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      Shock Premier League club sells the most expensive season ticket for 23/24 campaign… over £1000 MORE than next highest

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      SEASON TICKET prices in the Premier League have soared in recent years.Several clubs have continued to up their charges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Fulham have the most expensive season ticket in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      And some supporters have been priced out of the game as a result.
      Ahead of the 2023-24 season, 17 out of the 20 Premier League clubs have announced an increase in season ticket sales, despite the current cost of living crisis.
      The remaining three clubs – Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham – have all frozen their respective season ticket costs.
      While several clubs have upped their prices, one has suddenly risen above and beyond the others.
      Read More on the Premier League
      Shockingly, The Athletic have found that Fulham’s most expensive adult season ticket costs an eye-watering £3,000.
      That is for a seat in the club’s rebuilt Riverside Stand.
      The second most expensive adult season ticket – costing £2025 – comes at Tottenham, with the third at Arsenal.
      Four other clubs – Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and West Ham – all charge above the £1,000 mark.
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      Alternatively, the cheapest Premier League season tickets on the market are charged by the three recently-promoted clubs.
      Burnley and Luton both charge £500, while Sheffield United charge £528.
      Brentford are the only other Prem club among the 20 where the most expensive ticket is less than £600. More

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      Inside the football clubs making sure EVERY child can play as Harry Maguire and Phil Foden back our grassroots scheme

