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      I run Britain’s cheapest pub but I’ve BANNED football – you won’t be able to sip a £2.40 pint during Euros at my boozer

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      ONE of Britain’s cheapest pubs WON’T be showing the Euros this summer despite football fever hitting the country.Sinclair’s Oyster Bar in Manchester is well known for its old-world interior and its fascinating history.Sinclair’s Oyster Bar in Manchester won’t be showing the Euros this summerCredit: STEVE ALLENCallum Jepson and his mum Lisa Sauicz are patrons at the pubCredit: STEVE ALLENRichard Meaden and Michael Meaden praised the cheap prices and great locationCredit: STEVE ALLENThe boozer is also renowned for its low prices with a pint of mild or dark lager being a snip at just £2.40.Customers love its low prices and olde-world character, but keeping overheads down in order to maintain low prices means they can’t watch the footie action. As part of the Samuel Smith’s chain, it also aims to recreate the simpler times of the past.It means screens and mobile phones banned inside, to encourage punters to chat while sipping on their bargain beer.Read More in FootballEngland got off to a winning start at the weekend securing a 1-0 win over Serbia and will be looking to secure their place in the Euro 2024 knockout phase this evening when they take on Denmark in Frankfurt.A first place position will see the Three Lions handed an easier route to the quarter-finals with a last-16 tie against a third-place finisher.But Denmark will be sure to come out fighting as failure to beat the Three Lions tonight could leave them on the back foot in third place.With the likes of Manchester United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen to contend with, the match could prove tricky.Most read in FootballHowever, regulars say they don’t care about missing it or watching elsewhere if they can enjoy such a great pub for so little.And many say they are glad the Euros aren’t blaring out – preferring to sip their cheap pints in peace.Barry Tottey, 64, from Holmes Chapel said: “I’m not bothered that they aren’t showing it. “If I wanted to go and watch it I could go to a sports bar.” But he questioned whether the rules of Samuel Smith – who does not allow any screens, phones or technology in his pubs – were out of date.Barry also added: “He (Samuel Smith) needs to open more of the lovely pubs that are closed.”England fans at the Euro clash with Denmark will be allowed to watch the action with a pint in their hands for the first time in nearly 40 yearsFriend Darren Keates, 60, said: “People know it’s a Samuel Smith pub and you can’t go in there and use the phone. They have to not show it to keep the costs down.”Lisa Sauicz, 49, was enjoying an al fresco drink at the pub before heading to Coop Live to see The Killers with her son Callum Jepson, 29. She said: “If the Euros is on I feel there should be somewhere for people to view it but there are plenty of bars that do show it. But we are off to see The Killers so we don’t care!”Kathleen Harrison, 76, said: “We come here once every few weeks when the sun is shining. We have just had three halves of lager for £5.”Sister Anne Hughes, 78, says: “We can sit outside when it’s sunny and there are plenty of people so we can watch the world go by. It’s very cheap and it’s a lovely old pub.”Musician Nick Miller, 60, says: “I am glad they don’t show the Euros here, it’s nice to be away from it.”If I wanted to watch it I could go next door, it’s nice to come here and relax – it’s a welcome reprieve.” Friend Andy Miller, 70, says: “I have been coming here for 30 years and I like coming for the stout. The prices are very reasonable.”I’m not into football so it’s perfect they don’t play it, I don’t want to hear it – it’s so loud, I want some peace and relaxation.”The Grade II listed building was moved and meticulously rebuilt brick by brick following damage during the Christmas blitz in 1941 and a later close call with an IRA bomb in 1996. Today, the 1720s picturesque inn is still standing proudly in its most recent spot – bang in the heart of the city centre.Michael Meaden, 40, a taxi driver said: “The location is great, sitting outside, it’s a cracking day and the beers are very cheap.”Soaring pint pricesTHE sobering prospect of paying £25 a pint by 2040 is on the horizon, a study warns.
      The average cost of a lager has already gone up 11 per cent this year to £4.69.
      If that rate is maintained ­annually, then in 16 years it will cost a wallet-busting £25.70.
      Drinkers have already faced a  28 per cent rise over the past five years from when a pint was  £3.67.
      The latest research, by FruitySlots.com and based on Office for National ­Statistics data, adds to pressure on boozers as beer becomes increasingly unaffordable.
      Pub closures are already up  51 per cent to 80 a month in the first three months of this year.

