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      in Soccer

      Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola McLean backs our Footie For All Campaign to give clubs £1k funding boost

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      NICOLA McLean praises The Sun for ensuring every child can play football as we relaunch our Footie For All funding. In partnership with Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign, we have another 150 grants to hand out to youth grass root football clubs across the UK. The reality star is delighted to see more girls playing football thanks to our grantCredit: Olivia WestNicola’s son Rocky, 13, had played for the boys devision of the clubCredit: Olivia WestWAG and Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola said: “Playing sport is something every child deserves to have access to, no matter what life is like at home. “Seeing the work of this grant from The Sun and Tesco in action is amazing, as all the girls here clearly love playing football. This cash makes sure they can keep getting training despite money being tight for everyone.  “I’m excited that women’s football is getting so much attention, and who knows, maybe one of the players here will represent England one day.”Her backing follows the support of Jarrod Bowen, Eric Dier, Raheem Sterling, and Gary Lineker. READ MORE ON FOOTIE FOR ALLLast year, we launched our Footie For All campaign to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing kids to give up football.Figures showed that 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership, according to charity Sported.Our last round of funding saw £150,000 given to remarkable clubs, and we’ve been blown away by how much they do to help their community while ensuring everyone keeps playing the beautiful game. From starting up new teams, providing free places for low-income families children to replacing old and out of date equipment, the cash has been put to good use.Most read in FootballSo today we urge YOU to apply for one of our fantastic 150 Footie For All grants.The cash can be used in any way that encourages more children to take up the sport or improves access to the game.How to apply
      WE want to hear about YOUR club and the huge difference you make for kids in your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland, working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that gets kids into the sport.
      Your club might need help with pitch fees or want to sponsor places for kids from low-income families.

      Entries close at midnight, April 30.

      Nicola has spent years ferrying her boys to grassroots training and knows how important it isCredit: Olivia WestIan Wright confirms plans for when season ends on Sky Sports after Carragher jokes ‘You’re on a Bosman this summer’Perhaps you are a local team that wants to offer parents help with membership fees.Maybe you need new kits or more pitch space to play on. Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.Nicola, 42, has had first-hand experience of grassroots as both her boys have played for local clubs since they were four years old. She went to visit the girls division of Flackwell Heath Minors team to see how they are putting their grant to use getting more girls involved. During her visit to the Buckinghamshire club, she said: “I’ve loved seeing how this club has embraced the girls and made them feel as welcome and as good as the boys teams. They’re all amazing.”Footie favourites back Sun campaignPREM stars have queued up to praise our grassroots drive….
      PHIL FODEN
      Reddish Vulcans, Manchester City, England
      “Grass roots football is where it began for all of us. It brings happiness for so many people and it’s so important nothing gets in the way of everyone having that opportunity.”
      HARRY MAGUIRE
      Brunsmeer Athletic, Barnsley, Sheffield United, Hull City, Leicester City, Manchester United, England 
       “I SPENT my childhood with a ball at my feet. Playing with a team gives kids an outlet and a chance to learn discipline and to make friends with people they might not have met.”
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Alpha & Omega FC, QPR, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea & England 
       “MY mentor got me into football to correct my behaviour. I found something I wanted to put my energy into. I fell in love with it – and I made friends for life.”
      JARROD BOWEN
      Leominster Miners, Hereford Utd, Hull City, West Ham & England
       “WE can’t let kids see their dream die simply because Mum or Dad can’t afford to pay for the subs, kit and travel. Football is for everyone.”
      JOHN STONES
      Penistone Church FC, Barnsley, Everton, Man City & England
      “PLAYING grassroots football as a kid with my friends for my local team was the first step into football for me, and I never looked back.
      “It played such an important part of my childhood and I’ll always be so grateful for the opportunity it provided for me and so many other children.
      “Grassroots football often provides a happy and safe environment for children to play, meet friends and learn new skills. If it wasn’t for that start I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn important life skills on and off the pitch while having fun with my mates.
      “It can give children something to look forward to, even when things may be difficult, and make such a positive impact for both parents and kids.”
      ERIC DIER
      “FOOTBALL is a lifeline for many. It encourages teamwork, discipline, friendship, improved health and wellbeing and a sense of community. I know kids will benefit from the game and all that comes with it.”

