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      I don’t know what I’d have done without football – The Sun’s Footie For All fund is vital for kids, says John Obi Mikel

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      BOUNDING about a pitch, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel greeted the 20 kids from Wapping FC one by one with a high five or handshake at a special training session.While Mikel, 36, has retired from elite football, the former midfielder has kept his foot in youth teams with his own foundation in Nigeria.
      Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel bounding about the pitch with 20 kids from Wapping FCCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The Sun
      He believes it is vital to support clubs for kids in the cost of living crisisCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The Sun
      He said: “For many kids, growing up nowadays you play a sport or you’re on the street.
      “I chose sport just like these kids and it completely changed my life.
      “I don’t know what I would have been without football.
      “I remember being this age like it was yesterday.”
      READ MORE FOOTIE FOR ALL
      Founder Nahimul Islam, 25, started Wapping FC, in Mile End, East London, when he was just 17 to give kids a place to play football and keep out of trouble.
      Now more than 250 children are on their books, including 50 girls and 16 players with a range of disabilities.
      Parents are charged £5 a week for their children to join in training, and if they can’t afford it the club will do what it can to subsidise or waive fees.
      Nahimul said: “We operate in one of the most deprived areas of the country, and this incredible grant will help us give the boys high-class training and facilities without passing that cost on to mum and dad back home.
      Most read in Football
      “Having someone like Mikel come visit the club is inspirational to our players.
      “It shows them just what is possible.”
      Mikel met 20 kids aged between 11 and 13.
      When he was growing up in Nigeria, the former Chelsea ace played in any open area of grass with his friends and a beat-up ball, rather than being coached by professionals.
      But he reckons the joy he found in football is the same for the kids he saw training.
      Mikel, who has launched his second series of The Obi One Podcast, added: “What I tell kids at this age is don’t look at the money or fame that comes with football now.
      “Just enjoy the time you have with your friends because that’ll go by really quickly.
      “If you’re focused on the Ferrari or the fancy watches, you’re not playing football for the right reasons.
      “Money comes and goes, but this kind of joy doesn’t last for ever.”
      Mikel reckons the youths he saw training have found the same joy for footie that he has doneCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The Sun
      NET WIN
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has declared herself a “proud supporter” of The Sun’s Footie For All campaign.
      She praised our initiative to inject £150,000 into the grassroots game with the help of Tesco after the cost-of-living crisis led to many kids dropping out of local sports clubs.
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer is a ‘proud supporter’ of Footie For AllCredit: Roland Leon – Commissioned by The Sun
      Meanwhile, we sent Towie football fan Joey Essex and former Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel to surprise teams awarded one of our Footie For All Fund grants.
      Talking to The Sun today at the FA’s national centre at St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent, Staffs, the Culture Secretary said: “It’s really important that we have football access for everyone.
      “I’m a proud supporter of The Sun’s campaign.
      “We are combining with the sporting bodies, the Department for Education and the Department of Health to achieve our aims, so Footie For All is complementary to that.”
      The minister was speaking at the announcement of a £30million plan funded by the Government and the FA to build around 30 state-of-the-art pitches across the country.
      Inspired by the Lionesses making it to the final of this year’s women’s World Cup, the new sites will have dedicated female changing rooms, shower facilities and accessible toilets, as well as priority booking for women and girls’ teams.
      Elsewhere, TV favourite Joey enjoyed a training session with Broomfield FC in Essex, which caters for children with disabilities.
      The club was awarded one of our 1,500 £1,000 grants to help with the cost of pitch hire and specialist staff to keep the sessions free for kids.
      Joey, who grew up watching Millwall with his dad, said: “Seeing how much these kids love to play and the difference it makes to their confidence is amazing. I’m so proud to support Footie For All.”
      Chelsea’s John Obi was mobbed by enthusiastic young players when he dropped in on Wapping FC in East London after they too were also awarded a grant.
      He said: “For many kids, growing up nowadays you play a sport or you’re on the street.
      “I chose sport, just like these kids, and it completely changed my life. I don’t know what I would have been without football.
      “I remember being this age like it was yesterday.
      “It’s great to still see kids running around and enjoying themselves. That’s the most important bit.”
      The Sun launched Footie For All this year after statistics revealed how the cost-of-living crisis was forcing many young children to drop out of local sports clubs.
      We invited grassroots football clubs which work with kids under 18 to apply for one of 150 grants worth £1,000 each.
      The fund was generously provided by Tesco as part of its Stronger Starts campaign, which provides healthy food and activities for children.
      Since September, in partnership with the supermarket giant, we have been funding essentials including kits, free places and the cost of pitch hire for kids’ footie clubs up and down the UK — including dozens of girls’ teams.
      England team captain Millie Bright has already backed our Footie For All campaign.
      She said: “It’s amazing what The Sun and Tesco are doing to support local teams.
      “It will help a lot of children keep playing. And who knows, maybe some of the kids they help could become lionesses.
      “As a kid, my parents had a hard time getting me away from a football pitch.
      “But it wasn’t something I knew I loved until some friends took me to a local club, Killamarsh Dynamos, then it became my focus.
      “It opened up a whole new world to me aged nine and without playing when I was little, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
      “It’s heartbreaking to hear that some kids won’t get the same opportunities because their parents can’t afford it.”
      Lionesses training at FA’s national football centre todayCredit: Roland Leon – Commissioned by The Sun
      HAMILTON IN ESSEX LEAGUE
      LITTLE Hamilton Hunt put Joey Essex through his paces — five months after he could barely walk.
      The six-year-old, who has developmental difficulties in his legs, got his confidence back thanks to volunteers at Broomfield Football Club in Chelmsford, Essex.
      Tyreece knocks a ball past Joey Essex at Broomfield FC’s training groundCredit: Louis Wood – Commissioned by The Sun
      His mum Skye said: “Coming here has been life-changing for Hamilton and me.”
      Read More on The Sun
      The Sun’s grant is being used to help cover pitch hire and training costs for staff.
      Joey also handed out a new team strip paid for by art business Quantus Gallery, owned by James Ryan.
      The Towie star lines up with Hamilton, in blue hat, and his palsCredit: Louis Wood – Commissioned by The Sun
      Joey continues to join in with Essex club’s kidsCredit: Louis Wood – Commissioned by The Sun More

