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      in Motorsport

      Rollercoaster life of F1 rookies like Oliver Bearman who must find MILLIONS to race – only to wait tormented in wings

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      THEY’RE the young adrenaline junkies set to take over the world of Formula One – if they can hold their nerve.After impressing on his debut in Saudi Arabia, where he filled in for teammate Carlos Sainz while he underwent surgery for appendicitis, Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman is now tipped to receive a first-team call-up for rival Haas, where he’s also a reserve driver.Oliver Bearman is considered one of the ‘hottest’ young stars in F1Credit: GettyHe placed seventh during his first F1 race, while filling in for Carlos SainzCredit: GettyThe F2 driver from Chelmsford beat seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to finish seventh in Jeddah, and has now been tipped as one of the sport’s hottest young drivers.Oliver, who is dating glamorous TiKTok star Estelle Ogilvy, is reportedly already a millionaire at the age of 18, and can look forward to lapping up the spoils enjoyed by F1 stars if he makes the grid. But while his career appears to have gone from zero to 100mph in no time, it follows years of hard graft and sacrifice as a reserve driver. Contrary to what you might expect, the life of F2 stars is far from the glitz and glamour of a Formula 1 driver, says The Sun’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt.READ MORE SPORT FEATURES“What they do a lot of the time is the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do,” he explains.“Where the F1 drivers will go home to Monaco after a race, the reserve driver will go to the factory and in the simulator and try to ascertain what went right and wrong to make changes and progress.“It’s a thankless task doing all the preparation and making the car better. “You’re not driving, so it can be dispiriting. You’re not getting the chance to show what you can do.Most read in Motorsport”It’s not necessarily a glamorous life.”Here we take a deeper dive into life behind the scenes of a budding F1 star – and the pitfalls that can derail their careers.British wonderkid Oliver Bearman, 16, joins Ferrari young driver academy Cheering him the Ferrari reserve driver on is glamorous girlfriend Estelle, who’s a law studentCredit: Instagram’£9million gamble’The majority of F1 reserve drivers race in the F2 Championship and are part of a team’s young driver programme. Ben explains that they are scouted from the age of 11 – sometimes younger – from go-kart tracks. But go-karting is an expensive hobby, with costs running into tens of thousands, which is why so few racers come from working-class families.Ben says: “We’re seeing less and less stories of people from humble beginnings, like Lewis Hamilton, getting into F1.“That’s because it costs thousands and thousands to race each year, and then hundreds of thousands to do it internationally, with all the flights and accommodation.”Ben estimates it would cost a driver £9million to get into F1, which rules out most budding racers who don’t have wealthy families.But that money can come from a variety of sources. Ferrari Academy driver Oliver during his go-karting career in 2014Credit: AlamyNico Hulkenberg was reportedly paid up to $500,000 a year as a reserve driverCredit: RexBen says: “That can be made up of their parents’ money, sponsorship money, or funds from the young driver programme, which covers most of the costs.“There is also private funding through companies where a business may be asked for £2million in return for a sum from a racer’s future earnings, which could get them many more millions – but that is a gamble for the business.”Working their way up to the F1 championship is a costly endeavour, too, with junior drivers in F2 reportedly needing to stump up around £1.5million to race in competitions. This, for the majority, is covered by the owners of the racing teams.Yahoo reported F2 drivers can make between £180 and £400 per day of work. Other sites have reported they can earn tens of thousands through sponsorship. Costly endeavourAlexander Rossi, who raced for Manor Marussia in 2015Credit: AP:Associated PressIf an aspiring youngster has what it takes they may be called up to serve as an F1 reserve, where they become salaried employees, though they could take home just shy of £20,000 a year. Should an F1 team’s regular driver be forced to pull out – due to injury or sickness – they are compensated, but the sums vary depending on the team. You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with youAlexander RossiUnlike their first-team racing counterparts, few reserve drivers live in glamorous locations like tax haven Monaco, instead settling in the country where their F1 team is based. Alexander Rossi, a test driver for two years until 2014 at Caterham F1 and then a F1 reserve driver for Manor Marussia in 2015, admitted it is an awkward waiting game.“You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with you,” he told The Athletic.  He added it was “a necessary role” as it gives hopeful racers their “first foot in the door” and a taste of what being a first-team driver is like.Who are the 2024 Formula One reserve drivers?RESERVE drivers are the budding F1 stars waiting in the wings for a chance to show what they can do on the race track.
      Often they are already front-runners in the F2 Championship and, alongside racing, carry out testing and simulation work to improve the cars for racing teams.
      Here are the 2024 F1 reserve drivers:

      Red Bull – Liam Lawson
      Ferrari – Oliver Bearman, Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman
      McLaren – Ryo Hirakawa and Pato O’Ward
      Mercedes – Mick Schumacher and Frederik Vesti
      Aston Martin – Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne
      Haas – Pietro Fittipaldi and Oliver Bearman
      Williams – TBC (Development driver: Jamie Chadwick)
      Kick Sauber – Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney
      RB – Liam Lawson
      Alpine – Jack Doohan

      Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan using the simulator to help improve the team’s F1 carCredit: InstagramThe F1 hopeful alongside girlfriend Ebony GoldCredit: GettyHaas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer palsCredit: Getty Images – GettyRossi explained they go into the weekend preparing and participating as if they are going to race the car – despite rarely receiving a call-up.Speaking of the other responsibilities, he added: “You go to all of the same briefings, you go to all the same meetings, you do the track walks, you train with the same physio, you eat the same food, you’re on the same schedule.“You just don’t get to drive. So while the guys were doing the cool things and driving, you’re sitting either in hospitality or on the pit stand, drinking your cappuccinos, playing Candy Crush.”McLaren reserve Pato O’Ward joked he was a “benchwarmer”, adding that the gig offers few thrills. “You get to jump into an F1 car from time to time, which is never a bad thing,” he said. “The rest of it is, it’s probably the worst part of the job.They can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. They really do have to be at the top of their gameBen Hunt, The Sun’s F1 correspondent“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s a lot of sitting down and just listening to experiences that, well, you truly aren’t experiencing. “You’re just hearing what someone else is kind of feeling.”Haas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer pals. “It’s for sure, strange,” he admitted. “You never want to wish anything bad on anybody, and then when something does happen, it’s like, you’re happy that there’s the opportunity, but at the end, you’re friends with the race driver.”He made his F1 debut in 2020, after his teammate Romain Grosjean cheated death in a horror crash at Bahrain.The Frenchman suffered burns on his hands and ankle when he was trapped in his burning car for 28 seconds after hitting a barrier at 120mph which ripped it in two before it burst into flames.’Absolute professionals’Reserve drivers like Mick Schumacher do ‘the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do’Credit: Mick SchumacherThe reserve drivers have to be in ‘peak physical condition’The 24-year-old with his model girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: InstagramAs they could be called on to race at any moment, the reserve drivers need to remain in peak physical condition and train up to four hours a day during pre-season. Ben says: “Reserve drivers are ready-to-go professionals, so they need to be eating the right things, training a few times a week, and in peak physical condition.“That’s part of their role, so they can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. “They really have to be at the top of their game and are absolute professional athletes at that stage.”When it’s their time, they need to do really well. It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them againBen HuntWhen they hit the gym, F1 reserves aren’t looking to ‘get ripped’.Instead they need to hone a lean frame capable of withstanding the brutal conditions inside a cramped F1 car. The muscles that get the toughest workout are in their necks, which need to keep the racer’s head and helmet upright through the twists and turns on a track.Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s neck is reportedly so strong he can crack a walnut with it. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz are said to have spent time lying horizontally with weights strapped to their head to strengthen their necks for races.These exercises are coupled with plenty of running, cycling and swimming to keep them fit and lithe.Liam Lawson with Daniel Riccardo in MelbourneCredit: RexWhen they are not hard at work, some F1 reserve drivers like Liam Lawson share snaps from enviable F1 race locationsCredit: Liam LawsonThe Red Bull reserve driver with his student girlfriend Charlotte MillerCredit: Liam LawsonBen adds: “The key is really being as light as possible but they also need to be strong. “Drivers are subjected to huge G-force in the cockpit that even the best drivers ache and have sore necks.” The reserves also follow strict diet plans from nutritionists – some include eating five to six small meals a day, that are full of greens and protein with minimal carbohydrates. It can come as quite an adjustment for some future F1 stars – before reigning world champion Verstappen hit the big time, the Dutch driver would scoff McDonald’s once or twice a week while racing in F3. ‘Next best thing’Ben explains that the biggest challenge for reserves is staying focused and up to speed on all systems and processes while waiting for their chance to shine. “Reserves can be thrown in at any minute,” he explains. “Driving in F2 is very different to F1, you’re competing in a slower car, so it’s very different.”He adds: “When it’s their time, reserve drivers need to do really well.”It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them again. Mick Schumacher had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slimBen Hunt“With Oliver, he came in with a good attitude, made good qualifying times and had a good race, which led to people saying he deserved to be in F1. “The key is to take the opportunity and not to stuff it up – and if you can do that, like Oliver, you will be called ‘the next best thing’.” Ben says the Ferrari reserve is likely to expand upon his £1m fortune at the end of the season.He adds: “I think he could join Haas, it will be interesting to see what he can do. On the track, he proved he was ready for F1.”Wasted opportunityIt doesn’t always work out for all reserve racers – ultimately, results are key, as Mick Schumacher found out the hard way. The son of legendary driver Michael was dropped by Haas in 2022 after failing to impress, and is now back to being a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Ben says: “Mick had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver, and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slim.” Others become frustrated by constantly waiting in the wings and move on to other disciplines.Former F1 reserve driver Sam Bird decided to make the jump to Formula E – the motorsport championship for electric cars.Ben says: “Sometimes F1 reserve drivers don’t make it. Sam Bird was a good driver and had good F2 form, but never got an opportunity. “He moved to Formula E and has won lots of races. He’s become a success in his own right. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He never got the chance to fulfill his F1 dream because Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were both in the Mercedes team at the time.” While Sainz looks set to return to F1 for the Australian GP this weekend, Oliver will be ready and willing to jump in his seat should his teammate back out last minute…🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      in Soccer

      Fears football hooligan ‘ultras’ who arrange brawls on dark web will spark chaos at Euros & target England fans in pubs

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      FOOTBALL fans heading to Germany for Euro 24 this summer face a resurgence in far right neo-Nazi hooligans who have been overwhelming the police across Europe.And the worst offenders come from the city with the country’s highest number of billionaires – one typically more associated with bankers than brawlers.An Eintracht Frankfurt pitch invader following a recent West Ham matchCredit: ReutersWest Ham fans were attacked in a bar in FrankfurtCredit: Twitter / @Patrick_SGE_Eintracht Frankfurt’s fans have developed such a reputation for violence that they were banned from Napoli’s stadium last year for a Champions League match.But that didn’t stop them causing mayhem in the Italian city, with their supporters throwing objects, smoke bombs and flares at riot squads, and setting fire to a police car.As part of a new series, League of Shame, The Sun examines how football hooliganism is seeing an unwelcome resurgence across the continent – and poses a worrying threat to fans ahead of this summer’s European Championships.Eintracht Frankfurt’s notorious ultras have already caused violence in London when the team played West Ham. They also brawled in Marseille in France and threw flares at Rangers fans in Seville, Spain.Read More in The SunTheir toughest troublemakers – Brigade Nassau – are said to be made up of martial artists, boxers and bouncers.Alarmingly for England fans heading over to support Gareth Southgate’s men in June, their second match is in Frankfurt.And it’s not in the stadiums where supporters are most at risk. Frankfurt yobs like to target bars where opposition supporters are drinking, get into fights at service stations and organise brawls via the dark net.If there are any disturbances the German police will not take a softly, softly approach. They use pepper spray, tear gas and batons on crowds, and have been known to charge at them on horseback.Most read in FootballFlares in the crowd during a clash between Hertha BSC Berlin and SG Dynamo DresdenCredit: Rex FeaturesEintracht Frankfurt’s toughest troublemakers – Brigade Nassau – are said to be made up of martial artists, boxers and bouncersCredit: Youtube/ KING OF THE STREETSEintracht Frankfurt fan Carsten Germann, who writes about the beautiful game in Germany, tells The Sun: “I think very many English fans will travel to Germany for the summer and it might be that there are some troubles prepared.”History of violenceCarsten, 51, knows all too well how quickly cheers can turn to terror in a large crowd.Moment Eintracht thug takes chair to the face as dashcam footage shows ultras ambush Rangers fans in SevilleHe has been an Eintracht Frankfurt fan for over four decades and was twice caught up in violence.Once, in 2002, the hooligans connected to the team tried to beat up supporters of their local rivals Mainz as they travelled to the ground.On another occasion in 1993, while watching Cologne versus Schalke 04 with his father, Carsten feared being trampled to death by police horses.He says: “We were lucky not to get injured or killed within that crowd.”Carsten believes police have done a good job of weeding out troublemakers by infiltrating hooligan gangs and getting intel about potential flare-ups.But there is evidence that the bad old days of the 1980s and 1990s, when hooliganism swept across Europe, are returning.Return of the yobsA police car was set on fire by rioting Eintracht Frankfurt fans in NaplesAn Eintracht Frankfurt yob kicks a bus in NaplesIn November there were around 200 injuries following clashes between the police and Eintracht Frankfurt fans outside the team’s Waldstadion.Stewards and police faced a hail of flares, bottles and metal barriers, with the police alleging that Brigade Nassau were involved.A couple of months earlier pepper spray was used on visiting Cologne fans in the away end at Waldstadion.In 2022, when West Ham played Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, the Hammers supporters were attacked two nights in a row, with hooligans in face masks ambushing a pub packed with fans from London.Most of the troubles don’t take part in the stadiums, they take part in pubs, in highway stations, in parks, in open places in the city centre, you can hardly prevent that. They have appointments made via the dark net for fightsCarsten GermannIt was reported that the ultras searched the centre of the wealthy city for Englishmen in colours to attack.They also staged a mass pitch invasion after defeating West Ham and caused more trouble in Seville ahead of winning the Europa League that year.Carsten says: “There was some trouble in the second leg with West Ham in pubs, there were beatings up, smaller skirmishes in Frankfurt pubs.“Most of the troubles don’t take part in the stadiums, they take part in pubs, in highway stations, in parks, in open places in the city centre, you can hardly prevent that.“They have appointments made via the dark net for fights.”’Nazi links’One member of Brigade Nassau is a bare knuckle streetfighter called Goscha 1996, who can be seen laying into an opponent after flooring him in a warehouseCredit: Youtube/ KING OF THE STREETSWhen Eintracht Frankfurt played in Marseille, a fan performed a Nazi salute and UEFA charged the club with racist behaviour.But Brigade Nassau, who wear black T-shirts, deny being a far right organisation.There are over 500 Frankfurt Ultras, an organisation formed in 1997, taking in a notorious grouping called Inferno Bad Schwalbach. One member of Brigade Nassau is a bare knuckle streetfighter called Goscha 1996, who can be seen laying into an opponent after flooring him in a warehouse.Goscha has recently taken to professional MMA bouts in places as far away as Newcastle in England.EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’S HALL OF SHAMEThe German side’s qualification for the Europa League in 2021-22 gave their hooligans the opportunity to menace several countries.
      In the group stages 100 fans were arrested in Antwerp in Belgium for pelting the police and attacking locals in a bar.
      They went even further against West Ham, first attacking the supporters of the London side in Seville, even though they weren’t playing each other.
      The Frankfurt supporters were reported to have descended on an Irish bar in March 2022, having spotted the Hammers fans.
      Images posted on social media showed them throwing poles and glass bottles at the supporters from England. Frankfurt’s yobs had already clashed with police in nearby Betis.
      Two months later when West Ham played in Frankfurt in the second leg of the semi-final, one of their supporters ended up in hospital following an attack by 15-20 men in face masks in a bar.
      Supporters from Glasgow side Rangers were on the receiving end of similar treatment ahead of the final in Seville in May 2022. 
      Clips show them hurling chairs at Scottish fans drinking in a bar and fighting running battles in the streets.