      She’s used to ferrying her boys to training sessions, as both Rocky, 13, and Striker, 18, have played football at a grassroots level.  Nicola said: “My youngest son Rocky played for Flackwell Heath. Grassroots football is majorly important. Both of my boys have done it, and it’s given them a sense of community, and it’s been a great way to make friends. “Kids also learn how to win and how to lose. They need to be taught both of those.“It’s a great thing to do and as many people who can be involved in grassroots football should be. It really shouldn’t come down to finances as to if a kid can play or not. All I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing football.Declan Breen, club chairman“It needs to be open to as many people as possible, and that is what The Sun’s grant ensures.”Nicola, who is married to former West Ham player Tom Williams, was told by coaches that the girls had improved in confidence and skills since playing with their own gender. Rocky now plays for Slough, and Striker is honing his skills at Beaconsfield. Thanks to our grant, the club has been able to rent more pitch spaces and boy more goals to see as many girls as possible playing with them.Flackwell Heath Minors chairman Declan Breen said: “The grant means we’re not restricted by money when it comes to provisions. “We’ve been able to rent more pitches and get goals, allowing more girls to play with us. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s also helped cover the costs of one of our teams, too.“It’s been fantastic, so all I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing football.”Declan Breen told Nicola how much of a difference the grant is making to the clubCredit: Olivia WestShe reguarly watches her son Striker play matches with his local clubShe even took a turn at showing off her fancy footwork with the girlsCredit: Olivia West More

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      in Soccer

      Olly Murs hails The Sun’s £150k grants to grassroots football, saying ‘now no kids gets left behind’