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      AFTER years of desperately wanting to be picked first for the football team, Eddie finally found somewhere that let him play every match.The nine-year-old, who is affected by autism and skull birth defect craniosynostosis, has found confidence with a group of friends.
      Ashford United’s under-11 disability team offers a way into football for youngsters and transforms their lives for the betterCredit: Louis Wood
      And it’s all thanks to Ashford United –– one of the football clubs that The Sun wants to benefit from our Footie For All campaign to help grassroots sport.
      Eddie’s grandmother, Linda Burrows, credits the Kent club’s under-11 disability team, run by Dan Ambler, with giving her grandson new confidence.
      She said: “When Eddie first went along he was hiding behind his mum, but now he is straight out of the car and playing with the other kids.
      “It’s amazing what it has done for his confidence. He believes in himself now.
      “He’s always smiling when he’s playing — even if he doesn’t always get a chance to touch the ball.
      “It’s really nice seeing Eddie do ­normal things that he wasn’t comfortable doing just a few months ago.
      “Dan and the team have made a world of difference. Eddie was never going to be able to play in a traditional team, but this club has made sure he doesn’t miss out.”
      Figures show the cost-of-living crisis is forcing kids away from football, with 94 per cent of grassroots clubs voicing concern about the impact of soaring prices on their membership, according to the charity Sported.
      Most read in Football
      Clubs across the country have told The Sun how parents are struggling to afford to keep their children playing sports as the cost of everyday essentials continues to spiral.
      England stars John Stones, ­Raheem Sterling, Jarrod Bowen and Eric Dier, who all started out in local football, have already lent their support to our campaign.
      Ashford United ace Dan, 37, set up the disability team when he realised his autistic son Jack could not keep up when playing alongside mainstream kids.
      He said: “I saw him being left out, and I wanted to do something about it. I thought other parents might see their children in the same position so I asked around — and within a few days I had 17 other parents whose kids wanted to play.
      “It’s been amazing seeing the kids coming out of their shells. They’ve formed close friendships and the confidence they’ve developed is incredible.
      “Eddie went from being very shy to doing the “worm” celebration in front of everyone at our last match.
      “It’s incredible. It doesn’t matter if you have the skills of Ronaldo or can’t kick a ball — all are welcome.”
      Kids who play on one of the two Ashford under-11 teams have a mix of disabilities, from neurodivergent conditions to physical disabilities such as a missing limb.
      Ashford Town United has been heavily involved in keeping the team going and it provides a lot of ­support to Dan, a podiatrist by day, to get everything right.
      But he has to raise around £800 to keep things afloat, on top of the £25-a-month payment from parents.
      Thanks to huge interest, he is opening up three new teams for this season, bringing the total to six, all of which will need sponsorship.Dan added: “I never turn anyone away.
      “They are welcome whatever disability they have, and I don’t want that to change.
      “It’s going to be quite a challenge, but I’m always up for it and we are used to overcoming difficulties. Hopefully, we’ll make it all work.”
      Today, England footballers Harry Maguire and Phil Foden back our campaign to keep kids playing.
      Two teams also reveal how they are dedicated to making sure all children have access to the sport amid the cost-of-living crisis.
      Phil Foden
      Premier League winner Phil Foden started out with Reddish VulcansCredit: PROVIDED
      Phil Foden now stars for Manchester City and EnglandCredit: Getty
      GRASSROOTS football is where it began for all of us. Whether you play in the Premier League, for your country or on your local park, we all started out playing for our grassroot teams.
      For those of us lucky enough, it goes on to become our jobs. But the grassroots game is for everyone, and it’s important that we continue to support it so that boys and girls across the country can benefit from everything it has to offer.
      For me, playing for my local team gave me the chance to make new friends and learn new skills.
      I loved football then as much as I love football now.
      Knowing you could go and train with your mates during the week and play at the weekend was such an important part of growing up.
      It brings happiness for so many people across the country and it’s so important nothing gets in the way of everyone having that opportunity.
      Harry Maguire
      World Cup ace Harry Maguire began his career with Brunsmeer AthleticCredit: PROVIDED
      He has gone onto play for Sheffield United, Hull City, Leicester City and Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      I SPENT my childhood with a football at my feet whenever I had the chance.
      My first memory is having a kickabout with my brother.
      Playing in youth teams for Brunsmeer Athletic, then later Barnsley and ­Sheffield United, gave me a chance to make football into a career, not just a ­passion.
      Kids these days should have that same option, no matter what else is going on around them.
      There is nothing better than playing with a team, winning and learning how to lose.
      It also gives them an outlet and a chance to learn discipline, teamwork and friendship with people they might otherwise not have met.
      I loved my time in grassroots football. Those memories never leave you.
      Beacons FC, Kidbrooke, South East London
      Beacons FC are trying to help make football more afforable for parents and have launched a boots swap schemeCredit: Olivia West
      BEACONS FC has recently launched a boot swap shop to help families keep their kids in footie ­footwear without breaking the bank.
      Club secretary Adam Gillham said: “They are a necessary item parents have to shell out for each season but they can be so ­expensive – especially when kids outgrow them so quickly.
      “At the swap shop, they can donate a pair of boots their child has outgrown and swap them for a pair that fits. Anything we can do to help them save a few quid helps.”
      The club started in Kidbrooke, South East London, in 2001, and now fields eight teams of boys aged seven to 17.
      To play for the season, each player pays a one-off £50 registration fee and £245 in subs which parents are able to pay off in monthly instalments.
      Praising the Sun’s Footie For All drive, Adam said: “We are well aware of the impact of the cost of living on our players’ families in the past year, so any campaign like this will certainly help the grass- roots game.
      “We deliberately kept the fees as low as we could this season, for that reason.
      “We have not increased them since before the pandemic because we know times are hard for so many families – even though we have seen our own costs going up year on year. Football should be for all – not just for those who can afford it.
      “As a club, we do everything we can to help mums and dads who may be struggling financially.
      “If a parent comes to us and says they cannot afford the subs any longer, then of course we would not stop their child playing.
      “Each child deserves a chance to play football – no matter their ability or background. It’s the people’s game.
      “I would like to see more money filter down from the Premier League to real grassroots football – youth football in parks and recreation grounds around the UK – where it is truly needed.”
      Blackburn Eagles FC, Lancs
      Blackburn Eagles vow never to turn away anybody despite parent money strugglesCredit: BLACKBURN EAGLES
      BLACKBURN Eagles has seen more kids struggling to afford to play – but it never turns anyone away.
      The Lancashire academy’s vice chairman Chris Hughes says prices haven’t been raised in around eight years, in a bid to maintain access for all children.
      Kids as young as two take part in the Little Eagles under-six mini-kicker sessions, which cost £15 a month for weekly training.
      As the kids progress through to teams, parents pay £25 a month for a one-weekend game, and £30 a month if kids play Saturdays and Sundays every weekend.
      The club’s team keeps on growing and now has 650 players on its books, making it the biggest in the area.
      Chris, 39, said: “We don’t turn anyone away. We just take on more children, create new groups, create new training sessions and create new teams.”
      The Eagles has a hardship fund to help out families who start to struggle with the costs of subs and kits.
      The club has also recently taken teams out of the Junior Premier League due to the cost of the regular four-hour round trips to play against other teams across the North West.
      Chris said: “There have been conversations about the cost of living and cost of petrol.
      “Stuff is getting expensive, so we’ve brought some of our teams back a little bit more local to help with that.”
      To give even more kids the opportunity to play, Blackburn Eagles is currently looking to link up with local schools and charities to potentially start providing free after-school sessions in poorer communities and deprived areas.
      And Chris believes every child should have the opportunity to play football, due to its benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.
      He added: “It gives kids a good focus and we find that football can be a ­massive part of certain children’s lives.
      Read More on The Sun
      “That might be the one thing they’ll look forward to all week, and sometimes it gets them out of situations where they don’t want to be at home all the time.”