      Most ultras don’t wish to be labelled hooligans. Instead they claim to just want to use flares, fly flags, march together and show their support for the team.One, named Sascha, claimed the Ultras draw young fans away from violence.He commented: “In the past, there were only two options as a young fan in the stadium. You could either go to the G-Block or join the hooligans. “Young people today can also join the Ultras, which is what they do. Every minute you spend working on choreography ideas is also a minute in which you don’t think about violence.”He claimed that there were less hooligans these days, but heavy handed policing led to trouble.Carsten says: “Eintracht Frankfurt is a very emotional club and it is difficult for the clubs to prevent the violence.”Lower league loutsDynamo Dresden fans clashed with police and Turkgucu Munich fans in 2021Credit: AlamyPolice break up fight between Dynamo Dresden and St Pauli fansCredit: AlamyDynamo fans set off pyrotechnics behind Dresden goalkeeper Kevin BrollCredit: AlamyThey are certainly not the only side in Germany currently wrestling with dangerous elements.In November riot police stormed into an altercation at a St Pauli game against Hannover 96, and earlier in the season police accidentally fired a live round into an empty supporter’s coach in Augsburg.Schalke 04, a big club currently in the second tier of the Bundesliga, can’t shake off their hooligans.When they played Hansa Rostock in December, the match was held up for half an hour due to Schalke yobs smashing the barrier separating opposing fans.There were also injuries following violence involving Schalke fans in 2018, 2019 and 2022.Street battlesOften it is the teams in the lower leagues that experience the worst trouble.Over in the east of the country, Dynamo Dresden and BFC Dynamo Berlin have a large ultra section that create a heady atmosphere at matches.Generally they are peaceful, but there have been street battles in the past decade.GERMAN HOOLIGANS AWAYLIKE Britain, Germany has been infected by football hooliganism since the 1980s – but it was perhaps worse in the 1990s.
      One of the most shocking incidents was during the 1998 World Cup in France, when a policeman was left with permanent brain damage following an attack by German louts.
      Two years later at the Euro 2000 tournament in Belgium, an English fan was stabbed as compatriots battled in the streets with German ones.
      It seemed to have been stamped out by intelligence led policing, but in the past few years it’s flared up again.
      In 2017 the kick-off at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London had to be delayed due to trouble caused by visiting fans from the German side Cologne.

      In 2016, Dynamo Dresden fans clashed with local rivals RB Leipzig, going so far as to hurl a severed bull’s head at the opposition.At a 2021 clash between Dynamo Berlin and FC Lokomotive Leipzig, 20 people were injured – and three years earlier there was a huge brawl when they took on FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin.Both teams had links with the Communist secret police, known as the Stasi, when they were part of East Germany.These days they are more likely to have Nazi associations, partly due to the rise of far right parties such as Alternative for Germany. One club in the east of the country that has been shamed by its Nazi sympathies is fourth tier side Chemnitzer FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2019 the CEO resigned after fans were allowed to hold a tribute to a far right hooligan called Thomas Haller, and the club ditched their captain Daniel Frahn after he held up a T-shirt bearing the message “support your local hools”.With players displaying that attitude the German game clearly has some work to do.A mass pitch invasion by Eintracht Frankfurt fans following Europa League winCredit: AFPMasked Dynamo Dresden fans let off flaresCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Sun mascot Harry Mane checks out England’s Euro 2024 team hotel – complete with robot waiter and six restaurants