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      OLLY MURS has hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign – as we help grassroots clubs net a share of a new £150,000 cashpot.In partnership with Tesco’s Stronger Starts initiative, we have a further 150 grants of £1,000 each to hand out to youth clubs across the UK.Olly Murs has hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign, which funds grassroots clubs across the countryCredit: Paul EdwardsPopstar Murs, who played semi-professionally before hitting the big time, represented England at Soccer Aid 2012 in aid of Unicef at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – ContributorThe bumper fund matches our first round of grants dished out last year.Visiting the Crown & Manor club in Hackney, East London — one of the recipients of our initial awards — Olly, 39, 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 are doing this will help families to get their children playing football.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“That’s the good thing about this campaign. The grants are there to ensure no kid gets left behind.”We launched our Footie For All campaign last year to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing children to give up football.A safe spaceFigures from charity Sported showed 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were worried about the impact soaring costs were having on membership.Our first batch of grants saw £150,000 given out thanks to support from Tesco Stronger Starts, which funds healthy food and activities for kids across the UK.Most read in FootballWe were inundated with applications for help, along with stories of local teams making a huge difference in their communities.So we wanted to offer clubs more assistance.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralFrom starting up new teams and providing free places for kids of low-income families, to replacing old and out-of-date equipment, the cash has gone to good use.So today we urge YOU to apply for one of our fantastic new Footie For All grants.They can be used in any way that encourages kids to take up the sport or aids access to the game.Perhaps you are a local team that wants to offer parents help with membership fees.Maybe you need new kits or more pitch space to play on.Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.Before shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2009, Olly played semi-professionally for Witham Town in Essex until 2008, when injury ended his career.It’s great to see the impact this grant is having on the kidsOlly MursThe singer — soon to become a dad for the first time with bodybuilder wife Amelia Tank — was delighted to see kids benefit from our campaign.The chart-topper and Soccer Aid regular said: “It’s an honour to be at Crown & Manor and to see where the money is going that The Sun and Tesco have put together.“I’m sure playing here helps them with communication as they interact across different age groups and it brings them together. There are ­different ages, cultures, ­languages, and they all just love ­playing football.“It doesn’t matter who you are off the pitch. It all comes down to who is going to win that ball first.“It’s great to see the impact this grant is having on the kids at Crown & Manor.”The club’s youngsters come mainly from low income families.Organisers aim to provide a safe space and positive role models for every child.For just £1, kids have access to sport, homework help and a chance to socialise with their peers.Olly started his playing career with Valley Green, near his home in Witton, Essex, where his dad coached.Life changing opportunity He says it gave him confidence and taught him how to chat with anyone.“For me, at 13 years of age, playing grassroots football was where my social network began,” he said.“It’s where I got all my friends. It was my escapism from all my other worries, like school or experiences as a teenager. It gave me the confidence to chat with people and I had team-mates I could lean on if I ever got in any trouble.“When I get back to Essex, I still see the people I used to play with. That friendship has never been forgotten. Grassroots was a big part of my life and I think every kid should get involved in something team related. I know my life would have been different without it.”During his visit to the 100-year-old Crown & Manor club, Olly had a kickaround with the 13, 14 and 15-year-olds, who had no problem trying to steal the ball from him.Olly enjoyed a kickabout with young players from Crown and Manor football club in HackneyCredit: Paul EdwardsReality star and mum-of-two Nicola McLean, 42, visited Flackwell Heath Minors girls’ team to see how the money we awarded is being put to useCredit: Olivia WestAs well as posing for selfies, he even took a turn in goal.But thanks to his squad’s defenders, he didn’t have to make any saves.Former West Ham Academy player and team coach Jason Mason, 39, was impressed with Olly’s skills on the pitch.And he is glad The Sun has been able to provide each of Crown & Manor’s teams with a new strip.“The £1,000 grant means our four teams have a new kit,” he said.“Some of them were getting very old. It’s helped us a lot with making that possible.”Having Olly down to play some games also really boosted the boys.‘Sense of community’Jason said: “It’s great for them to see that Olly is just a normal person like them. They’ve really enjoyed the ­session, and how many people can say they’ve played football with Olly Murs?”Mum Tyler, whose son Artie, 12, plays football at Crown & Manor, said of her lad: “He’s been coming to the club since he was about six.