      The Sun’s Footie For All campaign aims to support families through the cost of living crisis More

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      Tottenham freeze season ticket prices for 2023-24 after fan backlash and anti-Levy chants

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      TOTTENHAM have allayed fears they were set to increase season ticket prices by freezing them for next season.There had been suggestions Spurs were considering raising the cost, which would have gone down like a lead balloon among the fanbase.
      Tottenham supporters will not be charged more for their season tickets in 2023/24Credit: AP
      Spurs chief Daniel Levy has faced criticism from supporters in recent monthsCredit: PA
      But after consulting with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, the amount being charged will remain the same.
      Yet a club statement read: “Due to global economic events we, like all other sectors, are not immune to rising costs and disruption to supply chains, along with higher energy prices.
      “We are, however, acutely aware that everyone is also currently impacted by the rising cost of living.
      “With this in mind, and following consultation with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, we can confirm that season ticket prices for the 2023/24 season will be frozen.
      READ MORE ON SPURS
      “We recognise and greatly appreciate the ongoing commitment our fans continue to make in showing support for the team.”
      Had season tickets gone up, chairman Daniel Levy would no doubt have received even more flak than he has already had this season.
      Fans have chanted for him to “get out of our club” at multiple games this season, angry at the perceived lack of success during his time at the helm.
      The club are currently without permanent managers for the men’s and women’s first team.
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      While managing director of football Fabio Paratici is currently taking a leave of absence after his 30-month ban for his alleged part in the Juventus malpractice scandal was extended worldwide.
      Spurs sit fourth in the Premier League table, but are in danger of missing out on a Champions League place.
      They only sit above Manchester United by virtue of goal difference and have played two games more than Erik ten Hag’s side. More

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      Kids’ football is more than just physical activity – it helps youngsters learn good behaviour, says Raheem Sterling

