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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

      Entries close at midnight, April 30. More

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      Tottenham spark fan fury after hiking season-ticket prices by SIX per cent as Supporters Trust release statement

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      TOTTENHAM have been blasted by their official supporters’ trust for raising season-ticket prices for next term by six per cent.The North Londoners cite “a significant increase in matchday costs outside of our control” as well as a “need to continue to operate on a sustainable basis” as the reasoning.The Supporters’ Trust are unhappy about more than just rising pricesCredit: RexFans are delighted with progress under manager Ange Postecoglou as Spurs sit fifth in the Prem, but less happy with a new off-field developmentCredit: GettyBut the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) said they were “hugely disappointed” for its members.Spurs have some of the priciest season tickets in England.There has only been one season-ticket price increase of 1.5 per cent since their plush new stadium was opened in April 2019 – until now.Though the THST says the club using the lack of previous hikes and the increased matchday costs as justification “holds no water”.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe supporters’ trust also branded the removal of new senior concessions from the 2025-26 season by the club as “unacceptable”.Their statement added: “The club says the number of senior concession season tickets has risen to almost four times the number at White Hart Lane and says the increase is not sustainable.“We say these changes pull the rug out from under the feet of pensioners after years of loyal support.”Existing season-ticket holders have until May 20 to retain their seat for next season.Most read in FootballSpurs copped flak earlier this season for increasing matchday ticket prices this term, which saw the THST protest outside the stadium ahead of the first home game of the campaign against Manchester United.Tottenham were revealed to be the richest club in London in January following the results of the latest Football Money League from number-crunchers Deloitte.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanTheir revenues for the 2022-23 campaign of £549million were higher than Chelsea and Arsenal – making them the eighth wealthiest in Europe for that season.They are understood to make around £4.8m per Premier League fixture they host. More

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      Argentina star’s angry ex SELLS shirt worn for World Cup triumph in bitter row over mortgage.. with winner’s medal next

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      ARGENTINE international Exequiel Palacios’ angry ex is threatening to sell his World Cup winner’s medal.Yesica Frias says she will auction off the 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder’s prized memorabila including the medal he won in Qatar unless he pays the mortgage on an apartment she is living in.Ezequiel Palacios’ ex Yesica Frias is threatening to sell his World Cup memorabiliaCredit: XAnd the auction has already begun, with Yesica saying she has already found her first buyerCredit: instagram @yesifriasThe stunning 30-year-old, now back in their homeland after leaving Germany, told an Argentinian TV programme: “Exequiel told me he wasn’t going to pay what was owing because he didn’t know if he’d get to keep the flat or not.“I’m only asking him to sign the divorce and give me what I’m due for the things we did together.”Threatening to sell off memorabilia her ex had gifted her since they met in a Buenos Aires nightclub in 2018 while he still played for River Plate, Yesica added: “It’s what I’m going to do.“I’m going to auction off everything to pay for the property if I have to.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I have some shirts which Exequiel gave me and there’s some other very valuable things like his World Cup winner’s medal.“Push comes to shove I’d sell the most important things he’s got as a footballer to clear the debt because I need a roof over my head.“I try to work but I was with him for five years.”Her Instagram story today shows the auctioning has already began.Most read in FootballYesica says she needs the money to pay her mortgageCredit: instagram @yesifriasBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe posted a photo of her posing with a man who had bought a signed Palacios match worn shirt from the 2022 World Cup.The caption read: “The buyer of the first shirt.”Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing iconSo the countdown until the World Cup medal is gone appears to be on.In a previous tell-all interview earlier this year Yesica claimed her ex-partner’s family treated her like dirt and accused the footballer of cheating on her with another woman.She said: “I don’t hate Exequiel, I loved him a lot. But all the love for him that I had evaporated because he disappointed me as a person.”Rocio Hrabar, the model Yesica accused of being the third person in her marriage, has accused Palacios’ ex of using her as a scapegoat in her divorce.She has insisted the footballer told her he was separated when she spent a night at his house before being surprised by Yesica and ordered to leave.Palacios, currently out injured, is expected to be ready to play for his country in two friendlies in March in China which have been organised as preparation for the Copa America this summer.He has been capped 28 times by Argentina since making his debut for the national squad in September 2018. More

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      World boxing champ Terence Crawford ‘casually living his best life’ at AVN porn awards