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      OUR football mascot Harry Mane lapped up the luxury of England’s fabulous Euro 2024 team hotel yesterday — and relaxed with a copy of the super roar-away Sun.The Three Lions beat host nation Germany to the best base available ahead of this June’s tournament.The Sun’s Harry Mane visited the Weimarer Land golf resort and Spa in Germany, which will host the England team for Euro 2024 tournamentCredit: Darren FletcherEngland managed to beat host nation Germany to book the in-demand resortCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s stars will be able to unwind in luxury before the tournament and between gamesCredit: Darren FletcherThe hotel is centrally located which is helpful to England’s plansAnd our furry footie fan looked like the big cat who’s got the cream, with his paws up on one of the beds Harry Kane and Co will kip in during their glory bid.The Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa scored on all counts when we were given special permission to review it.Gareth Southgate’s squad will be served by 160 staff at the vast 350-acre leisure site at Blankenhain, eastern Germany — including a robot waiter called Robbie.Robbie, with flashing blue eyes, says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work” as he collects dishes from guests at one of the hotel’s six restaurants.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Our Harry — named after the goal-getting England captain — devoured a rare steak before a Peter Crouch-style robot dance with the droid.He moved on to attempt his own brand of crazy golf at one of the forest-fringed site’s three courses, where England stars will relax between games and training.Harry also showed off his silky skills on the pristine Uefa-standard training pitch installed on the site for the England team.He then went for a warm down at the spa complex.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis Wags and families are expected to visit if England progress towards the final in Berlin — and the “Rabbit Club” will lay on play activities for kids.The hotel has been massively redeveloped by millionaire entrepreneur Matthias Grafe.I have always said I’m only interested in having one team here — the team that wins the Euros — and I believe that team will be EnglandMathias GrafeHotel ownerLeipzig is the nearest big city but Erfurt, a 40-minute drive away, has good air and rail links to all ten tournament stadia.Southgate is understood to have been impressed by the space and facilities on offer at the isolated but secure rural site.FA planners signed off on a deal estimated at £800,000 for exclusive use of the 94-room hotel and its facilities for the duration of the tournament.The Germans wanted to base their squad at the resort and will stay there for around two weeks in the build-up to the tournament.But they have been contractually obliged to switch to a base in Herzogenaurach, Bavarian home town of their kit maker adidas.England’s stars will be served by Robbie the robot waiterCredit: Darren FletcherEngland boss Gareth Southgate is said to be very impressed by the resortCredit: Darren FletcherGerman adidas banners and livery will be taken down and replaced by logos of England’s sponsor Nike and Three Lions decor before the stars arrive.Players will stay in simply- furnished timber-clad rooms boasting boast pine forest views.Temptations include crisp Warsteiner beer on draft, a choice of 300 fine wines, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant and an opulent cigar lounge.But the FA will be bringing its own team of chefs and dieticians to maximise the performance of a squad widely believed to have England’s best chance of silverware success since 1966.Southgate and the team will arrive eight days before their first game against Serbia on June 16.Owner Mr Grafe told The Sun: “The German team wanted to be based at my hotel but they have been obliged to work with their adidas sponsors so we’re delighted to welcome England instead.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe German said he would find his loyalties torn if the two countries meet during the tournament.But he added: “I have always said I’m only interested in having one team here — the team that wins the Euros — and I believe that team will be England.”Southgate and the team will arrive eight days before England’s first gameCredit: Darren FletcherThe footballers will have to try to avoid the temptation to order beers from the barCredit: Darren FletcherEngland striker Harry Kane knows Germany well already from his time at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Kate Abdo’s glam life with boxer boyfriend Malik Scott – from chats with Cristiano Ronaldo to designer wardrobe

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      SHE once donned the uniform of a Greggs cashier, but these days you’re more likely to see Kate Abdo dripping from head to toe in Louis Vuitton.Having shared TV screens with sports heavyweights like Cristiano Ronaldo and Tyson Fury, the Manchester-born presenter, 42, is at the top of her game after making her name on US television.Kate Abdo has made a name for herself as one of football’s top presentersCredit: EPAShe went public with boxing trainer Malik Scott (left), who has been working with Deontay WilderCredit: InstagramThe presenter was prasied after putting down Jamie Carragher after a cringe joke about her boyfriendCredit: CBS SportsThis week, the CBS Sports host won a new legion of fans for her “brilliant” response to Jamie Carragher’s cringe joke about her new boyfriend during a Champions League tie.After Arsenal beat Porto on penalties on Tuesday, the Liverpool legend made a bizarre jibe about Kate’s ‘loyalty’ to boxing trainer Malik Scott, who she went ‘Instagram official’ with earlier this month.The following night, the former Sky Sports host quipped that Jamie was the “annoying middle-child” of their punditry team – which also includes Thierry Henry and Micah Richards – adding that he has a “chip on his shoulder, capable of saying anything for attention”.She finished: “But we all have that one annoying family member that we still love and accept.”READ MORE ON KATE ABDO The strange episode came weeks after Kate finally confirmed her relationship with Malik, who has helped train superstar boxers including Deontay Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk.Jamie and Micah left their pal blushing when they first teased out the secretive relationship live on air back in December.In a sign of blunders to come, Carragher said, “You went to Alabama, how’d it go? What happened?”, before adding: “Are we going to meet Malik?”Kate reportedly first laid eyes on Deontay Wilder’s trainer last summer following her split with Ratmin Abdo, who is said to be worth around £10million.Most read in FootballKate and Malik recently went ‘Instagram official’Credit: Kate Abdo/InstagramWhen she’s not interviewing some of the sporting world’s finest, she’s enjoying glam holidaysCredit: Instagram/kateabdoBoth stars clearly share a love for fitness – regularly posting snaps online of their incredible physiques from intense workouts.Before Malik threw in the towel to become Wilder’s coach in 2021, he had an impressive boxing career himself.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV The Philadelphia-born brawler held a 38-3 record as a heavyweight and even fought on major cards against Luis Ortiz and Dereck Chisora.Since retiring in 2017, he has taken on prize fighters including Oleksandr Usyk – climbing the ranks as a highly-respected trainer.Now worth an estimated £1.1million, Malik looks as though he has met his match with Kate, who herself is worth about £2million.Aside from their soppy love posts on social media, the power couple have been seen getting hot and heavy in the ring.Under Malik’s guidance, footage showed Kate throwing some bruising combinations at the premier Brickhouse Boxing Club in California.Sacked from GreggsGlamorous Kate, who began her career at Sky Sports, is fluent in Spanish, French and German.So it’s no surprise that she’s often seen jet-setting across the world, posting pictures on Instagram of her jaw-dropping trips to hotspots like Belize and Qatar.After a stint at CNN, she left for Sky Sports Germany where she appeared on pay per view boxing events, European football coverage, transfer deadline day and Sky Sports News shows.Laura described Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘very confident in front of the camera’, unlike Lionel MessiCredit: AlamyShe’s interviewed sport’s greatest figures including Tyson FuryCredit: instagram/@kateabdoShe worked in the US for Fox Sports, but it’s CBS Sports that turned her into a household name in the States.Back in 2016, she landed a plum role as host of the Ballon d’Or ceremony and revealed what it was really like to interview the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.”Messi’s quite quiet, he’s quite reserved, he’s a little bit shy,” she said”Whereas Ronaldo comes across as very confident, he’s very comfortable in front of the cameras and he’ll give you a little bit more back.”Interviewing football’s biggest names couldn’t be further away from her first gig, working in a Greggs in Stretford.[I worked at a] Greggs in Stretford. I wasn’t dripping in Louis Vuitton so much back then – it was my first jobKate AbdoShe explained: “I wasn’t dripping in Louis Vuitton so much back then – it was my first job.”The admission stunned Carragher, who was left even more surprised when he discovered Kate was sent her P45 by the fast food chain.”I got fired,” she admitted. “I got my tongue pierced and I couldn’t speak to people properly.”The CBS sports host joked that Carragher was like the ‘annoying middle-child’ of their punditry teamCredit: Kate Abdo/Instagram’Best-dressed’When it’s not Kate’s cheeky quips attracting attention, it’s often her flawless fashion sense.She’s previously poked fun at her expensive spending habits when she joked about “dripping in Louis Vuitton”. But it’s not the only designer brand she’s got a penchant for. In an Instagram post last month while in Las Vegas, she shared snaps of her glamorous outfits alongside the caption: “Find me in your local Versace store” with several laughing emojis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Mancunian isn’t afraid to take fashion risks either. She was previously praised after presenting in a bold orange jumpsuit, a leather suit and an all-rounder wrap. It led one fan to write: “Just looked up from my phone at this jumpsuit Kate Abdo is wearing. Top five best-dressed people on TV…”Kate’s often been praised for being ahead of the curve fashion-wiseCredit: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazoThe presenter is a big fan of high-end designers including VersaceCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola McLean backs our Footie For All Campaign to give clubs £1k funding boost