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      PLAYING weekend football with a local team has been a rite of passage for kids for generations.But a Sun investigation today reveals that the cost of living crisis is forcing scores of kids to drop out of sports clubs as families struggle to make ends meet.
      The cost of living crisis has driven more children away from clubs – here Brent Cross under-11s celebrate championship victory with head coach Jamie Kavanagh, far leftCredit: Olivia West
      Almost 50 per cent of Football club leaders surveyed told The Sun that a lack of money was affecting participation in sportCredit: Olivia West
      In the wake of the crisis, today The Sun is launching Footie For All — backed by some of England’s top players — to highlight the importance of grassroots sports clubs.
      A shocking new poll from Sported, a charity which supports community sports clubs, has found 94 per cent of grassroots clubs are concerned about the impact of soaring prices on their membership.
      And football clubs across the country have told The Sun how the economic crisis is forcing kids out of training and weekend matches, even though the clubs are doing all they can to give their players a chance.
      One such club is Brent Cross Football Academy in North London, which offers matches and training to almost 200 children, aged from four to 14.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The players come from a huge mix of social backgrounds and to keep things as accessible as poss-ible, the club still charges £400 to £500 a year for subscriptions, while other clubs have raised theirs to more than £600.
      The academy is determined to try to avoid any young player missing out on sport, and the management team make it clear to parents they will help out any family with financial struggles when they can.
      And the Brent Cross chiefs’ worries are shared across the country, with 92 per cent of clubs saying they are extremely concerned about the negative impact on the young people they serve, according to the Ring/Sported Community Pulse Survey.
      And almost 50 per cent of club leaders surveyed told how lack of money was affecting participation in sport.
      Most read in Football
      Some 31 per cent of those surveyed believe the long-term con-sequences of the economic pinch will see fewer young people taking part in sports and physical activity.
      The benefits of grassroots sports for kids is well documented.
      From the obvious health benefits, community sports teams also offer huge social benefits by channelling kids’ energy into physical activity.
      The UK is home to more than 40,000 clubs, and almost all those we spoke to declared that they would never want to stop a child playing with them — but often find themselves under pressure due to the cost of registration, pitches or transport.
      Nicola Walker, chief executive of Sported, said: “The cost of living is putting grassroots sports groups under extreme pressure. It’s making it harder to raise the cash to operate.
      “And it’s making it tougher on our kids to afford the price of participation, or even just the cost of travelling to take part.
      “That means they could miss out on a boost to their physical and mental wellbeing.
      Struggling families
      “But time spent kicking a ball or in a dance class is also time in a safe space where young people meet positive influences and get a priceless chance to learn and grow.
      “So it’s important that the Government recognises all the amazing ways in which sport contributes to building stronger, safer communities and offers the support it needs.”
      At Brent Cross the country’s economic woes started to become apparent at the beginning of the year, when head coach Jamie Kavanagh noticed he was losing children because families were struggling with paying the subs.
      He sent a message to all parents asking if those who could afford it could spare a little more to help fund sponsorships for ten children who could no longer afford to play.
      Jamie, 27, said: “We’re finding that a lot of the children are struggling to make every session purely because of the cost of the subs, new football boots, kit and travel to fixtures and training.
      “We hoped to be able to help ten children but we’ve managed to get the money to sponsor 12, thanks to the generosity of the parents.
      Every one who donated extra told us how amazing the initiative was.
      “The parents of the kids who get to play for free are hugely grateful and it allows them to focus on other things without the worry of their children missing out on activities they enjoy and keep them active.
      “Football is so important for helping kids with communication skills, having an outlet, and it gives them a family feeling. I’d never want anyone to lose that due to money issues.”
      With so many football clubs telling how the cost of living crisis risks harming the health of our youngsters, it was clear something needed to be done.
      Here we highlight some of the grassroots clubs which are making a big difference in their communities and finding ways to try to beat the negative effects of the cost of living crisis.
      And four England aces, who know only too well the benefits of grassroots football, back our call for Footie For All.

      TELL us about your inspiration grass roots club. Email us at footieforall@ the-sun.co.uk

      John Stones
      Barnsley, Everton, Man City & England
      “PLAYING grassroots football as a kid with my friends for my local team was the first step into football for me, and I never looked back.
      Playing grassroots football was incredibly important for England and Man City defender John StonesCredit: Alamy
      He says: ‘Football can give children something to look forward to, even when things may be difficult’Credit: Rex Features
      “It played such an important part of my childhood and I’ll always be so grateful for the opportunity it provided for me and so many other children.
      “Grassroots football often provides a happy and safe environment for children to play, meet friends and learn new skills.
      “If it wasn’t for that start I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn important life skills on and off the pitch while having fun with my mates.
      “It can give children something to look forward to, even when things may be difficult, and make such a positive impact for both parents and kids.”
      Raheem Sterling
      Alpha & Omega FC, QPR, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea & England
      “WE can’t just look at the physical benefits of grassroots football because it also has the ability to bring people together.
      Raheem Sterling thinks football is more than just the physical benefitsCredit: Getty
      Raheem says: ‘My mentor Clive Ellington was the one that actually got me into football to focus my energy and correct my behaviour’
      “My mentor Clive Ellington was the one that actually got me into football to focus my energy and correct my behaviour.
      “He was a great role model. I found something I wanted to put my maximum energy in to and it paid off.
      “I fell in love with football through that Sunday league team – and made friends for life.”
      Eric Dier
      International Prep School, Lisbon, Sporting CP, Spurs & England
      “FOOTBALL is a lifeline for many.
      Tottenham and England defender, Eric Dier, feels football is a lifeline for someCredit: Getty
      Eric loved football as he says it ‘encourages teamwork, discipline, friendship, improved health and wellbeing’Credit: ericdier15/instagram
      “It encourages teamwork, discipline, friendship, improved health and wellbeing, and a sense of community.
      “I know kids will benefit from the game and all that comes with it.”
      Jarrod Bowen
      Leominster Miners, Hereford Utd (Herts), West Ham, England
      “WHEN I was little I had a dream of playing football for my entire life.
      West Ham winger, Jarrod Bowen, dreamt of playing pro football ever since he was a childCredit: Getty
      Jarrod says: ‘Football is for everyone and it’s massively important it stays that way’
      “It was the most important thing in my week and I know it’ll be the same for boys and girls across the UK.
      “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 and 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.
      “It gives a routine and a chance to zone out from anything that might be going on in their lives. If that’s taken away it’ll leave children in a bad place because they’ve lost something they love.
      “One of the best things for me is seeing young kids play football at my old club. I saw an under-eights team in a penalty shootout. It brought me so much joy to see how happy and determined they were. That’s what football is really about – bringing joy to everyone.”