“It’s amazing what they do for the kids. Everyone is so lovely and it’s a really nice place for him to be. It’s built his confidence 100 per cent. He started secondary school and knowing the older kids from football made it so much easier.“I’d never let my son out on the streets, so if he wasn’t here he’d be in his bedroom on a PlayStation or something. Every youth worker, regardless of their age, helps our children in different ways.”Meanwhile, reality star and mum-of-two Nicola McLean, 42, visited Flackwell Heath Minors girls’ team to see how the money we awarded is being put to use.On her trip to the Bucks club, she said: “I’ve loved seeing how this club has embraced the girls and made them feel as welcome as the boys’ teams. They’re all amazing.”Nicola is used to ferrying her boys — Rocky, 18, and 13-year-old Striker — to training sessions as both played football at this level.The star, married to former West Ham player Tom Williams, 43, said: “My eldest son Rocky played for Flackwell Heath. Grassroots football is majorly important. Both my boys have done it. It’s given them a sense of ­community and it’s been a great way to make friends.“Kids also learn how to win and lose. They need to be taught both of those. It’s a great thing and as many people as possible should be involved in grassroots football.All I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing ­footballDeclan Breen “It shouldn’t come down to finances whether a kid can play or not. That is what The Sun’s grant ensures.”Nicola was told by coaches at Flackwell Heath Minors that the girls had improved in confidence and skills since playing with their own gender.Thanks to our Footie For All grant, the club has been able to rent and buy more of the things it needs to open up the game to as many girls as possible.Club chairman Declan Breen said: “The grant means we’re not restricted by money when it comes to provisions.“We’ve been able to rent more pitches and get goals, allowing more girls to play with us.“It’s also helped cover the costs of one of our teams.“It’s been fantastic, so all I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing ­football.”Olly, soon to become a father with wife Amelia Tank, was delighted to see kids benefit from The Sun’s football campaignCredit: GettyCurzon Ashton FC Community FoundationDESPITE there being a high number of low-income families locally, this club is ensuring that money is not a barrier to kids joining its ranks.Ashton-under-Lyme is a deprived part of Greater Manchester, but Curzon Ashton FC charges just £3 a session and has players aged six to 80, some with disabilities.Curzon Ashton FC has many projects including weekly after-school girls’ football sessionsFoundation manager Mike Smith, 54, from Gateshead, says: “Everything we do is virtually free or for a small subscription. Football is a powerful tool for engaging with the community and keeping people socialised, fit and active.” Their many projects include weekly after-school girls’ football sessions, with 21 youngsters participating so far. Mike says: “It gives parents the chance to let the children do something free.”Our £1,000 grant has helped pay for this, plus new equipment.Mike adds: “Thanks to the funding from The Sun and Tesco we’re able to give girls the opportunity to play and learn new skills.”Northwich Victoria Juniors FCTHIS busy club has a mighty 22 teams, with players starting as young as six, and ensures everyone has the opportunity to access football.“That’s our ethos,” says chairman Robert Walsh, 50, who has worked at the Cheshire club for a decade, starting as a coach. Football is an amazing way for young kids to make friends and gives confidence as well as being a great way of keeping fit and active.”Northwich Victoria Juniors FC has 22 teams to joinThe club used its £1,000 Sun grant to buy new equipment, including goals, corner flags and “respect barriers” to ensure players are kept safe.Like other clubs, Northwich has seen a huge rise in the numbers of girls wanting to play, and the grant is helping to launch two new female teams.Robert adds: “We have enough demand to create even more teams than that, but our problem is finding volunteers to coach as we’re not paid.”Cheadle And Gatley JFCFORMER club member Holly Deering, 18, recently broke into the Manchester United ladies’ first team, alongside England stars Ella Toone and Mary Earps.So there is much to be proud of for this Stockport side, marking its 50th birthday, which has 750 members and 15 girls’ teams.Cheadle And Gatley JFC has a whopping 750 membersIt has put a lot of cash, including its £1,000 grant, into a Girls’ Development Centre, and seen huge results.For the past seven years the club has been producing one or two new girls’ teams a year.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut demand has rocketed since the Lionesses’ success and there are plans for four or five new teams for girls aged seven to ten.Club treasurer Richard Hubbard, 52, says almost half a dozen members have turned pro in the last couple of years, adding: “The club is open-access sports for all. If there are parents who are financially challenged, we offer discounted membership.”How to apply
      WE want to hear about YOUR club and the huge difference you make for kids in your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland, working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that gets kids into the sport.
      Your club might need help with pitch fees or want to sponsor places for kids from low-income families.