      by

      NICOLA McLean praises The Sun for ensuring every child can play football as we relaunch our Footie For All funding. In partnership with Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign, we have another 150 grants to hand out to youth grass root football clubs across the UK. The reality star is delighted to see more girls playing football thanks to our grantCredit: Olivia WestNicola’s son Rocky, 13, had played for the boys devision of the clubCredit: Olivia WestWAG and Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola said: “Playing sport is something every child deserves to have access to, no matter what life is like at home. “Seeing the work of this grant from The Sun and Tesco in action is amazing, as all the girls here clearly love playing football. This cash makes sure they can keep getting training despite money being tight for everyone.  “I’m excited that women’s football is getting so much attention, and who knows, maybe one of the players here will represent England one day.”Her backing follows the support of Jarrod Bowen, Eric Dier, Raheem Sterling, and Gary Lineker. READ MORE ON FOOTIE FOR ALLLast 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 grassroots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership, according to charity Sported.Our last round of funding saw £150,000 given to remarkable clubs, and we’ve been blown away by how much they do to help their community while ensuring everyone keeps playing the beautiful game. From starting up new teams, providing free places for low-income families children to replacing old and out of date equipment, the cash has been put to good use.Most read in FootballSo today we urge YOU to apply for one of our fantastic 150 Footie For All grants.The cash can be used in any way that encourages more children to take up the sport or improves access to the game.How to apply
      WE want to hear about YOUR club and the huge difference you make for kids in your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland, working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that gets kids into the sport.
      Your club might need help with pitch fees or want to sponsor places for kids from low-income families.

      Entries close at midnight, April 30.

      Nicola has spent years ferrying her boys to grassroots training and knows how important it isCredit: Olivia WestIan Wright confirms plans for when season ends on Sky Sports after Carragher jokes ‘You’re on a Bosman this summer’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.Nicola, 42, has had first-hand experience of grassroots as both her boys have played for local clubs since they were four years old. She went to visit the girls division of Flackwell Heath Minors team to see how they are putting their grant to use getting more girls involved. During her visit to the Buckinghamshire club, she said: “I’ve loved seeing how this club has embraced the girls and made them feel as welcome and as good as the boys teams. They’re all amazing.”Footie favourites back Sun campaignPREM stars have queued up to praise our grassroots drive….
      PHIL FODEN
      Reddish Vulcans, Manchester City, England
      “Grass roots 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.”
      HARRY MAGUIRE
      Brunsmeer Athletic, Barnsley, Sheffield United, Hull City, Leicester City, Manchester United, England 
       “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.”
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Alpha & Omega FC, QPR, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea & England 
       “MY mentor got me into football to correct my behaviour. I found something I wanted to put my energy into. I fell in love with it – and I made friends for life.”
      JARROD BOWEN
      Leominster Miners, Hereford Utd, Hull City, West Ham & England
       “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.”
      JOHN STONES
      Penistone Church FC, 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.
      “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.”
      ERIC DIER
      “FOOTBALL is a lifeline for many. 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.”

      She’s used to ferrying her boys to training sessions, as both Rocky, 13, and Striker, 18, have played football at a grassroots level.  Nicola said: “My youngest son Rocky played for Flackwell Heath. Grassroots football is majorly important. Both of my boys have done it, and it’s given them a sense of community, and it’s been a great way to make friends. “Kids also learn how to win and how to lose. They need to be taught both of those.“It’s a great thing to do and as many people who can be involved in grassroots football should be. It really shouldn’t come down to finances as to if a kid can play or not. All I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing football.Declan Breen, club chairman“It needs to be open to as many people as possible, and that is what The Sun’s grant ensures.”Nicola, who is married to former West Ham player Tom Williams, was told by coaches that the girls had improved in confidence and skills since playing with their own gender. Rocky now plays for Slough, and Striker is honing his skills at Beaconsfield. Thanks to our grant, the club has been able to rent more pitch spaces and boy more goals to see as many girls as possible playing with them.Flackwell Heath Minors chairman Declan Breen said: “The grant means we’re not restricted by money when it comes to provisions. “We’ve been able to rent more pitches and get goals, allowing more girls to play with us. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s also helped cover the costs of one of our teams, too.“It’s been fantastic, so all I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing football.”Declan Breen told Nicola how much of a difference the grant is making to the clubCredit: Olivia WestShe reguarly watches her son Striker play matches with his local clubShe even took a turn at showing off her fancy footwork with the girlsCredit: Olivia West More