      Police Officer Richard Meaden, 40 agreed the city isn’t without its venues for showing the matches and said Sinclairs doesn’t need to show them.He said: “If I want to watch it, there are plenty of places. I think if they showed it here, you wouldn’t be able to get in. I don’t think they need to.”I think the pub appeals more to people who are out and about and just want to drink.”Day tripper Liz Kenny, 74, said: “I like coming in here, it’s cheap beer – it’s the cheapest place in Manchester. We just had two pints for £5.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAlan Phoenix, 72, said: “I am not bothered about football, it makes the bars too packed – it’s nice and quiet. “We came from Wigan on the train, we like it round here, it’s great for a drink and we love this pub.”David Kerrigan, Mike Hilton, Barry Tottey and Darren Keates having a drink in the beer gardenCredit: STEVE ALLENKathleen Harrison, Anne Hughes and Pat Morrison also enjoy cheap pints at the boozerCredit: STEVE ALLENNick Miller and Andy Miller say the peace and quiet is welcomeCredit: STEVE ALLEN More

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      England fans would fork out nearly £1,500 to follow the Three Lions all the way to the Euros final

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      English football fans would be willing to fork out close to £1,500 to be in Berlin for the Euros final if the Three Lions go all the way.A poll of 1,000 football lovers revealed a quarter would be open to dropping everything to support their beloved team in Germany’s capital if England made it to the Euros final.Passionate footie fans would do everything in their power to witness an England triumphA quarter of fans would forget all their other commitments in favour of a Three Lions finalAfter so many years of hurt, 44 per cent wouldn’t want to miss what could be a historical moment for the Three Lions.As flight prices to Germany in flux, 30 per cent would consider flying to another country and hiring a car to drive to Germany to save on costs.The research was commissioned by Skyscanner, which ran additional insight to reveal the average cost of a direct flight from the UK to Düsseldorf for England’s opening game could set fans back £454.But by jetting from London to neighbouring country Luxembourg and hiring a motor to drive to Germany fans could save up to £278.Read more Football newsFor England’s final group match in Cologne against Slovenia, the average cost of flying direct would be £362, compared to catching a flight from Manchester to Amsterdam, and hiring a car for just £168 – over two and a half times cheaper than a direct flight.Laura Lindsay at Skyscanner said: “As the Euros kick off, we know many people will be following the action and wanting to travel to Germany.“Whether you are planning a midsummer’s dream trip to support your team or just want to be there to soak up the atmosphere, there are still ways for footie fans to get on the road and not miss out.“But shopping around and comparing your options has never been more important.Most read in Football“For savvy fans, flying to somewhere close to Germany instead of direct and picking up cheap car hire to drive to your destination will result in savings.”The research also found 33 per cent of fans would be up for travelling to Germany to follow the actions – and a quarter would be willing to drive all the way there.Poland’s hottest fan ‘Miss Euros’ reveals high hopes for England gloryBut they could save a staggering £453 if they were to do so for the opening game, travelling from Manchester to Amsterdam and completing their journey by car over flying direct.And of these, 42 per cent would rent and share a car with friends.In fact, 22 per cent would still want to travel to the Euros final regardless of whether their team is playing or not.As 35 per cent agree the atmosphere in Germany will be better than that of their local area.More than one in five would still be keen on travelling to the Euros final regardless of the participantsFinishing runners-up at the last Euro tournament in 2020 was England’s best-ever result More

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      Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling handing out tuition-fees to help more Black students get into university