      To apply and for full terms and conditions, see tescostronger starts.org.uk/footiefund

      Entries close at midnight, April 30. More

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      in Boxing

      I will never let my son box – there would be a target on his back straight away, says Anthony Joshua

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      JOSEPH BAYLEY TEMILOLUWA PRINCE JOSHUA will not be allowed to inherit his dad’s world heavyweight crown.Two-time king Anthony Joshua raced out of Saudi Arabia in December — after scorching Otto Wallin — to treat his eight-year-old son to Christmas in Dubai. On Boxing Day, he shared a snap of them posing in a pool.Anthony Joshua doesn’t want his son to follow in his footsteps in boxingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/healthy_mindset/Joshua is set for a big boxing fight against MMA legend Francis NgannouCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/Joshua doesn’t want his son to experience the same dark moments he did in the ringCredit: PAIn October his lad will turn nine and be old enough to train in amateur gyms — like AJ’s favourite Finchley ABC school. A year later he can  spar and enter competitions.But 34-year-old AJ — who did not lace up a pair of gloves until he was 18 — will not let his son follow him into the hurt business.Joshua declared: “I would never let him box. I am not interested in him boxing.“You have to be so strong, you have to be so strong mentally to be a boxer.Read More on Boxing“I am not saying he won’t be mentally strong but I would not want to put him through that ­mental pressure.“I am sure he could fight, he will definitely have the genes to do it.“But the mental side, that goes unspoken about, I would not want him to go through that.“Imagine ‘Anthony Joshua’s son is boxing’ . . . there would be a target on his back straight away. Would I want to put him under that pressure? Probably not.Most read in Boxing“I will advise him that he could probably still do something completely different and still enjoy life.“During your career, when you are actually competing, you get the odd nice ten days, like that one in the swimming pool. But in the back of your head is always the next fight that is coming up.”Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?Joshua takes on MMA monster Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday.The Watford hero suffered a Saudi breakdown when he lost for the second time to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022 — failing to recapture the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he lost to the Ukrainian in London 11 months earlier.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Defeat dashed Joshua’s dream of becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champ since Lennox Lewis in 1999.He threw his old belts on the Jeddah floor and hijacked Usyk’s post-fight speech before storming out of the ring.Those frantic moments were fairly criticised.But, in the press conference afterwards, the former bricklayer broke down and cried because he felt he had let down people in the UK.Joshua admitted: “I was in a bad place — not a bad place, a bad moment.“I had put so much into becoming undisputed  and I just fell short. The feeling was not good and I had to pick myself back up again.Great highs and great lows“I changed trainer after that and had a mix-and-match of everything going on.“It took me  a year-and-a-bit to smooth things out and now we are just getting back to basics again.”In his last fight, a dominant Joshua stopped Wallin in five rounds. He added: “I felt back to normal against Wallin.“It’s a tough industry because I put everything into the Wallin fight and now it is just in the past.“You get there, you do your best, everyone is watching and then it’s over and on to the next.”That constant scrutiny and the sad fact that one attention-seeking critic can often shout over all the measured and considered praise, are two of the reasons why Joshua will keep his boy out of the ring and the spotlight.’This job is not fun’He added: “This job is not fun. I get to enjoy showcasing my skill on Friday but to get to that point is not fun.“It’s a lot of sacrifice, a lot of passion and dedication, it takes a lot out of you.“I’ll have to wait for 15 years to get  to the end of my career and think, ‘F***, I got through all that, now let me go and have fun now’.“JJ could live a good life — from the day he is conscious of what that means. I have to wait until I retire before I can sit back and finally enjoy life.”Joshua did not enjoy Tuesday night when he had to sit down at a private dinner and pose for photos with Ngannou and nemesis Tyson Fury.The 35-year-old WBC champ is a constant thorn in AJ’s side with insults and trash talk. But the Gypsy King has actually HELPED his long-time rival recently.Fury’s unexpected helpFirst, Joshua has picked up with Fury’s old trainer Ben Davison.And, second, Fury was floored and only earned a split-decision points win over Ngannou when the Cameroon bruiser made his boxing debut here in October.Recalling that bout, Joshua said: “It definitely helps. It helped get me motivated for the fight.“Before I looked at this whole crossover thing as not serious.“Before, if I had taken a crossover fight, people would have asked, ‘What the f*** is Anthony Joshua doing?’ I wouldn’t have been able to walk out of my house.“But now people are taking it more seriously because of that fight.Ngannou’s incredible journey“It has helped to get me motivated and has given me more reason to take the fight.“I can show how great I am and what I can do in the ring.”Ngannou’s story is a magnificent one, from child labour in a Cameroon sand mine to becoming one of the most celebrated and richest men in prize fighting.The 37-year-old former UFC heavyweight king is a genetic freak who looks like he was made by computer gamers.Ngannou stands 6ft 4in, has thighs like tree trunks, a neck that resembles a human torso and a bowling ball head seemingly impervious to shock treatment.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTHe weighs 21 POUNDS more than Joshua, too, scaling 19st 7lb yesterday, compared to AJ’s 18st. But Joshua, who has suffered painful losses against smaller men like Andy Ruiz Jr and Usyk,  prefers chopping fellow behemoths like 6ft 7in September KO victim Robert Helenius.He explained: “Little fellas have been fighting big guys their whole life, so they just know what to do at the click of a finger.“As a bigger guy you usually fight guys your height. I have fought all different guys but, yeah, I seem to get better knockouts against guys my height.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Look at the performances against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. One shorter guy who was smaller and nimble against a tall guy I found it easier to hit with.“Ngannou is big and tall and I know what I have to do.” More

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      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi out in the changing room at Man City – players became like children, but now I understand

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      FORMER Manchester City star Bacary Sagna revealed Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi from the dressing room upon his arrival in 2016.Sagna spent only one year playing under Guardiola but it was more than enough to make him understand what a great manager he truly is.Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi in the dressing room when he joined Manchester CityCredit: PABacary Sagna agrees with Guardiola’s strict rules at Man CityCredit: PA:Empics SportThe Catalan tactician laid down the law from day one at the Etihad as he personally handled every last detail relating to his new team.The Barcelona legend imposed severe repercussions for those who didn’t adhere to his fitness regimen, as anyone who was found to be even slightly overweight would be immediately axed from his squad.The ex-Bayern Munich boss wouldn’t stop there as he also wanted to make sure his players were always completely focused at the task at hand.Therefore, the 53-year-old knew he had to get rid of any potential distraction – and that is why he cut the WiFi in the dressing rooms.Read More on FootballAt first Sagna was not really on board with that initiative as he felt he was being treated like a “child”.However, the ex-Arsenal defender quickly understood how important that sort of discipline was as it led to all of his players adopting the “right mindset”.And that is why the former full-back is not surprised City won the treble under Guardiola last season.Sagna told Chris Wheatley at the Web Summit in Qatar: “Pep Guardiola, to me, is the reference as a coach, because you need to be very disciplined.Most read in Football”You need to understand it’s not only on the pitch, it’s a whole life you need to adopt. It’s not only today.”It’s about the nutrition you’re going to have all week – as an example, if you’re 1kg ahead of your weight you’re out of the team! You don’t train.Incredible Phil Foden stat puts Man Utd to shame as Pep Guardiola calls City hero ‘best player in the Premier League’”He came to Man City and he cut the WiFi in the dressing room, so you become like a child. “At first, it’s upsetting because you’re thinking I’m not a child… I’m 30 years old, I don’t need to go through all these routes.”But then you understand why they won the treble last year, because everyone is kind of disciplined and everyone has the right mindset.”And if you don’t have the right mindset in sports you might shine [for] one year [or] two years. But after a while you’ll be gone because to stay at a high level is very difficult for a long time.” More