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      in Boxing

      From sex abuse scandals to dodgy pasts, why fight rivals Jake Paul & Mike Tyson have more in common than you might think

      by

      IT’S being billed as the most bizarre fight of the century.In the red corner is the former world undisputed heavyweight champ “Iron” Mike Tyson, 57, who was using a walking stick in footage from 2022 unearthed this week.Boxing champ ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson will fight internet star Jake PaulCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe fight is expected to generate £234millionCredit: Instagram/jakepaulTyson is the former world undisputed heavyweight champCredit: GettyThe ferocious former “Baddest Man On The Planet”, who retired in 2005, has released his first clip of training footage, leading fans to fear he is in trouble.In the blue corner will be internet star Jake Paul, 27, whose fighting career includes bouts with other YouTubers, and MMA fighters. He was beaten last year by boxer and former Love Islander Tommy Fury, younger brother of reigning WBC champion Tyson.The fight is expected to generate £234million but has been criticised by UFC president Dana White and fighter Conor McGregor.Read More on SportThe clash, which will be aired on Netflix in July, is being billed as a battle between boxing’s old guard and a new breed.But the two boxers have more in common than than you might think – as Grace Macaskill reveals.SEX ABUSE SCANDALSTYSON served three years in jail for the rape of Desiree Washington when she was 18.The victim, who was Miss Black Rhode Island at the time, said he assaulted her in an Indiana hotel room in 1991.Most read in BoxingTyson’s police mugshot in 1995Credit: Rex FeaturesTyson served three years in jail for the rape of Desiree Washington when she was 18Credit: RexPaul is worth an estimated £31millionCredit: Instagram/jakepaulPaul stands in the ring during the fifth round of his fight against Nate Diaz in 2023Credit: GettyAn A&E doctor who examined her confirmed her injuries were consistent with being raped.Tyson is a registered sex offender under federal law for life.How Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson can bring boxing back to viewing figures of Muhammad Ali with 260MILLION expected to watchJake Paul faced abuse allegations from two women in 2021, although no charges have been brought.TikToker Justine Paradise, 30, released a 20 minute YouTube video claiming he forced her to perform oral sex in his bedroom in July 2019. She alleged they danced and kissed consensually at first but then he got physical with her.Paul denied the allegation on Twitter, calling it “manufactured” and denied he ever had a sexual relationship with Justine.Actress and model Railey Lollie came forward shortly after Justine’s allegations. She accused Paul of groping her without consent in 2017, according to the New York Times.The 24-year-old alleges that when she was 17, he would call her “jailbait”.COMEBACKSTHERE will be a lot at stake for both men when they square up.Ageing Tyson is attempting to show the world he still has what it takes to win, while Paul wants to come back from his defeat to Tommy Fury in February.Jake Paul fought Tommy Fury in Saudi ArabiaCredit: ReutersTyson leaves the ring after receiving a split draw against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020Credit: GettyIn 1986, age 20, Iron Mike became the youngest man ever to win a world heavyweight title — but his career spiralled out of control due to sex, drink and drugs.He hasn’t boxed since an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, which ended in a draw, and his last professional bout was 15 years earlier when he was beaten by Kevin McBride.Two years ago, Tyson was pictured using a walking stick, and this week he released a training video which one fan reckoned showed he had “weak jabs”.When Paul took on Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia, it was one of the most anticipated-ever boxing contests between two novices.Despite the former Love Island star being knocked down by the YouTuber in the eighth round, Tommy won on a split decision.Paul later said: “Tommy didn’t win the fight — I lost it. I was not good, I was not on my A-game.“I didn’t implement my game plan. My legs were weak going into the fight — but I don’t want to sit here and make excuses.”LOVE LIVESFROM fake weddings to a wife who cheated with Brad Pitt, the course of true love hasn’t run smooth for either man.Iron Mike has been married three times, while Paul has staged two marriage ceremonies for his 60million-plus social media followers.Tyson’s first marriage, to actress Robin Givens in 1988, lasted just a yearCredit: Time & Life Pictures – GettyTyson was married to paediatrician Monica Turner from 1997 to 2003Credit: Las Vegas SunTyson is currently married to Lakiha SpicerCredit: GettyPaul faked his first wedding to fellow internet star Erika Costell in June 2017Credit: GettyIn 2019 Paul announced his engagement to YouTuber Tana Mongeau and they married a month later in Las VegasCredit: The Mega AgencyTyson’s first marriage, to actress Robin Givens in 1988, lasted just a year.According to the heavyweight boxer, they quickly tied the knot when Givens told him she was pregnant.He gave her and her mum £3million to buy a New Jersey estate and put £6.5million in her bank account.But Tyson claims Robin told him she had miscarried shortly after the money was exchanged.They filed for divorce but carried on seeing each other — until he walked in on her having sex with Brad Pitt.Tyson later claimed Pitt begged him not to hit him.He said: “You had to see the look on his face. He looked like he was ready to receive his last rites.”Givens, who admits to dating Brad, says the story is untrue.From 1997 to 2003, Tyson was married to paediatrician Monica Turner after meeting her at a party thrown by comedian Eddie Murphy.She visited him in prison after he was convicted of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington — and when he was released in 1992 the pair set up home in Maryland.Turner filed for divorce four years later, claiming adultery.Tyson is currently married to Lakiha Spicer, 47, better known as Kiki, who met him aged 18 when they were introduced by boxing promoter Don King.They started dating in the early noughties and married in 2009. They exchanged vows in 2009, two weeks after the dad-of-seven’s daughter Exodus, four, choked to death in a freak accident.Despite being obviously in love, Tyson recently admitted he has only been faithful to Kiki for the past two years of their marriage.His wife has also had problems with the law. You had to see the look on his [Brad Pitt’s] face. He looked like he was ready to receive his last ritesIn 2008 she was given six months in federal jail for defrauding £60,000 from a company owned by her dad.Paul faked his first wedding to fellow internet star Erika Costell in June 2017, before the pair released a song together. Three months later he admitted the ceremony wasn’t real and they weren’t even dating. But the next year their relationship went from staged to reality when they were filmed shopping and holding hands in his documentary The Secrets Of Jake Paul.In 2019 Paul announced his engagement to YouTuber Tana Mongeau and they married a month later in Las Vegas. Then they admitted that they weren’t officially married either and it was all a show.”Paul and 28-year-old brother Logan have a fierce rivalry now the latter has also taken up boxing.According to Jake, Logan slept with his ex-girlfriend Alissa Violet before the older sibling boasted on a music video: “She used to be your chick, now she’s on my team.”Alissa and Paul met in 2017, when she was a singer in his manufactured band Team 10.Both accused each other of cheating, while Alissa claimed Jake had physically and mentally abused her, which he denied.In a now-deleted tweet, Jake accused Alissa of sleeping with Logan, writing: “Alissa f***ed my brother . . . that’s why I kicked her out. Oopsie — I just told them the truth.”Logan then added fuel to the first in a diss track called The Fall Of Jake Paul.DODGY PASTSTYSON has had his fair share of drama in the ring — and outside it.In his 2013 autobiography, Undisputed Truth, he admitted he was high on drugs during some of his fights.One of Tyson’s lowest points came when he bit off part of opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear during a bout in 1997Credit: SkyPaul claimed Covid was a ‘hoax’ and threw a huge party during the pandemicCredit: youtube/Logan PaulHe said he had taken cocaine and cannabis before a fight against Lou Savarese in Glasgow in 2000, but avoided being caught by using a “fake penis where you put in someone’s clean urine to pass your drug test.”His lowest points came when he bit off part of opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear during a bout in 1997 and being knocked out by underdog Buster Douglas in 1990.Tyson blew his £401million fortune on luxury cars — including a Cadillac and Lamborghini — £1.75million on a sold gold bathtub and paying a trainer £80,000 a year to look after his two pet Bengal tigers.While Tyson can’t seem to leave his boxing career behind, Jake Paul has also been desperate for the limelight.Paul — nicknamed “The Problem Child” — was filmed rapping the N-word to a song in 2018.Two years later he was allegedly seen with vandals and looters during the Arizona protests against George Floyd’s death at the hands of a cop in Minnesota, although he insists he was only there to film.The FBI raided his home in California in 2020 in relation to the incident but no charges were brought.My life was pretty much ruined. YouTube demonetised me, every brand dropped meJake PaulPaul, who is worth £31million, claimed Covid was a “hoax” and threw a huge party during the pandemic.His brother Logan, also a social media star, was forced to deny accusations he scammed fans with his cryptocurrency game project Cryptozoo.Jake also got flak after Logan posted an insensitive video depicting the body of a man who had hanged himself in Japan’s Aokigahara “suicide” forest.After advertisers wanted nothing to do with either brother due to the shocking footage, Jake revealed he thought about suicide.He said: “My life was pretty much ruined. YouTube demonetised me, every brand dropped me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m sitting there at 21, I lost basically all my income because of something my brother did, I’m blacklisted.“Everything in my life was falling apart. Dark thoughts come into your head of like, ‘I don’t wanna be her on earth anymore’.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Olly Murs hails The Sun’s £150k grants to grassroots football, saying ‘now no kids gets left behind’

