he couldn’t match that.“And that’s being sincere. If I’m 10 per cent, he can’t match it.”Tyson was initially forced out of the original July 20 fight date after suffering an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight. He has since been passed medically fit to resume training but will undertake additional brain and heart tests due to his age. Both will also be subject to drug testing and they look to become the first boxers to headline an event on streaming giants Netflix. A huge $80MILLION (£60m) purse is being split down the middle but Tyson insists the fight for the ages is NOT money-motivated. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The money from this fight is not going to change my lifestyle. This is not for financial reasons.“My life is not gonna change, not 1 per cent after this fight, I will always be able to live this way and I’m just doing it because I wanna test myself.”Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      The Sun’s Footie for All campaign wins prestigious award after handing £300k grants to grassroots kids’ clubs

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      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.Pop star Olly Murs has joined in on The Sun’s amazing Footie for All campaign which has now won a prestigious award honouring campaigning journalismWest Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen visiting Brent Cross football academy as part of The Sun’s Footie For All campaignCredit: Paul EdwardsFormer Premier League manager Harry Redknapp is also a huge advocate of the campaignCredit: Chris BalcombeWe 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.read more in football 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. Most read in Football”My congratulations to you.”Our Footie for All Fund was voted for by members of the public.Strictly Star Kai Widdrington goes back to his roots for Sun footie campaignIt 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.”Harry took part in a coaching session earlier this year as part of the schemeCredit: Chris BalcombeChelsea legend John Obi Mikel, 37, visited Wapping FC in East London last November as he hailed the scheme as very importantCredit: Paul EdwardsChelsea 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESMike 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.”Nicola Mclean visits the Flackwell Heath girls teamCredit: Olivia WestStrictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington helped to put young kids through their paces at a training sessionCredit: Simon Jones More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I’m not a nice person and I don’t give a f***’ says Mike Tyson in chilling warning to Jake Paul ahead of Netflix fight

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      MIKE TYSON was once known as the “Baddest Man on The Planet”.And 20 years on from his last pro bout, Iron Mike warned he is still “not a nice person”.Mike Tyson during his prime in 1989Credit: GettyNow he returns to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyThe heavyweight great says he needs to be a fraction of his best to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.Their controversial clash in Texas on November 15 is worth £60million, £30m each.And controversy has never been far away from Tyson who was jailed for three years for a rape conviction in 1992.Before and after that, Tyson lost some of his most destructive years out of the ring through a party lifestyle of drink, drugs and women.READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the years since retirement, Tyson has gone broke, regained his wealth through various businesses and become a pop culture icon.Despite settling down in his third marriage with soulmate Lakiha Spicer and being a doting dad of seven, Tyson warned not to mistake his new life for weakness.He admitted: “There’s nothing nice about me. I’m not a nice person.“No, I’m a decent person, I try to do the right thing but a nice person I am not.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So anybody that has an auspice that I’m a nice person, they’re gonna be disappointed.“I’m just not a nice person. I don’t make people happy for no reason. I’m just who I am. I’m not trying to gain friends.Mike Tyson’s blunt 10-word response to Eddie Hearn after promoter calls Jake Paul fight ‘disrespectful to boxing’ “Basically what I’m saying, I don’t wanna make friends with you. I don’t care if you don’t put me on your boat or you let your yacht, I don’t give a f***.“I’m not gonna ever be nice to nobody. I’ll be kind but never nice.”Tyson has made millions through his cannabis empire, so money is not the motivation for this fight.It will be almost 20 YEARS removed from his last pro bout – the night he quit on his stool against tree surgeon Kevin McBride.Even then aged 38, it was clear to see Iron Mike’s days as the Baddest Man on The Planet were far behind him.At 58, there are huge fears for Tyson’s safety stepping into the ring with an opponent 30 years his junior.But Iron Mike insists if he can draw on just 10 per cent of his prime then it will be enough to beat 10-1 Paul – who turned pro only four year ago.Tyson said: “When you think about it regardless of how old I am, this guy only has ten fights.“He only has 10 fights, if I can fight a little bit with my experience, he only has 10 f***ing fights, okay?“If I can fight 10 per cent of what I was, he only has ten fights, he couldn’t match that. And that’s being sincere. If I’m 10 per cent, he can’t match it.”The slammed showdown faced further scrutiny when Tyson was forced to pull out of the initial July 20 date due to a health precaution.He suffered an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight – but has since been passed medically fit to resume training.But he will also have to undergo extra heart and brain tests due to his age. Amid the safety concerns, Tyson hit back: “I’m just doing really well.“I’m very grateful that I’m doing well. I’m just looking forward to the fight, really looking forward to it.”Tyson and Paul are to share a huge $80m (£60m) purse down the middle as they become the first to headline a boxing event on streaming giants Netflix.But Iron Mike – who blew through £250m during his heyday – promises his comeback is NOT money-motivated.He said: “I have more responsibilities. My life is more, I don’t know, it’s more practical than it was before. I have kids. I have a wife, I have children. I have things to do.“When I was a champion, I didn’t have things to do and nothing to do.“Nothing of substance to do. Party drink, women, talk s*** and that was no substance back then.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The money from this fight is not going to change my lifestyle. This is not for financial reasons.“My life is not gonna change, not one per cent after this fight, I will always be able to live this way and I’m just doing it because I wanna test myself.”Tyson with son Morocco, far left, mother-in-law Rita Ali, wife Lakiha Spicer and daughter Milan, far rightCredit: Getty Images – GettyLakiha Spicer with Tyson in 2014Credit: GettyTyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      The Sun’s brilliant Footie for All campaign up for award after being hailed by Harry Redknapp & Olly Murs