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      BOXING fans joked Terence Crawford is casually “living his best life” after attending the AVN porn awards in Las Vegas. Crawford shot to superstardom last year after beating long-time rival Errol Spence Jr to win the undisputed welterweight titles.
      Terence Crawford attended the AVN porn awards in Las VegasCredit: Reuters
      Boxing fans joked Crawford is casually ‘living his best life’ after appearing at the awards showCredit: Instagram @tbudcrawford
      Emily Lynne, Luna Star and Kazumi at the awardsCredit: Getty
      It cemented his status as arguably the No1 boxer in the world and he became the first man to reign as undisputed champ in two divisions.
      Crawford has not returned since but remains linked with a Spence rematch or sensational jump up to fight Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez.
      Although it appears the American is enjoying his time off as he took a trip to Las Vegas.
      And in town was the annual AVN porn awards, which Crawford revealed he attended.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      A video from a performance during the event was posted to the unbeaten champion’s Instagram – leaving fans in stitches.
      One said: “Terence Crawford living his best life. Casually at the Porn Awards.”
      Another added: “Terence Crawford’s victory lap following his win over Errol Spence is one for the ages.”
      One agreed: “Crawford having a once in a lifetime victory lap since taking down Spence!”
      Most read in Boxing
      Spence, 33, had a rematch clause in his contract but he recently underwent eye surgery for a previous injury.
      It raised doubt over whether he will rematch Crawford, 36, or not.
      And Crawford’s future at 147lb is also in question after he was stripped of the IBF belt for not fighting mandatory challenger Jaron Ennis.
      Rising unbeaten talent Ennis, 26, has called to fight Crawford but the pound-for-pound star shot it down.
      He posted: “Like I said before @JaronEnnis had two opportunities to fight me.
      “We talking about a kid that’s still fighting in the theater. Make it make sense.”
      Crawford is a pound-for-pound boxing starCredit: Getty More

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      Football clubs get £1,000 grant to help keep players on the pitch thanks to The Sun’s grant

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      FOOTBALL clubs across the country got an extra-special Christmas gift this year – a £1,000 grant to help keep their players on the pitch.The Sun has funded 150 clubs with the cash injection to make sure no child misses out on footie because finances are tight at home.
      Sevenoaks Powerchair Club gives teens and adults the chance to play football in adapted chairsCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Getting this grant to make sure our chairs’ batteries are powered properly is brilliant, said head coach AdamCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Our Footie For All campaign highlighted how kids were being forced to drop out of clubs because of the cost-of-living crisis.
      We then teamed up with Tesco Stronger Starts, which provides healthy food and activities for Children, to give away £150,000 to grassroots clubs across the country.
      We invited teams who work with kids under the age of 18 to apply for one of the 150 £1,000 grants.
      One very special team, who are celebrating being awarded a grant, is Sevenoaks Powerchair Club which gives teens and adults a chance to play the sport in specialist chairs.
      READ MORE ON FOOTIE FOR ALL
      Head coach Adam McEvoy, 36, said: “Our players have a high level of disability so can’t access any other form of football.
      “Getting this grant to make sure our chairs’ batteries are powered properly is brilliant. Each chair costs around £6,000 and we need them to last as long as possible, so our players don’t miss out.”
      The Kent-based team has 15 players, aged between 10 and 25, who spend their Sunday mornings enjoying their version of a kickabout.
      It also allows their parents a bit of respite from providing constant care, as they trust the coaches to look after their young ones.
      Most read in Football
      The team asks for a £15 contribution each month to help cover some of the sessions’ costs.
      “Football, in a way, is a by-product of what we do,” Adam said.
      “They love that when they come to football, they’re treated as a footballer. Nothing else matters for those few hours.
      “We see these kids grow into polite, confident young people. It gives them so much more than just a game.”
      Another club that has been awarded a grant is Coity Chiefs Girls FC in Coity, Bridgend, South Wales.
      Little Lionesses in Bridgend, WalesCredit: Adrian Sherratt
      Gornal Community Football ClubCredit: Supplied
      Under the guidance of LeeAnn Baker and her husband, the team has grown from 75 girls to 110 training every week.
      LeeAnn said: “We’re so grateful for the money because it means we can expand the pitch space we rent to make sure all the girls who want to play football can be involved.
      “Every week, we see the joy on the faces of all our players, who are having a chance to enjoy playing without getting comments from boys about how they shouldn’t play.
      “It’s such a supportive environment — when a player gets injured, the others rally round to help. It’s so important girls have a space to play and develop their talent.”
      In a bid to keep everyone involved, the club has a kit swap-shop, which keeps parents’ costs to a minimum as the girls grow.
      Each player pays £14 a month to cover some of the costs and receive top-flight training.
      Another girls’ team making sure women’s football has a bright future is Gornal Community Football club in the West Midlands. Coach Alan Moore, 62, has been running girls’ sessions for decades and is using our £1,000 grant to open up two new squads.
      He said: “The two new sessions are for girls who have completed the free FA wildcat session and want to start playing competitively.
      “It’s amazing to see their confidence grow — it’s so important girls have somewhere to play football.”
      The club started the girls’ team five years ago and it has proved incredibly popular, especially in the wake of the Lionesses’ success.
      The club, which has 18 teams of both genders, charges just £20 a month to play. If finances are tight, they allow kids to come for free.
      Alan said: “Thank you to The Sun and Tesco for helping us get two extra teams — it means 24 more girls are playing in a squad.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Christine Heffernan, Tesco group communications director, said: “It’s clear that football clubs up and down the country need the support more than ever, and that we’re reaching hundreds more children as a result of this funding.
      “The Tesco Stronger Starts and Footie For All partnership is getting children into doing what they love — playing footie more often.” More