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      Football legend Harry Redknapp calls on pensioners to apply for cash boost

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      FOOTBALL legend Harry Redknapp has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions in a major push to help pensioners secure a cash boost. The goal is to encourage low-income seniors to apply for Pension Credit before the December 10 deadline for a chance to net an extra £300, adding to the average yearly support of £3,900. 
      Harry Redknapp teams up with DWP to urge pensioners to apply for Pension Credit ahead of deadline day on December 10Credit: DWP
      Speaking from his car window, Redknapp described Pension Credit as a “brilliant signing” and called on pensioners and their loved ones to check out the online calculator to see what they could get. 
      The former Tottenham and West Ham boss became famous for hanging out of his car window to give interviews during his managerial career, particularly on transfer deadline day.
      He said: “It’s always an exciting time of the season – I would just say to anyone, check in with your mum, dad, nan, or grandad.  This could be a brilliant signing.”

      Pensions minister Paul Maynard said: “We want every pensioner to receive all they help they can and with time ticking down to deadline day and the window drawing to a close, now’s the perfect time to check out our Pension Credit calculator and make sure you or your loved ones aren’t missing out on this vital support. In many cases, it’s an open goal to more money in your pocket.”
      Currently, 1.4 million pensioners are reaping the benefits of Pension Credit, but there are sill significant numbers on the sidelines, unaware of what they are missing.
      The DWP estimates there are 850,000 more pensioners eligible for the benefit who aren’t claiming it.
      Applying by December 10, 2023 could secure them the extra cost-of-living payment, with the possibility of backdating for up to three months, provided they were eligible during that time.
      As well as this cash boost, pensioners are set to receive an 8.5 percent increase to their state pension after the Chancellor  confirmed the Government would “honour its commitment” to the triple lock.
      Who is eligible for pension credit?
      Anyone over the state pension age living in England, Scotland or Wales is eligible for pension credit.
      The state pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.
      To qualify, you’ll need to have a weekly income of less than £201.05 for single people or £306.85 for couples.
      Your income is worked out taking into account various elements including:

      Your state pension
      Any other pensions you have saved, for instance, workplace or private pension savings
      Most social security benefits, for example, carer’s allowance
      Any savings or investments worth over £10,000
      Earnings from a job

      The calculation does not include:

      Attendance allowance
      Christmas bonus
      Disability living allowance
      Personal independence payment
      Housing benefit
      Council tax reduction

      If your income is too high to get pension credit, you may still get some savings pension credit, so it’s worth checking.
      It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over retirement age to apply.
      This means if you’re single and move in with a partner who is younger than the state pension age, you will stop being eligible.
      But if you’re already receiving pension credit under the old system it won’t stop unless your circumstances change.
      Most read in The Sun
      How much can you get in pension credit?
      There are two parts to the pension credit and pensioners can be eligible for one or both.

      Guarantee credit – tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. This is £201.05 a week if you’re single and £306.85 a week for married couples.
      Savings credit – provides extra money if you’ve saved money towards retirement. You can get an extra £15.94 a week for a single person or £17.84 a week for a married couple.