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      FOOTIE ace Raheem Sterling is helping more Black, African, and Caribbean heritage students go to university.It will be the second year of the scholarship programme from the foundation named after him.Raheem Sterling is continuing his efforts to get more Black students into top universitiesCredit: GettyHe says that many students are put off applying due to the potential for financial strain on their familyCredit: The Raheem Sterling FoundationHis initiative comes as research found that from 2021-22 fewer than five per cent of UK students starting undergraduate degrees at Russell Group universities were black.The Chelsea and England player, 29, will give a financial boon to 14 successful applicants to get them through higher education without worrying about having enough cash.Raheem told The Sun: “You only have to look at the data to see that very few capable and talented students from minority backgrounds are applying for university.“A lot of that hesitation stems from the anxiety that the financial strain can place on not only the student but their family.READ MORE ON RAHEEM STERLING“There are plenty of young people from challenging backgrounds, from minority communities, that have the talent to really make a difference in this world, but they are hit by obstacle after obstacle.“I wanted the Foundation to take away some of that worry and allow young people to focus on maximising that talent, whether that be at university or other.”The grants are for students attending King’s College London and the University of Manchester.Potential students can only apply for the grants if they have accepted an offer to study at one of the universities.Most read in FootballIt covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses and other essential educational costs, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than affording to live.Research by the Department of Education found that worries about living costs and day-to-day finances are one of the top concerns of students.Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000One previous grant recipient in London said: “It has helped me massively by taking away my financial burdens. “Having the financial means for transport, clothes, food and other expenses is costly, especially in London.“I had more time to focus on my studies, very useful in busy exam periods.”A law student at Manchester who was given the funding last year said: “The grant has given me the gift of time, allowing me to work on my professional development and craft a successful application to Rare Foundations: Law, a highly competitive programme for students interested in commercial law.”They also told how the foundation provided networking opportunities and specialist CV workshops.Another recipient told how it has “given me peace of mind” allowing them to focus on their university life.The scheme also provides three-years of mentorship for each of the beneficiaries, something Raheem credits with turning his life around.He said: “I’ve loved hearing from our first-year scholars and how they have benefitted not only from the financial support but the mentorship programme too.“To me, this is just as valuable as the education.“Mentorship played a huge role in me reaching the top levels of professional football, and I want other young ones to benefit from the guidance and support that a mentor can offer them.“We really want to build upon this scholarship programme. “This year we have made 14 places available across King’s College London and University of Manchester and I’m hoping, moving forward, that we can positively impact more lives in minority and underserved communities.”The Raheem Sterling Foundation is focused on helping improve social mobility, education, and employment opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther initiatives the charity supports include the #BoyFromBrent project, which has put amnesty knife bins across London’s Brent borough, and a broadcast academy linked to talkSPORT and News UK.
      The deadline to apply for the grants is May 30 and can be applied for on the websites of King’s College London and The University of Manchester. More

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      Sky Sports customers get huge boost as new streaming option offers hundreds more live games at NO extra cost

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      SKY SPORTS have announced a new streaming option which will come at no extra cost to subscribers as part of a major broadcasting change.The new service is called Sky Sports+ and will feature every EFL club over 20 times a season.Sky have announced a new channel which will be a hit with fans of the EFLCredit: GettyThe channel will also feature every Carabao Cup game.It comes after the EFL were given permission to break the 3pm blackout for games.The blackout has been in place since the 1960s to protect lower league football.The theory is that by preventing football being shown on TV on Saturday afternoons, it will encourage fans to attend lower league football in person.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut that was scrapped for the EFL after it was judged that the injection of money through a new TV deal with Sky would give lower league clubs a much needed cash-boost.Sky’s new deal with the league means 10 matches across the three divisions will be shown every weekend, with six of them shifted to the 12.30pm Saturday slot.It will also see every opening game of the 2024-25 EFL season shown live on TV.The expansion to more than 1000 live games per season means fans of all 72 EFL clubs are guaranteed to be able to see their club in action at least 20 times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSky’s £930m five-year deal with the EFL kicks off in August, when the broadcaster will launch a new free streaming channel as part of current subscriptions.Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowIt will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.All matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.Every Championship match will be covered by at least six cameras, with four cameras at the League One grounds and a minimum two in the bottom tier, with commentary for all matches.Fans will also be able to follow action from the ATP and WTA tennis tours on the new streaming service as well as have access to men’s rugby Super League games.Golf fans will be delighted to learn that they will also be able to stream the PGA Tour on the channel.Every game from the US Tennis Open will also be streamed on the service.Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports managing director, promised: “We are making a commitment to every club in the EFL and this is a big step-change for League One and Two.“This season, 20 of the 48 clubs in those divisions were not covered live even once.“But we will also announce in July all the games we are screening live up until the first week in January.”And by the start of November that will be extended to the beginning of March, to give fans as much notice as we can.”The opening weekend plans from Friday August 9 are possible because the FA only applies for the 3pm “blackout” rule to apply when 50 per cent of Prem and Championship matches are kicking off – with the top flight starting a week later.READ MORE SUN STORIESLicht added: “This is going to be a huge moment for football fans up and down the country and a fitting way to kick off our ground-breaking new partnership with the EFL.”What do Sky’s broadcast changes mean for subscribers?Sky’s £930million deal with the EFL will change the way fans consume sport in the country. For a start, it has ended the 3pm blackout for EFL clubs which has been in place for more than 60 years. Here’s what it will mean for Sky subscribers.