      Helston AFC, Cornwall
      HELSTON AFC plays a vital role in supporting nearly 400 kids in 17 teams, including many families from nearby Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, one of Europe’s biggest helicopter bases.
      But youth co-ordinator and under-13s coach Chris Strike says the cost of living crisis has badly impacted this region of Cornwall, making it harder for families to pay the £80 annual membership.
      Helston AFC plays a vital role in supporting nearly 400 kids in 17 teamsCredit: Apex
      Chris, 42, an architect from Helston, said: “We’ve had a number of parents say this year they can’t afford the membership fees.
      “I’m proud to say we don’t and we won’t ever stop a child registering because they can’t pay their fee.
      “Either the club will fund it or a couple of us have funded kids. Others ask us to pay monthly and that’s fine, we have always found a solution.
      “I’m lucky I own my own business and sponsor my team and there are a couple of coaches in that position, but a lot of the teams will try to raise money from local businesses.”
      Chris added: “Each of the 17 teams has two coaches trying to help the players, both in and out of football. Some kids want to talk about difficulties at home and you are there to support them in that respect as well. There’s a lot more to being a football coach than just coaching football.”
      The club has close ties with Plymouth Argyle and Southampton’s academies, and this year 19 youth players from Helston have represented Cornwall.
      Among their recent successes is striker Luke Jephcott, who plays for Swindon, and who was with Helston before joining Argyle’s academy.
      The Pythian Club, Nottingham
      COMMUNITY sports club and outreach centre The Pythian Club in Nottingham offers free sports sessions, including football and boxing, to youngsters aged up to 19.
      Yet even without subs, its bosses fear that costs such as travel and kit are becoming unaffordable for the families of its youngsters.
      The Pythian Club in Nottingham offers free sports sessions, including football and boxing, to youngsters aged up to 19Credit: Pythian Club
      The club performs an important social role, often taking on children who have been involved in gangs and crime, or who have been referred to it by probation services.
      Currently it looks after 400 children and teenagers who come to the centre to play a range of sports.
      Founder Benjamin Rosser told The Sun: “It absolutely breaks my heart that so many kids are missing out. Sport is such an important way for us to reach out to kids and stop them from going down the wrong path. Part of our work is actively seeking out young people that would otherwise fall through the gaps and give them a chance at a better life.
      “We have around 120 to 150 young people we work with that are really financially struggling and need extra support.
      “We try to find ways to work around that to make sure they don’t have to make difficult choices such as having to pay their bus fare to school and not be able to access a sports activity that week.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Sometimes it’s getting food in their belly or playing football. Those are the difficult choices that they’re making.
      “Running a session on a Friday for about 180 kids sets us back about £280, which is expensive, but we never pass those costs on. We’re a family and we’ll always provide what we can.”
      Tell us about your inspiration grass roots club. Email us at footieforall@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Chelsea fan group warns Todd Boehly he risks ‘irreversible toxicity’ if he goes through with controversial plan