      You may also get additional pension credit if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
      How do I apply
      You can apply for pension credit four months before you reach state pension age.
      Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
      You will need:

      National Insurance number
      Information about any income, savings and investments you have
      Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached state pension age)

      Your partner will also need to provide their information if you have one.
      How will I be paid?
      Your benefits will usually be paid into a bank account around every four weeks.
      You will be asked to provide your bank account details when you claim though concessions are sometimes made for people who don’t have access to a bank account.
      Meanwhile, savers with old pensions could save thousands of pounds in retirement by combining all their pots, new data shows.
      Plus, how losing your job can actually get you an extra £29,300 in your retirement fund.
      You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members. More

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      I wouldn’t be a Prem star without grassroots footie – The Sun’s campaign is vital, says Jarrod Bowen

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      ENGLAND footballer Jarrod Bowen is used to fearsome opponents, but he faced his toughest challenge yet when he had to charm Spurs fans at a local grassroots club.The West Ham United ace, 26, joined Brent Cross Football Academy at a training session to celebrate the youth club bagging one of our incredible £1,000 grants.
      England footballer Jarrod Bowen faced his biggest challenge yet when he had to charm Spurs fans at a local grassroots clubCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The Sun
      The Prem star is supporting The Sun’s Footie For All campaign to support kids in the cost of living crisisCredit: Getty
      The forward showed off his keepie-uppie skills and then took a go in goal to see if he could fend off the ferocious kicks of the North London youngsters.
      Jarrod, 26, said: “I’ve had a couple of Tottenham Hotspur fans try to get in my way or sneak a kick, but it’s all good fun.
      “Being here has brought back really good memories for me of being their age and having a chance to play with my friends.
      “I remember the chaos on the pitch with everyone running for the ball and wanting to score, just like these guys.
      READ MORE FOOTIE FOR ALL
      “It’s amazing to see the smiles on their faces and how much they just love to be here.”
      It took just a few minutes for the seven to ten-year-olds to combat their shyness and bombard the ace with questions about his career.
      Jarrod revealed he would love West Ham to buy Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé, if money was no object, and Lucas Paquetá is his favourite teammate.
      Growing up in Herefordshire, Jarrod played for Leominster Town FC on its minors team before being scouted for professional football.
      Most read in Football
      But the striker hasn’t forgotten his roots and regularly donates kit, equipment and more to his childhood club.
      Jarrod was one of the first players to back our Footie For All campaign, launched earlier this year following shocking statistics that the cost-of-living crisis was forcing many young children to drop out of sports clubs.
      We then launched our groundbreaking Footie For All Fund in partnership with Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, which provides healthy food and activities for children.
      We invited grassroots football clubs that work with kids under the age of 18 to apply for one of the 150 £1,000 grants.
      Jarrod, who has six-month-old twin daughters with his reality star girlfriend Dani Dyer, 27, said: “Without grassroots, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
      “We can’t let kids see that dream die simply because Mum or Dad can’t afford to pay for the subs, kit, and travel.
      “Football is for everyone, it’s massively important it stays that way.
      “It’s more than just kicking a ball about, it’s building lifelong friendships, getting to do something you love and a chance to learn about healthy competition.”
      Brent Cross Football Academy has put its £1,000 grant straight to work.
      The team will fund free places to kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure they don’t miss out on top-flight football training.
      Head coach Jamie Kavanagh, 27, had noticed more parents were struggling to afford the cost of their child’s football fees.
      He put out a call and other parents with spare cash donated to the academy.
      He said: “The parents of the kids who get to play for free are hugely grateful.
      “It allows them to focus on other things without the worry of their kids missing out on activities they enjoy and keep them active.
      “In North London, there is a divide between the families when it comes to money.
      “Having kids from different backgrounds is one of the biggest strengths of our club.
      “The grant that The Sun and Tesco have given us means we can keep making sure there are free places available and give them kits to train in, so they don’t miss out.”
      Nineteen children were picked by the club to have a special session with the England striker — and they wasted no time in showing him what they could do.
      Korede Adewale, 9, showed off his goal scoring abilities with his rock-solid left foot and later joked that Jarrod looked 32 — six years older — leaving the striker in hysterics.
      ‘Fun and exciting’
      With the other youths also desperate to show off their skills, Jarrod bravely offered to go in goal.
      As multiple balls whizzed past his head and around his legs, he joked: “Well I regret this.”
      When the ace, who played for Hull City for six years until 2020, was relieved of goalie duties, he added: “They are all good at striking the ball and hitting it hard. They’re all top at this.”
      Tottenham Hotspurs fan Hugo Russell was impressed by Jarrod, admitting it was “fun and exciting” to play with a West Ham star.
      The seven-year-old says the best part about the Brent Cross Football Academy is “seeing my friends”.
      Nine-year-old twins Esra and Edie Parkinson reckon Jarrod toned down his skills on the pitch to give them an advantage.
      Esra said: “I think he wanted it to be fun for us and didn’t want to show us up with his skills.
      Edie contended: “I’d love to play Jarrod again. We would still win.”
      While observing the girls hold their own against the boys on the pitch, Jarrod complimented Esra for her fancy footwork.
      He could have a future career as a scout as the twins are currently at Arsenal’s Emerging Talent Centre, thanks in part to the encouragement from the academy’s head coaches Jamie and Antony Wardrop.
      Read More on The Sun
      At the end of the training session, Jarrod signed a football for each of the kids to keep as a memento.
      But one cheeky child couldn’t resist asking if he would “sign my bum” — which the ace politely declined.
      The kids picked by the club wasted no time showing the England striker what they could doCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The Sun
      Several of the young footballers left him in hystericsCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The Sun
      And here’s how you can get involved with our campaignCredit: SuppliedHOW TO APPLY