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      THE Sun’s brilliant Footie for All campaign has been nominated for a prestigious award honouring campaigning journalism.Our brilliant campaign which ran during the last football season in partnership with Tesco gave grants totalling £300k to hundreds of grassroots kids’ football clubs across Britain.Olly Murs hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign, which funds grassroots clubs across the countryCredit: Paul EdwardsHarry with young Milford footballer Jack Gunner after joining kids on the pitch in April this yearCredit: Chris Balcombe – Commissioned by The SunNow it is up for the ‘Making a Difference’ Award as part of Journalism Matters week – and you can VOTE NOW.England football stars including Phil Foden, John Stones and Harry McGuire backed our drive to fund kids football.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.Tesco provided our Footie for All grants through its Stronger Starts programme which funds healthy activities for kids.Celebrities and stars of the game dropped in on our grant recipients for suprise training sessions and to find out how funds were being used.Harry Redknapp,77,  visited Milford-on-Sea Youth Football club in Hants, which was awarded one of our Footie for All grants.He said: “I saw The Sun’s Footie for All campaign in action and it has done so much good.”It has provided much-needed funding to grassroots kids football during a tough time. Most read in Football”Making sure all kids get the chance to play is massively important and has so many benefits.”Meanwhile, singer Olly Murs, who played semi-professional football before becoming a singer, also hailed our campaign.Olly Murs supports The Sun’s Footie For All campaignOlly, 40, visited Crown & Manor football club in Hackney.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.”The Making a Difference Award, organised by News Media Association, highlights how journalism benefits society.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. 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.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTo vote for our Footie for All campaign visit here and click on option two: Vote for your favourite national media campaign. You can then select The Sun’s Footie for All campaign. Voting close 5pm on Wednesday 30th October.The 77-year-old former Premier League manager visited Milford-on-Sea Youth Football Club in HantsCredit: Chris Balcombe – Commissioned by The SunOlly enjoyed a kickabout with young players from Crown and Manor football club in Hackney earlier this yearCredit: Paul Edwards More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s eldest son takes charge of Spanish fifth tier side in biggest management step of his career

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      A STRUGGLING Tenerife team has turned to Diego Maradona’s eldest son to save their season.Diego Maradona Junior has been appointed as the manager of Union Deportiva Ibarra, who are facing a fight against relegation after notching up just seven points from seven games.Diego Armando Maradona’s son has been appointed of a team fighting relegationDiego Sinagra will take charge of Spanish fifth-tier side Union Deportiva IbarraHis world-famous dad is still idolised in Naples after helping to turn their beloved Napoli into Serie A champions in 1986-87.And sources at the semi-professional Canary Islands club said last night they hoped their new man, with the instantly-recognisable surname, could turn things around for them too.UD Ibarra, who play in the fifth-tier of Spanish football, said in statement: “We are pleased to present Diego Armando Maradona Jr, who will form part of the coaching staff.”It added: “Welcome and every success in your new home.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDiego’s son was born in 1986 when the late football great was still playing in Naples after an extramarital affair with Italian model Cristina Sinagra.Maradona Sr was still married to first and only wife Claudia Villafane at the time of his birth.The 38-year-old posted goodwill messages from fans on his Instagram.One said: “Hopefully you can put Ibarra where it belongs.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDiego Jr, full name Diego Armando Maradona Sinatra, has always been linked to football and took up coaching after playing as a midfielder in Italy.He resigned from his first head coaching job as manager of amateur side Napoli United in protest at the club’s failure to pay players’ wages.Maradona- Blessed Dream trailer He left Eccellenza Campania club Montecalcio earlier this week before it was announced he was UD Ibarra’s new manager.Diego Maradona didn’t formally recognise his eldest son until August 2016.Diego Jr was forced to miss his dad’s funeral following his death aged 60 in November 2020 from heart failure after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.The late football legend’s other children include Dalma and Gianinna whose mum is his ex-wife Claudia, Jana who Maradona recognised as his following a court fight by her mum Valeria Sabalain, and 11-year-old Diego Fernando by former girlfriend Veronica Ojeda.Eight people, including Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque, are due to stand trial next year over the football legend’s death.They were charged with homicide by negligence after a long-running criminal investigation and have been warned they face between prison sentences of between eight and 25 years if convicted.The trial was due to start this month but was recently rescheduled for March next year.Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of footballWho are these famous footballers? More