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      in Soccer

      Exiled footie star Mason Greenwood believes a return to Man Utd could save his parents’ strained marriage

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      FOOTBALL star Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problems.His dad Andrew, who is also his agent, has joined him in exile in Spain while his mum Melanie has remained at the star’s mansion in Cheshire.Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problemsCredit: RexHis dad Andrew joined him in exile in Spain while his mum Melanie has remained at the star’s mansion in CheshireCredit: AFPGrenwood lives with partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer in MadridCredit: FacebookThe forced separation has put strains on the marriage and Mason now realises he may need to return to the Premiership next season.He has been on loan at La Liga club Getafe since Old Trafford bosses ruled last September that his future lay elsewhere, after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.Mason lives with partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer in Madrid. Dad Andrew has also set up a base nearby to help his son cope with life in Spain.Read More on FootballBut mum Melanie has remained at the couple’s home in Bowdon, placing a strain on their relationship.United have repeatedly insisted Greenwood’s most likely future is a permanent move away from the club.He thinks a lot of their problems could be solved if he went back to United. He’s very close to his parents, so it’s one of the reasons why a move back home could happenSun sourceBut new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy last week by suggesting the club could change its mind and bring the 22-year-old striker back to Old Trafford.The Sun understands Greenwood has expected to remain in Spain, with a move to Barcelona under discussion.Most read in FootballBut helping ease the stresses on his family’s life could be a factor in favour of any potential move back.A source said: “Mason has been very happy in Spain and knows a lot of top clubs including Barcelona are interested in him.Mason Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a “rapist” dropped“He was annoyed with United about how they handled the situation following his charges, so has always been reluctant to return.“But his mum and dad have spent long periods apart since Mason moved to Spain and everyone knows long­distance relationships can be hard, especially given the pressures they were under ever since Mason was first arrested in January 2022.“It’s been a very difficult two years for the Greenwood family.“He thinks a lot of their problems could be solved if he went back to United. He’s very close to his parents, so it’s one of the reasons why a move back home could happen.”Greenwood has scored seven goals in 25 league games for Getafe. He remains contracted to United until 2025.Greenwood announced the birth of baby Summer with this snapCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceSir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy by suggesting the club could change its mind and bring the 22-year-old striker back to Old TraffordCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      I grew up in paradise until volcano forced family to evacuate.. I may not have been footballer if not for scary eruption