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      CHELSEA fans have warned the club they risk a fan revolt if they put up ticket prices.Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund eased the pressure on boss Graham Potter and his expensively-assembled squad – for now at least.
      Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has come under fire for plans to raise pricesCredit: Getty
      But the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has told chairman Todd Boehly in an open letter: “The men’s 1st team is currently having one of the worst seasons since the 1990s.
      “We strongly urge the board to read the sentiment of supporters. 
      “The current disconnect between the team and supporters would only be amplified by increased prices – this could lead to irreversible toxicity.”
      The CST also argues that increasing season ticket prices during a cost of living crisis is “unconscionable and in direct contradiction to CFC’s efforts to strengthen community ties and strengthen supporter relations”.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The letter adds that a rise in the cost of attending home games would have a negative impact on the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge by pricing out some of the most passionate fans.
      It concludes: “The cost-of-living crisis, ambitious commercial targets, increased expenditure on players & management, alongside a ticket price increase during poor performances could cause the ‘perfect storm’ and force many Chelsea supporters away from Stamford Bridge.”
      The new Chelsea regime froze most ticket prices days after their takeover, but imposed steep hikes in the cost of watching games from the poshest seats in the West Stand.
      A season ticket for seats near the halfway line on that side of the ground is now an eye-watering £3,900, with less impressive views coming at £2,900 and £2,250.
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      The most expensive season ticket elsewhere at Stamford Bridge for individual adults is £940 in the West Upper, while the cheapest, in Matthew Harding Lower and The Shed Lower, is £750.
      Those prices have not changed for the best part of a decade.
      But the CST says it has “already been approached by a large number of members expressing their concerns over ticket prices and their anxieties over funding”. More

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      Staggering cost of going to a Premier League match revealed – and it’s bad news for fans of Man Utd

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      THE cost of going to a Premier League game — including a pint, pie, parking and replica top — costs an average £126.71.But that rises to £154.75 at Manchester United, with Nottingham Forest cheapest at £98.55.
      Manchester United is the most expensive team to support, according to new findingsCredit: Getty
      Spurs charge £75 for a top compared to £49 at Brentford.
      A pint is £7.60 at West Ham and £3 at Manchester United.
      The Hammers are also the worst for pies, at £6.
      At Liverpool the figure is £3.20.
      read more on the premier league
      Parking is £15 at Brighton but just £2.50 at Bournemouth.
      Kingcasinobonus.uk,  who conducted the research, warned: “Many fans have begun to be priced out.”
      Manchester United fan Graham Endley, 46, said he usually dodged the pies and pints, but wouldn’t miss a home match.
      He said: “I’ve followed United for more than 30 years – I go to every home match, but I don’t usually have a pie or a pint and I can walk to Old Trafford from my house.
      Most read in Football
      “I’m one of those rare United supporters who actually live in the same city as their team!”
      How much does it cost at your club?LEAGUE TABLE:
      1. Man Utd, £154.75.
      2. Chelsea, £153.30.
      3. Man City, £151.85.
      4. Arsenal, £147.15.
      5. Spurs, £145.48.
      6. West Ham, £136.79.
      7. Leicester, £134.49.
      8. Brighton, £131.55.
      9. Liverpool, £128.74.
      10. Newcastle, £122.85.
      11. Aston Villa, £122.71.
      12. Everton, £122.57.
      13. Southampton, £116.24.
      14. Brentford, £114.88.
      15. Wolves, £114.36.
      16. Leeds, £113.60.
      17. Crystal Palace, £111.77.
      18. Fulham, £108.60.
      19. Bournemouth, £104. 20.
      20. Nottingham Forest, £98.55. More

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      I bought a hat donated by Man Utd icon in charity shop.. it’s brilliant of him, especially during cost of living crisis

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED icon has donated a load of items to a charity shop – which are now available on the cheap. Shelter’s Crystal Palace shop received an influx of clothes from the football legend and a lot of it has already been picked up off the shelf.
      Anna Roberts stumbled upon some generous donations from one Man United legend as she visited a charity shopCredit: Anna Roberts
      This Lakers hat was available for just a tenner and was among the many clothes items that were leftCredit: Anna Roberts