      WE want to hear the story of YOUR club and the big difference you are making to kids and 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 encourages more children to take part in the sport – such as pitch fees or to sponsor funded places for children who can’t afford membership.
      Applications must be made by October 29.
      To apply and for full T&Cs, see the website below . . . 
      www.tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund More

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      Grassroots football scores £millions so any kid can play

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      THE NATION’S grassroots football clubs are the heartbeat of the game. They are also a vital part of every local community.But clubs are suffering. The cost of living crisis means there’s less and less money to go round.
      Grassroots football is the heart of the game
      Kit, equipment, league affiliation fees, match subs, referees – it all adds up.
      Supporters often go above and beyond to raise money.
      Tesco’s community grants have supported thousands of small community projects since 2016, including more than 6,000 schools, over 2,000 sports teams and 2,300 youth organisations.
      Programmes like Bags of Help, which used money raised from the carrier bag charge, have supported thousands of local projects and clubs like Mendip Broadwalk FC.
      Andy Williams of Bristol’s Mendip Broadwalk FC
      “Grants are massively important to little clubs like ours,” says Andy Williams, club secretary and president of Bristol-based Mendip Broadwalk FC. “Especially in a deprived area of Bristol, because you can’t keep going cap in hand to players and parents – they don’t have the money to spare.”
      This summer, Tesco launched its new grant programme Stronger Starts, which is committing a further £5.3million to schools and children’s groups to fund healthy food and activities this year.
      Tesco runs the scheme with the help of Groundwork, a charity that works with corporate businesses and the public sector to identify deserving community projects.
      “We’ve been working with Tesco for seven years now, making sure their commitment to communities reaches the people who need the help the most,” says Graham Duxbury, chief executive of Groundwork. 
      “We also have a network of local community workers across the country who are on hand to promote the Stronger Starts programme, to help groups who might be struggling to apply.”
      From his living room Andy Williams can see the junior team trophies of Mendip Broadwalk FC proudly on display in a family home on the street where he lives.
      “People ask me why I still do it after 20 years,” says 57-year-old Andy. “Seeing the little faces of the junior team players at the end-of-season awards is why. It makes it all worthwhile.”
      People are struggling – we do our best to put a smile on their faces
      Mendip Broadwalk FC is based in Knowle West, one of Bristol’s most deprived areas. Money is tight here, and there are social issues and gangs. So Tesco’s grant made a real difference.
      The club is a focus for the community and an outlet and a haven for youngsters. However, subs and affiliation fees are a challenge for some players and parents.
      “People are struggling, so we do our best to put a smile on their faces,” says Andy.
      “We don’t pressurise anyone about money. No one is refused to play. We look to help them as best we can.”
      The fact that over 5,000 schools and groups, just like Mendip Broadwalk FC, have already applied to Tesco Stronger Starts since its summer launch, shows how much these schemes are needed right now.
      “The grants we allocate this year mean we can help over 1 million young people to thrive in thousands of schools, breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and sports clubs, and create positivity across our local communities,” says Christine Heffernan, Tesco group communications director.
      Every Tesco store provides information about applicants, with customers able to vote using blue tokens given out at checkouts.
      Anyone can apply, including customers and staff. The more detail in the application – particularly how the funds will be used – the better.
      Every three months the group that receives the most blue tokens is given a grant of up to £1,500, with the lucky winner invited to the store to receive a cheque and celebrate the moment.
      “Our stores have always been at the heart of every community we serve,” says Christine.
      “We’re proud that, together, we can help make a difference in our customers’ communities and to their friends and family.”
      It is hoped that with funding every child in Britain can play football if they wish
      The supermarket has also teamed up with The Sun’s Footie For All to help identify the local clubs most in need.
      The newspaper launched the campaign after charity Sported revealed that 94 per cent of clubs nationwide are struggling and that young players were dropping out because their parents could not cover costs.
      “We know there is a demand in many areas of the country for resources to help kids get into football,” says Christine.
      “So we felt it was important to team up with The Sun to extend the reach of our Stronger Starts funding to grants that ensure any child can play football if they wish, taking away the worry about paying for subs or kit.”
      Clubs like Mendip Broadwalk FC do a vital job in keeping kids off the street, encouraging them to play sport and to get fit, things that can sustain them for life.
      The club has also just started a girls’ side for under-sevens (some older girls play in mixed sides). Even better, the under-18s will soon have the chance to play under the senior side’s floodlights.
      “There’s a lot of pride in this place,” says Andy. “Sometimes I walk down the road, and players you coached ten years ago come up and have a chat.
      “They’re still very fond of the club, even if they’re no longer playing football.”
      “It’s incredibly important to us that children aren’t missing out on opportunities to exercise, stay healthy and try out activities or sports because the options they have are limited or they don’t have the financial means,” says Christine.
      Every club is a winner with Tesco Stronger Starts.

