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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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      in Soccer

      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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      in Boxing

      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

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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