      It was a friend of Rio Ferdinand’s who made the trip to the shop to make the generous donation on behalf the star.
      The former England and Man United captain was born in South London and has always been charitable, setting up his own foundation to address social inequality in 2012.
      Sun journalist Anna Roberts, 38, from Penge in South-East London was lucky enough to stumble upon Ferdinand’s latest contribution.
      She said: “I’m a real charity shop hound and had today off work. 
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “I was chatting to the shop’s manager and she told me a load of stuff had been donated days earlier by Rio Ferdinand.
      “She explained he hadn’t come in personally but his friend had dropped off loads of stuff for them to sell.
      “She said a lot of it had gone.
      “Rio had signed a lot of the items and even worn some of them, which I thought was really cool. That was the stuff which went first. 
      Most read in Football
      Shelter has plenty of shops around the country with the charity dedicated to tackling homelessnessCredit: Anna Roberts
      Ferdinand is carving out a career a pundit following his long and successful playing daysCredit: Getty
      “However,  there was a pretty worn looking Nike hoodie which I reckon he might have worn.”
      Ferdinand, 44, donated so many items that Shelter even set up a temporary ‘Rio Rail’.
      Palace fans will have the chance to drop by the shop and see if any of Ferdinand’s clothes tickle their interest tomorrow before their late game at home against Liverpool.
      Roberts adds that despite the cheap prices, the selection of clothes left by Ferdinand gave her with a dilemma.
      She said: “I spent ages looking for something for my boyfriend but there was a big problem – he’s a Chelsea fan and it was largely Man U memorabilia.
      “In the end I settled on a Lakers baseball hat which looks pretty new. Maybe Rio was gifted it? It was only £9.99 – I think it genuinely would’ve cost more new.
      “There was quite a lot left when I left. The hoodies were around £25 but nothing had been sold for more than £100.
      “With so many people struggling with the cost of living and housing conditions being appalling for so many, plus soaring fuel prices, I think its brilliant Rio has quietly done this. Good for him.”
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      Ferdinand spends much of his time these days as a pundit and analyst for BT Sport.
      Before retiring in 2015, he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League and the League Cup twice. More

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      ‘They know there’s a cost of living crisis, right?’ – Boxing fans fume at DAZN price to watch Anthony Joshua fight

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      FANS have been shocked at the price it will cost to watch Anthony Joshua fight Jermaine Franklin.The Brit will make his comeback against the American on April 1 at the O2 Arena in London.
      Anthony Joshua will return to the ring in AprilCredit: PA
      He will be fighting Jermaine Franklin (left) and it will be streamed on DAZNCredit: PA
      It will be his first fight since he lost his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk back in August.
      The bout will be shown live on DAZN in the UK.
      However, the monthly price to subscribe to the service has jumped from £7.99 to £19.99 per month.
      Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn has a partnership with DAZN and promoted what is coming up this year in a tweet captioned: “No PPV (Pay Per View). Just a small taster of what is to come in 2023.”
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      This has left many fans of the sport fuming with them taking to social media to vent their frustrations.
      One tweeted: “The cheek to say no PPV when the subscription fee to Dazn has just gone up.”
      A second commented: “Going to a supermarket to decide on whether to buy these eggs or get a DAZN monthly subscription is not the executive decision I’m prepared to be making in 2023, got dang it.”
      A third wrote: “They know there’s a cost of living crisis right?
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      “With BT I get moto GP, the footy, UFC and boxing. Sky the same plus NFL and F1. Dazn? Skye Nicholson and Turkish MMA. Bye, bye Eddie!”
      A fourth said: “Technically, it still is because you have to pay to view it on DAZN, and they have just magically increased the monthly fee to £19.99 per month, timely.”
      A fifth added: “No PPV but PPV price every month?”
      Speaking on the fight, Hearn has said: “You go into that fight in April – you know that with defeat, it’s all over, really. It would be a third back-to-back defeat.
      “And yet a great performance and a showreel knockout gets everyone saying, ‘We’re back, we’re back baby.’
      “That’s what I can’t wait for, because I love it when our backs are against the wall.
      “That’s the best moments and this is one of those moments for AJ. He wants a big fight in the summer.
      “The one that would make sense and the one that should be hopefully quite straightforward to make is the rematch with Dillian Whyte.
      “We’re open to a Deontay Wilder fight, we’re open to a Tyson Fury fight.” More