      To find out more, head to tescoplc.com/strongerstarts More

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      Man Utd crisis is just around the corner, Ten Hag’s scattergun reign is like Unai Emery’s final days at Arsenal

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      SAVED in Fergie time, Erik ten Hag is now limping into Unai time as Manchester United get ready for the inevitable.Bruno Fernandes’ 91st-minute winner means the Old Trafford crisis talks are on hold.
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be on his way outCredit: Rex
      But no one should be fooled into believing that this unconvincing victory means that a corner has been turned.
      They remain just one poor performance away from a crisis which could arrive as early as Wednesday night, when defeat in Copenhagen would leave their Champions League hopes seriously in the balance.
      And the longer the uncertainty drags on, the more it feels like Unai Emery’s ill-starred 18 months in charge at Arsenal.
      It was back in November 2019 when Arsenal reluctantly accepted that Emery had to go after he had lost the support of the players and  the fans.
      Read More on Man Utd
      The Spaniard had made a dozen new signings at vast expense but there was no sense of direction or purpose about what he was trying to achieve.
      He alienated the dressing room when he tried to play the disciplinarian hard man and it soon became apparent his players  stopped believing in him.
      Sound familiar?
      Ten Hag has been backed to the tune of £400million in the transfer market but it has been a scattergun spending spree and none of the new signings have had a significant impact.
      Most read in Football
      And as much as the players spoke of fighting spirit and backing the manager after Saturday’s mid-table victory at Fulham, they were fooling no one.
      The starting line-up was the weakest United team many of the away fans could remember.
      Antony, Ten Hag’s £85.5m biggest signing, was a liability once again, constantly surrendering cheap possession and showing a complete lack of discipline before being hauled off midway through the second half.
      Christian Eriksen looked like a player whose legs have gone and was totally unsuited to a holding midfield role.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Ten Hag’s is starting to look like Unai Emery in his last days at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      And Rasmus Hojlund cut an isolated and frustrated figure all alone up front as he battled in vain for his first Prem goal.
      Even Fernandes’ stoppage-time winner owed more to luck and Fulham’s defensive deficiencies than any scintillating attacking play by United, with the ball ricocheting three times off Facundo Pellistri before dropping into the United captain’s path.
      And that would have been academic but for Andre Onana’s double save from Harry Wilson and Joao Palhinha.
      The jury is still out on United’s £43.8m keeper but  he is putting himself on the line in his manager’s hour of need.
      Onana said: “Maybe those saves were important but what mattered most was the goal from Bruno, because that is what gave us this victory.
      “The clean sheet gives us a lot of confidence but sometimes you don’t concede a goal and still only draw. The result was all that mattered.
      Ten Hag still has support but could suffer another major setbackCredit: Rex
      “But the clean sheet showed how hard we are working because we had to defend and suffer together and I am very happy with the way we fought for this win.”
      It brought some much-needed breathing space for Ten Hag.
      His supporters — and there are still plenty of those — claim he just needs time.
      They point to the job Mikel Arteta is doing for Arsenal after being given the benefit of the doubt when initial results were not great.
      But Arteta survived because it was clear to see what he was trying to achieve and his signings were a significant improvement on what had gone before.
      None of that is currently the case with Ten Hag. No one can argue with the Dutchman’s record at Ajax.
      But it is  not happening for him at United and after 18 months  it is difficult to see how he turns things around.
      So sooner or later someone has to grasp the nettle and call time on a talented coach in the wrong place at the wrong time.
      HOW THEY LINED UP
      Read More on The Sun
       FULHAM: Leno, Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson, Iwobi (Jimenez 89), Palhinha, Wilson (Cairney 90), Pereira (Decordova-Reid 81), Willian (Lukic 76), Muniz (Vinicius 76).
       MAN UTD: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Dalot, McTominay, Eriksen (Mount 79), Antony (Pellistri 63), Fernandes, Garnacho (Varane 90), Hojlund (Martial 79). More