      Fans will now be able to watch 3pm EFL games with 10 matches across the three EFL leagues being shown over the weekend.
      Six of these matches will be shifted to the 12:30pm Saturday slot
      1000 live games will be shown every season, meaning EFL fans will be able to watch their club’s games on TV at least 20 times.
      New channel Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.
      It will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.
      All matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.
      The channel will also stream every Carabao Cup game
      New channel will also show rugby men’s Super League matches
      Both the WTA and ATP tennis tours will be shown as well as every game of the US Open.
      Fans will be able to stream PGA golf events
      The streaming service will be included as standard in Sky subscribers contracts – meaning it will not come at an extra cost for consumers
      The streaming service will be integrated into Sky TV and available via the NOW TV app More

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      Former Premier League star, 63, once worth millions now has £2 in bank account and lives on benefits

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      FORMER Manchester City star Eike Immel is living off benefits in a council flat with just £2 left in his bank account.The German keeper was a millionaire during his successful career with Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Eike Immel has been declared bankruptCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former West Germany star is now living off benefitsCredit: GETTHe won 19 caps for West Germany and was part of their squad at five major finals.Immel, 63, spent two years in the Premier League and old First Division with City, making 50 appearances before hanging up his gloves in 1997.But he was declared bankrupt in 2008 and his wife and kids left him amid a series of financial concerns.Immel now lives off state benefits in a small flat in his home town of Stadtallendorf.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Stat 1: “Money wasn’t a concern for me in the past.  I used to live the life of Riley.”Sometimes my mobile phone bill came to 10,000 euros [£9,000] a month.”One Christmas I spent £25,000 on clothes for my new girlfriend.”I paid £1m for my home, but at one point the bailiffs were at my door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho are these famous footballers?
      “The tax office said I owed them £800,000, and I was unable to pay it.”I did things that any normal person would say can’t be true.Pep Guardiola launched an astonishing attack on football bosses after Manchester City stumbled into the FA Cup Final-“I hadn’t given enough thought to the future.  Dealing with money is not one of my strengths.”I now live on £972 a month in benefits.  £491 of that goes on rent, leaving me with just £481 for other expenses.”It is a real battle to make ends meet.  Sometimes I just have £2 left.Immel regrets his excess splurges, which have left him relying on the help of loved ones to get by.He said: “The furnishings in the flat have all been given to me, and a friend who runs a local restaurant lets me eat for free.”I am thankful for the help.  But I wish it didn’t have to be this way.” More

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      Man Utd launch INVESTIGATION into injury crisis after double blow – with star hurt in training days after return