      by

      OLLY MURS has hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign – as we help grassroots clubs net a share of a new £150,000 cashpot.In partnership with Tesco’s Stronger Starts initiative, we have a further 150 grants of £1,000 each to hand out to youth clubs across the UK.Olly Murs has hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign, which funds grassroots clubs across the countryCredit: Paul EdwardsPopstar Murs, who played semi-professionally before hitting the big time, represented England at Soccer Aid 2012 in aid of Unicef at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – ContributorThe bumper fund matches our first round of grants dished out last year.Visiting the Crown & Manor club in Hackney, East London — one of the recipients of our initial awards — Olly, 39, said: “In 2024 the cost of ­living is so high for so many families.“For the kids to suffer and not be able to come and play football because their ­parents cannot afford it would be such a tragedy.“So the fact The Sun and Tesco are doing this will help families to get their children playing football.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“That’s the good thing about this campaign. The grants are there to ensure no kid gets left behind.”We launched our Footie For All campaign last year to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing children to give up football.A safe spaceFigures from charity Sported showed 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were worried about the impact soaring costs were having on membership.Our first batch of grants saw £150,000 given out thanks to support from Tesco Stronger Starts, which funds healthy food and activities for kids across the UK.Most read in FootballWe were inundated with applications for help, along with stories of local teams making a huge difference in their communities.So we wanted to offer clubs more assistance.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralFrom starting up new teams and providing free places for kids of low-income families, to replacing old and out-of-date equipment, the cash has gone to good use.So today we urge YOU to apply for one of our fantastic new Footie For All grants.They can be used in any way that encourages kids to take up the sport or aids access to the game.Perhaps you are a local team that wants to offer parents help with membership fees.Maybe you need new kits or more pitch space to play on.Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.Before shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2009, Olly played semi-professionally for Witham Town in Essex until 2008, when injury ended his career.It’s great to see the impact this grant is having on the kidsOlly MursThe singer — soon to become a dad for the first time with bodybuilder wife Amelia Tank — was delighted to see kids benefit from our campaign.The chart-topper and Soccer Aid regular said: “It’s an honour to be at Crown & Manor and to see where the money is going that The Sun and Tesco have put together.“I’m sure playing here helps them with communication as they interact across different age groups and it brings them together. There are ­different ages, cultures, ­languages, and they all just love ­playing football.“It doesn’t matter who you are off the pitch. It all comes down to who is going to win that ball first.“It’s great to see the impact this grant is having on the kids at Crown & Manor.”The club’s youngsters come mainly from low income families.Organisers aim to provide a safe space and positive role models for every child.For just £1, kids have access to sport, homework help and a chance to socialise with their peers.Olly started his playing career with Valley Green, near his home in Witton, Essex, where his dad coached.Life changing opportunity He says it gave him confidence and taught him how to chat with anyone.“For me, at 13 years of age, playing grassroots football was where my social network began,” he said.“It’s where I got all my friends. It was my escapism from all my other worries, like school or experiences as a teenager. It gave me the confidence to chat with people and I had team-mates I could lean on if I ever got in any trouble.“When I get back to Essex, I still see the people I used to play with. That friendship has never been forgotten. Grassroots was a big part of my life and I think every kid should get involved in something team related. I know my life would have been different without it.”During his visit to the 100-year-old Crown & Manor club, Olly had a kickaround with the 13, 14 and 15-year-olds, who had no problem trying to steal the ball from him.Olly enjoyed a kickabout with young players from Crown and Manor football club in HackneyCredit: Paul EdwardsReality star and mum-of-two Nicola McLean, 42, visited Flackwell Heath Minors girls’ team to see how the money we awarded is being put to useCredit: Olivia WestAs well as posing for selfies, he even took a turn in goal.But thanks to his squad’s defenders, he didn’t have to make any saves.Former West Ham Academy player and team coach Jason Mason, 39, was impressed with Olly’s skills on the pitch.And he is glad The Sun has been able to provide each of Crown & Manor’s teams with a new strip.“The £1,000 grant means our four teams have a new kit,” he said.“Some of them were getting very old. It’s helped us a lot with making that possible.”Having Olly down to play some games also really boosted the boys.‘Sense of community’Jason said: “It’s great for them to see that Olly is just a normal person like them. They’ve really enjoyed the ­session, and how many people can say they’ve played football with Olly Murs?”Mum Tyler, whose son Artie, 12, plays football at Crown & Manor, said of her lad: “He’s been coming to the club since he was about six.“It’s amazing what they do for the kids. Everyone is so lovely and it’s a really nice place for him to be. It’s built his confidence 100 per cent. He started secondary school and knowing the older kids from football made it so much easier.“I’d never let my son out on the streets, so if he wasn’t here he’d be in his bedroom on a PlayStation or something. Every youth worker, regardless of their age, helps our children in different ways.”Meanwhile, reality star and mum-of-two Nicola McLean, 42, visited Flackwell Heath Minors girls’ team to see how the money we awarded is being put to use.On her trip to the Bucks club, she said: “I’ve loved seeing how this club has embraced the girls and made them feel as welcome as the boys’ teams. They’re all amazing.”Nicola is used to ferrying her boys — Rocky, 18, and 13-year-old Striker — to training sessions as both played football at this level.The star, married to former West Ham player Tom Williams, 43, said: “My eldest son Rocky played for Flackwell Heath. Grassroots football is majorly important. Both my boys have done it. It’s given them a sense of ­community and it’s been a great way to make friends.“Kids also learn how to win and lose. They need to be taught both of those. It’s a great thing and as many people as possible should be involved in grassroots football.All I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing ­footballDeclan Breen “It shouldn’t come down to finances whether a kid can play or not. That is what The Sun’s grant ensures.”Nicola was told by coaches at Flackwell Heath Minors that the girls had improved in confidence and skills since playing with their own gender.Thanks to our Footie For All grant, the club has been able to rent and buy more of the things it needs to open up the game to as many girls as possible.Club chairman Declan Breen said: “The grant means we’re not restricted by money when it comes to provisions.“We’ve been able to rent more pitches and get goals, allowing more girls to play with us.“It’s also helped cover the costs of one of our teams.“It’s been fantastic, so all I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing ­football.”Olly, soon to become a father with wife Amelia Tank, was delighted to see kids benefit from The Sun’s football campaignCredit: GettyCurzon Ashton FC Community FoundationDESPITE there being a high number of low-income families locally, this club is ensuring that money is not a barrier to kids joining its ranks.Ashton-under-Lyme is a deprived part of Greater Manchester, but Curzon Ashton FC charges just £3 a session and has players aged six to 80, some with disabilities.Curzon Ashton FC has many projects including weekly after-school girls’ football sessionsFoundation manager Mike Smith, 54, from Gateshead, says: “Everything we do is virtually free or for a small subscription. Football is a powerful tool for engaging with the community and keeping people socialised, fit and active.” Their many projects include weekly after-school girls’ football sessions, with 21 youngsters participating so far. Mike says: “It gives parents the chance to let the children do something free.”Our £1,000 grant has helped pay for this, plus new equipment.Mike adds: “Thanks to the funding from The Sun and Tesco we’re able to give girls the opportunity to play and learn new skills.”Northwich Victoria Juniors FCTHIS busy club has a mighty 22 teams, with players starting as young as six, and ensures everyone has the opportunity to access football.“That’s our ethos,” says chairman Robert Walsh, 50, who has worked at the Cheshire club for a decade, starting as a coach. Football is an amazing way for young kids to make friends and gives confidence as well as being a great way of keeping fit and active.”Northwich Victoria Juniors FC has 22 teams to joinThe club used its £1,000 Sun grant to buy new equipment, including goals, corner flags and “respect barriers” to ensure players are kept safe.Like other clubs, Northwich has seen a huge rise in the numbers of girls wanting to play, and the grant is helping to launch two new female teams.Robert adds: “We have enough demand to create even more teams than that, but our problem is finding volunteers to coach as we’re not paid.”Cheadle And Gatley JFCFORMER club member Holly Deering, 18, recently broke into the Manchester United ladies’ first team, alongside England stars Ella Toone and Mary Earps.So there is much to be proud of for this Stockport side, marking its 50th birthday, which has 750 members and 15 girls’ teams.Cheadle And Gatley JFC has a whopping 750 membersIt has put a lot of cash, including its £1,000 grant, into a Girls’ Development Centre, and seen huge results.For the past seven years the club has been producing one or two new girls’ teams a year.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut demand has rocketed since the Lionesses’ success and there are plans for four or five new teams for girls aged seven to ten.Club treasurer Richard Hubbard, 52, says almost half a dozen members have turned pro in the last couple of years, adding: “The club is open-access sports for all. If there are parents who are financially challenged, we offer discounted membership.”How to apply
      WE want to hear about YOUR club and the huge difference you make for kids in your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland, working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that gets kids into the sport.
      Your club might need help with pitch fees or want to sponsor places for kids from low-income families.