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      These kids football clubs have all been handed £1k with the Sun’s grant – and you could too

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      THESE kids’ football clubs scored a win by getting their hands on cash from our fab Footie For All Fund.They are the first delighted recipients of £1,000 grants to help keep their squads going.
      Our Footie For All Fund has given out £150,000 in grants to deserving clubsCredit: NNP
      We teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme
      Former England star John Terry backed our campaignCredit: Getty
      Last month we teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme to give out £150,000 in grants to deserving clubs.
      And we have been inundated with stories of teams making a difference in their communities.
      From buying new boots and kit to allowing more kids to play for free, grants will help them make more of an impact.
      And there is still time for you to enter as the new deadline for applications is now noon on November 13.
      read more on football
      Former England star John Terry backed our campaign to keep kids playing despite the cost-of-living crisis making it difficult for parents to fund their children’s training.
      John said: “I’ve seen first-hand how football can change someone’s life.
      “It doesn’t matter if it becomes a career or just something you continue playing for fun.
      “For anyone to lose the chance to play footie would be a tragedy, but we all know times are tough for everyone thanks to rising prices.
      Most read in Football
      “I loved my time playing at grassroots level when I was little, and I want everyone to have that feeling of joy.
      “It’s great that The Sun’s Footie For All Fund is helping clubs out, thanks to Tesco’s generous donation.”
      Christine Heffernan, Tesco Group communications director, said: “From the range of applications that have come in so far and the stories we have heard, it’s clear to see 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.
      “It’s encouraging to know that the Tesco Stronger Starts and Footie for All partnership will be getting children into doing what they love, playing more footie more often.”
      Here we show how our deserving recipients are putting the money to work so far.
      BEAMISH FC, STANLEY, COUNTY DURHAM
      THIS grassroots team near Gateshead gives more than 450 kids a chance to play football in a safe space throughout the week.
      The club is using its £1,000 grant to purchase full kits for its new reception-aged group to ensure no child feels out of place.
      It means the tots, aged four to five, will get a Beamish FC shirt, shorts and jumper as well as a pair of sports socks.
      Team fundraising manager, Deborah Maddison, told The Sun: “We operate in quite a deprived area which means that the cost of living is hitting families hard.
      “As a club, we work really hard to make sure it is as accessible as possible for parents to send their kids here.
      “Everything we do costs, which means we rely on grants like this to keep the club up and running.”
      HEMINGTON HAMMERS FC, DERBY
      THE Derbyshire club used to only have adult teams but decided last year to open up an under-tens squad aimed at deprived kids.
      The move came after they heard from parents that many children in inner-city Derby weren’t able to play the beautiful game due to financial barriers.
      Hemington Hammers opened up last year to give deprived kids a chance to play footieCredit: Paul Tonge
      Club vice chairman Andrew Bennett said: “We’ve seen their confidence grow as they’ve got better and better.
      “They started the season losing most of their games and now they’re starting to win some.”
      Hemington Hammers is using the £1,000 grant to accelerate their plans to take more kids on, purchase kit, pay for the training of new coaches for additional teams and cover admin costs such as first aid kits.
      Andrew added: “We have seen that there is a demand for low-cost football, as we filled the first team in a matter of weeks.
      “Now we hope to get more kids involved.
      “The simple thing is, the more funding we get to put on the sessions, the cheaper we will make it for the kids, so they always have somewhere to play.”
      PELICAN PARK COMMUNITY TRUST, HULL
      PELICAN Park Community Trust in Hull does more than helping kids stay fit – it provides a chance for them to socialise and get away from potentially tough situations at home.
      Now, thanks to The Sun and Tesco’s Footie For All grants, 50 more children are able to attend.
      Pelican Park Community Trust in Hull provides a chance for kids to socialise and get away from potentially tough situations at homeCredit: Glen Minikin
      Jannette Hornby, charity manager, said: “We don’t want anyone to miss out on proper football training because of personal circumstances.
      For many, it is a chance to run around and play in a safe environment, and that is vital for kids of all ages.”
      Hull is one of the most underprivileged areas in the country, and a quarter of children in the city live with low income families.
      The charity has been subsidising households who can no longer afford the training fees due to financial struggles.
      They also offer a boot swap and provide kit free of charge, so no one is left out.
      Read More on The Sun
      Within just a few sessions, coaches and staff see a huge difference in the children who come.
      Jannette added: “It’s a gateway for everyone into feeling better.”
      THERE’S STILL TIME TO NET £1,000 FOR YOUR CLUBDOES your child’s football club need a cash injection to keep it on the pitch?
      Our Footie For All Fund is offering £1,000 grants to under-18s sides who are struggling in the financial crisis.
      We have teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme to give out £150,000 in grants and want to hear about your local club and what it does for the community.
      We launched our fund after teams across the country told us how some kids are dropping out as families struggle financially.
      Perhaps your side wants to offer parents help with fees, or needs new kit or space to play on.
      See tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund to apply.
      Applications close on November 13.
      Grants are given on a rolling basis so it could start helping your club within weeks. More