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      ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed Manchester United have launched an internal investigation into their ongoing injury crisis.That is after Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof became the latest casualties amid a turbulent campaign that has seen Ten Hag often unable to field a strong line-up.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed there is an internal investigation into their injury crisisCredit: ReutersLisandro Martinez returned to Man Utd’s injury listCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof got injured during Man Utd’s clash with BrentfordCredit: AlamyLindelof suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Brentford.That was where the Sweden international was replaced by Martinez, who made his first appearance since February as he overcame a knee injury.However, the Argentina international just returned to the sidelines after sustaining a calf strain during training.Lindelof and Martinez have joined fellow defenders Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the physio room and are expected to be out for at least a month.Read More on Man UtdAccording to The Mail, Ten Hag claims he and his coaching staff “have an idea” as to what led to such an injury-stricken campaign as the whole matter is being dealt “internally”.When asked about United’s injury crisis, the Dutchman said: “We have an idea but we will work on that internally and deal with it.”Lindelof and Martinez will miss Thursday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea as well as Sunday’s match against Liverpool.Fixtures against Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Burnley as well as a the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry will also come to soon for them.Most read in FootballTen Hag added: “You can’t prevent it, it’s not only us who’ve had this. “The standards of the Premier League from an intensity perspective are so high, the overload of the schedule, international football is so huge, and we have internationals in our squad.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?”Man City, Liverpool and Newcastle have problems, many other teams. “We don’t train because we recover then you go up to the next game.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTen Hag, though, will have Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane available at Chelsea.However, the 54-year-old tactician is unlikely to start Mason Mount on his Stamford Bridge return.That is despite Mount’s heroic comeback from a four-month injury lay off which led to his first ever goal for United against Brentford.Ten Hag said: “He’s a fantastic football player but it’s important first that he is getting and keeping fit because he has had three injuries.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You see it now with Licha [Martinez], another injury. So you want to avoid and we have to do this carefully.”This is the first objective: To keep him fit. We want to use him [so] that he can benefit and contribute to the team like he did on Saturday when he had a big impact.”Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
      But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
      On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
      And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
      Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
      United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
      Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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      Bolton Wanderers’ annual Sleepout challenge to fight homelessness & poverty is back – here’s how you can help

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      BOLTON Wanderers is holding its annual Sleepout challenge tomorrow to help fight homelessness and poverty.The club has invited anyone aged over 18 to sleep pitch side at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.Bolton will hold its annual Sleepout at the Toughsheet Community StadiumCredit: GettyThe event supports charities who are fighting homelessness and povertyAny money raised will go towards charities aimed at supporting young and vulnerable people who are at risk of homelessness.Funds will also help those living in poverty or anyone in need of food or shelter.Anyone who wants to donate can visit the official JustGiving page here.Charities involved include Bolton Wanderers in the Community, which helps support children and families experiencing hardship.Urban Outreach, which helps homeless people into housing, and supported accommodation organisation Backup North West will also benefit.Emmaus Bolton, which offers a home and work to people from the streets in a community setting, has been included for the first time this year.Those taking part have been invited to Bolton’s stadium between 8pm and 8am on March 22.Among the 130 fundraisers sleeping out are club CEO Neil Hart and COO Phil Mason.Most read in FootballThe event was launched for the first time last year and saw almost £28,000 raised for charity.Bolton Wanderers in the Community used their share to expand their ‘warm spaces’ offer, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for members of the community struggling with spiralling energy bills.Organisers are hoping to smash that figure this year. Neil Hart, Chief Executive Officer at Bolton Wanderers said: “Though there’s a break in the domestic football schedule this week, there is certainly plenty still going on off the pitch and we are proud to be hosting this great event to support our community.“We’ve had fantastic backing from local businesses and Wanderers’ supporters who will brave the cold with us to support these special charities who are all carrying out invaluable work in Bolton.“With close to £10,000 already raised, we’re excited to see how far we can push the total and send our thanks in advance to all those who are able to donate.”While Phil Mason, CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community said: “We are proud to once again be hosting this event with the aim to raise both awareness and funds for the local Bolton charities that do so much good work in our community to support the most vulnerable.“I encourage as many supporters as possible to take on this unique challenge to do something special for our community here in Bolton.” More

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      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

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