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      DONERVON DANIELS knows a thing or two about beating the odds.And this time the Walsall skipper, 30, is only talking about a surge towards the play-offs, having lived through a true life-or-death drama.
      Walsall defender Donervon Daniels won the League Two’s goal of the month award with a solo stunner against Sutton on January 27
      The Soufriere Hills volcano spewed ash long after the 1995 eruptionCredit: AFP
      As a toddler, Daniels was part of a mass evacuation when a once-dormant volcano suddenly exploded back into life on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat, forcing thousands to flee.
      The Saddlers can draw level on points with seventh–placed Harrogate if they win at the EnviroVent Stadium today — and centre-back Daniels knows he can handle the pressure.
      January’s Sky Bet goal of the month winner said: “We are a young side and we were in a stalemate for a while back there but now we’re going places.
      “Two games ago we beat Mansfield, who are second and, remember, had just scored nine against Harrogate.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      “Look at our league position and we’re actually below mid–table but we’re one of nine teams within three points of a play–off position.
      “Make no mistake, there’s a growing belief that we can be the ones who can break through because we are developing real momentum.
      “This is a club that was a mainstay of League One — it is just where we belong, at least, and I’m convinced that we can get back there this season.”
      Daniels often heads back to the scene of that terrifying volcanic eruption as part of Montserrat’s international squad, now managed by former Birmingham and Charlton boss Lee Bowyer.
      Most read in EFL
      Daniels claims play-off hopefuls Walsall deserve to return to League OneCredit: Alamy
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      There is nothing Daniels loves more than exploring the island he had to leave so quickly in 1995, when the Soufriere Hills volcano became active and left half of Montserrat uninhabitable.
      He left with mum Helen and five siblings for Hackney in London’s East End but paradise was not lost to him.
      Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta shows off toned midriff while presenting huge clash as fans call her ‘marvellous’
      Daniels, who has three caps, explained: “My mum was born in the UK but she moved out to Montserrat when she was young because she still had a lot of family there.
      “After the eruption, a lot went to America. She came back here but she always pleaded with me to one day try to play for Montserrat.
      “She would go there every summer to see relatives and it was down to her that I did get capped.
      “Everybody knows everybody over there and she got to know the person who ran the Montserrat FA and I started playing for my adopted country in 2021.
      “It’s strange to think that had it not been for the volcano, I might never have become a footballer or played for Montserrat.Donervon Daniels
      “Sadly, mum passed away five years ago and so never got the chance to see that — but I know she’s looking down and proud.”
      Daniels, who began his career at West Brom and joined Walsall from Crewe in 2022, added: “It’s sad, too, that my first home is no longer there.
      “We lived in the island’s capital of Plymouth but it was wiped out.
      “But I still have her family there when I go over. I love to explore the place and it’s beautiful.
      “It’s not far from Antigua and the habitable part of the island is just like paradise.
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      “It’s strange to think that had it not been for the volcano, I might never have become a footballer or played for Montserrat.
      “Now I’m proud to do so thanks to my mum and, hopefully, there will be more pride here at Walsall come the end of the season.” More

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      Paul Gascoigne is helping to coach kids’ football team – even teaching them overhead flick & volley goal from Euro ’96

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      ENGLAND great Paul Gascoigne is back in football — helping to coach a children’s team.Gazza, 56, teaches Dexter Sports Youth U11 Bengals his silky skills and supports them home and away.
      Paul Gascoigne has been teaching Dexter Sports Youth U11 Bengals top techniques from Euro ’96
      Gazza with TheMNT talent agency chief Katie Davies and her son Mason
      The ex-Spurs midfielder even shows them how to perform his overhead flick and volley goal against Scotland in Euro ’96.
      Gazza lives near the Bournemouth-based team and told The Sun: “I enjoy going down to help the kids in my local area.
      “I go to training and teach them some of my skills and old tricks. I love watching and cheering on the sideline on Sundays.”
      He was spotted at a match last weekend against Wiltshire’s Mere FC, signing autographs and posing for snaps with thrilled fans.
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      Katie Davies runs TheMNT talent agency which represents Gazza and sponsors the team, whose players include her son Mason.
      She said: “Gazza is such a legend and has so much experience to share. The kids love him.
      Paul Gascoigne fires in his famous strike against Scotland during Euro 96
      “It’s not many kids who can say they’ve got one of England’s best players coaching them.
      “Paul loves it and comes along to all the games.
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      “He’s on great form and is still as canny as ever.
      “It’s amazing to see the reaction from other parents when he turns up on the sideline. Everyone wants a picture with him.”
      And Gazza’s magic seems to be paying off — the team have won their last three.
      Rangers legend Paul Gascoigne makes shock appearance in club’s Christmas advert More

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      Mystery as referee probed over claims he wore bodycam in kids’ footie match without permission

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      A REF is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission.The match official told the coaches it was part of an FA-backed VAR-style trial.
      A ref is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission (stock pic)Credit: Getty
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipmentCredit: Supplied
      But when they double-checked, they were told there was no trial.
      An investigation has been launched by Northumberland and Durham County FAs following the U13 game in the Russell Foster Youth League.
      Refs wore bodycams in four grassroots leagues last ­season to see if respect improved — but only in adult matches and not in that area.
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipment.
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      But he added: “He informed the coaches he was recording everything.
      “They couldn’t understand because the FA did do a pilot a few months ago with bodycams but not here.”
      Local football chiefs said they are investigating after a ref registered to Northumberland FA allegedly used a body-worn camera at a recent fixture.
      They added: “We must clarify that referees are not currently permitted to use body-worn cameras at any time.”
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