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      Lionesses Millie Bright & Rachel Daly back The Sun’s Footie For All Fund

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      LIONESSES Millie Bright and Rachel Daly have backed The Sun’s Footie For All Fund.We have teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme to give away £150,000 of grants to grassroots youth football clubs in crisis.
      Millie Bright and Rachel Daly have backed The Sun’s Footie For All FundCredit: Getty
      Millie said: ‘It’s amazing what The Sun and Tesco are doing to support local teams and it will help a lot of kids keep playing’Credit: Instagram
      Rachel with her ball and medal as a footie-mad kidCredit: Instagram
      England’s World Cup captain Millie, 30, said: “It’s amazing what The Sun and Tesco are doing to support local teams and it will help a lot of kids keep playing.
      “Maybe it can help some of them become Lionesses.”
      The Chelsea defender added: “As a kid, my parents had a hard time getting me away from a football pitch.
      “But it wasn’t something I knew I loved until some friends took me to a local club, Killamarsh Dynamos, and then it became my focus.
      Read More on Football
      “It opened up a whole new world to me aged nine and without playing when I was little, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
      “It’s heartbreaking to hear some kids won’t get the same opportunities because their parents can’t afford it.”
      Funded by Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign — which provides healthy food and activities for children across the country — we will dish out 150 grants (each worth £1,000) to clubs across the country.
      We launched our Footie For All campaign this year to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing kids to give up the national game.
      Most read in Football
      According to the charity Sported, around 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership.
      In the wake of our probe we have been inundated with the stories of local youth sides making a huge difference to their communities, while struggling to cover costs.
      Millie’s team-mate Rachel Daly, 31, added: “Growing up, I have some of my happiest memories playing with Killinghall Nomads.
      “I can’t imagine my childhood without football and I don’t want anyone else to go without because of rising prices.
      “It’s so important to keep the game accessible — that’s why I’m backing The Sun’s Footie For All campaign.”
      HOW TO APPLY
      WE want to hear the story of YOUR club and the big difference you are making to kids and 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 encourages more children to take part in the sport – such as pitch fees or to sponsor funded places for children who can’t afford membership.
      Applications must be made by October 29.
      To apply and for full T&Cs, see the website below . . . 
      www.tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund More

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      The Sun launches Footie For All Fund to help protect kids’ clubs hit by the cost-of-living crisis

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      THE Sun is today launching a landmark Footie For All Fund to help protect kids’ clubs hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis.We have teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme to hand out £150,000 worth of grants to grass roots youth football clubs struggling with funds.
      The Sun is launching our landmark Footie For All Fund to help protect kids’ clubs hit hard by the cost-of-living crisisCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Harry Redknapp has backed The Sun’s Footie For All FundCredit: Louis Wood
      Gary Lineker has backed The Sun’s Footie For All FundCredit: Doug Seeburg
      The cash can be used in any way that encourages more children to take up the sport or improves 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.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Earlier this 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 grass roots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership, according to charity Sported.
      In the wake of our probe we have been inundated with stories of local youth sides — who make a huge difference to their communities — struggling to cover their costs.
      Clubs across the country also told us how some kids are being forced to drop out altogether as families can not pay their membership subs or for kit and transport.
      Most read in Football
      So today we urge grass roots clubs to apply for one of our fantastic £1,000 Footie For All support grants.
      Launched in conjunction with Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign — which funds healthy food and activities for children — we will dish out 150 grants in total to clubs across the country.
      Christine Heffernan, Tesco group communications director, said: “The Tesco Stronger Starts grant programme provides £5million of funding to get more children and their families access to healthy and nutritious food and physical activities.
      “We thought that The Footie For All programme would be a great extension to that to help kids to thrive.
      “Any child should be able to do physical activity they enjoy if they wish, taking away the worry about paying for subs or kit for example.”
      Our campaign is being backed by big names in the game.
      Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker said: “I think grass roots is vital.
      “That’s where everyone starts. Some of us finish at the top, some don’t, but we all enjoy it.”
      Sun columnist Harry Redknapp added: “Grass roots football is important, and we need to ensure there are facilities for kids.”
      Reality star Joey Essex is also keen to see kids keep playing.
      He said: “Football provides an escape for so many kids from whatever else is going on. The Sun is offering families a lifeline.”
      To apply for one of our grants, see tescostrongerstarts. org.uk/footiefund.
      Grants will be awarded by The Sun with charity Groundwork, which runs Tesco’s grant-giving programmes, on a rolling basis.
      Applications must be made by October 29.
      SOMERTON TOWN
      YOUTH football club Somerton Town, Somerset, kept its membership subs frozen for three years to help families cope through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.
      But organisers had to raise them from £95 to £120 this season after rises of up to 30 per cent in costs.
      Somerton Town kept its membership subs frozen for three years to help families cope through Covid and the cost-of-living crisisCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Since it was founded in 2001, Somerton have played a unique social role for its 187 players, across 11 teams.
      Chairman Justin Davies, 40, says: “We have a huge catchment area that contains areas with large-scale social and economic deprivation.
      “Playing football teaches young people about teamwork, respect and fair play.
      “Little things like shaking hands before and after a match to show respect to the other team is important.
      “When we put the prices up, 21 players left, with 20 not going on to join another club. It was a financial decision.”
      Justin Davis said: ‘Playing football teaches young people about teamwork, respect and fair play’Credit: Chris Balcombe
      HACKNEY WICK FC
      AFTER leaving prison in 2019, Bobby Kasanga started Hackney Wick FC, in East London, to stop other children falling into a life of crime.
      It now has more than 180 children on its books and a waiting list of even more who want to be part of its teams.
      For many families, the club is a way to keep their children on the right path – and Bobby, 37, who spent eight years inside for armed robbery, never turns anyone away.
      He says: “We try to do as much as we can to alleviate financial stress and often let kids play without paying or offer discounts if a family has multiple kids with us.
      “We’ve seen it getting worse recently, but we know turning anyone away could see them get taken in by gangs.
      “If we can’t have them, the gangs certainly will.”
      To play a year at Hackney costs around £250.
      But Bobby and his team are writing off around £5,000 of unpaid subs because they know families can’t afford it.
      He says: “We rely on our sponsors and they’ve been amazing.
      Last year, one covered the cost of 20 kids for a year. But it’s hard to keep our heads above water.”
      The club’s relationships with local businesses provide more than just financial help.
      Bobby says: “We’ve had four of our players taken on by one of our sponsors.
      “It means they have a stable income and a potential career for life.
      “That’s so important for helping them stay out of danger.
      “But even if they end up going down a bad path, the club relationships across the whole of East London may help diffuse violent situations.
      “They may stop an attack because they know the other gang member from football.”
      Bobby adds: “I never want anyone to go through what I went through growing up.
      “We are a family and I won’t take football away from them over money.”
      BLACKBURN EAGLES
      LIKE other clubs, Blackburn Eagles have also seen more kids struggling to pay – but it never turns anyone away.
      The club, which is the biggest in its area with 650 players on its books, feels it is vital for all kids to have access to the beautiful game and tries to keep its fees low.
      Blackburn Eagles feels it is vital for all kids to have access to football and tries to keep its fees lowCredit: BLACKBURN EAGLES
      In fact, the academy’s vice-chairman, Chris Hughes, 39, says prices have not been put up in around eight years.
      He adds: “We don’t turn anyone away.
      “We just take more children, create new groups, create new training sessions and create new teams.”
      But the club has recently had to take teams out of the Junior Premier League due to the cost of the four-hour round trips to play other teams across the North West.
      Chris says: “Football gives kids a good focus and can be a massive part of certain children’s lives.
      “It might be the one thing they’ll look forward to all week, and sometimes it gets them out of situations where maybe they don’t want to be at home all the time.”
      HOW TO APPLY
      WE want to hear the story of your club and the huge difference you are making to kids and 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 encourages more children to take part in the sport.
      Perhaps your club needs help with pitch fees or wants to sponsor funded places for children who can not afford membership.
      To apply and for full T&Cs, see tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund.

      WHAT THE STARS SAY

      A young Phil FodenCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Phil says football ‘brings happiness for so many people’Credit: Getty
      “GRASSROOTS 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.”

      A young Harry MaguireCredit: Instagram
      Harry says ‘playing with a team gives kids an outlet and a chance to learn discipline’Credit: Getty
      “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.”

      A young Raheem Sterling
      Raheem said that as a kid he ‘fell in love’ with football and ‘made friends for life’Credit: Getty
      “MY mentor got me in to football to correct my behaviour.
      “I found something I wanted to put my energy in to.
      “I fell in love with it – and I made friends for life.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      A young Jarrod Bowen
      Jarrod said ‘football is for everyone and it’s massively important it stays that way’Credit: Getty
      “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 and it’s massively important it stays that way.” More