      To apply and for full terms and conditions, see tescostronger starts.org.uk/footiefund

      Entries close at midnight, April 30. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      The £26bn Red Bull tycoon who holds Christian Horner’s future in his hands… and whose playboy son has scandal of his own

      by

      HE’S the Formula 1 tycoon who could single-handedly steer Christian Horner’s career to safety.Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya holds the biggest stake in the company and is said to be the most important supporter of the embattled team principal.Chalerm Yoovidhya, pictured next to wife Daranee, shows his support for Christian and Geri at the weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Bull owner with three-time world champion Max VerstappenCredit: APF1 boss Horner, who is married to ex Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was rocked last week after bombshell ‘sext’ messages with an alleged female colleague were leaked online.Only 24 hours before, he had been cleared of misconduct towards the woman by an internal probe – allegations he had always denied.Now, an astonishing civil war has broken out at Red Bull after Jos Verstappen – the dad of superstar driver Max – warned the team will “explode” if the 50-year-old stays.While some high profile figures in the company have reportedly turned on Horner, Chalerm – who is worth £26billion – remains his most crucial public ally.Read more on Christian HornerAt the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend, the pair were pictured together alongside their wives, Geri and Daranee, as they celebrated three-time world champion Max winning the first race of the new season.Thai billionaire Chalerm is the oldest son of Chaleo Yoovidhya, who co-created the energy drink brand with Dietrich Mateschitz.The late Dietrich Mateschitz was Horner’s biggest championCredit: GettyDietrich’s son, Mark, has taken over his role in the F1 teamCredit: GettyAustrian businessman Dietrich spearheaded the development of Red Bull’s sporting division, handpicking Horner to launch their F1 team and proving to be his biggest champion until his death in 2022.Since then, Horner has made close ties with Chalerm, while Dietrich’s own heir, Mark, is believed to have cooled on the scandal-hit team leader, according to Mail Online.Most read in MotorsportAway from the track, the Yoovidhya empire spreads across multi-million pound properties, vineyards and businesses, from London to Bangkok.But the playboy lifestyle of one of Chalerm’s 11 children has presented the family with a scandal of their own – and one far darker than Horner’s.Horror smashIn 2012, Charlem’s son Vorayuth was allegedly involved in an accident in Bangkok in which a cop was killed.He has been effectively on the run ever since – as the clock runs down on prosecution time.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsVorayuth – known as ‘Boss’ – has been pictured travelling around the world on private jets, enjoying lavish holidays in Japan, Monaco, Venice and Laos in Asia and celebrating a birthday at Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurant.He is believed to own a home in London where he keeps a black Porsche Carrera with the personal number plate BO55 RBR – short for ‘Boss Red Bull Racing’.Last month it was revealed a former top policeman in Bangkok faces charges of helping Vorayuth escape justice along with other senior figures.The saga began 12 years ago when it was claimed the 42-year-old hit policeman Wichean Glanprasert with his Ferrari on a main drag in Bangkok. The officer’s mangled body was dragged down the block along with his tangled bike.Cops followed a trail of brake fluid to the Yoovidhya family’s gated property nearby, where they found Vorayuth’s car with its bumper hanging off.A chauffeur was first blamed for the accident but Vorayuth, who attended the exclusive private school Bradfield College in Berkshire,  later turned himself in and admitted being behind the wheel. Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya seen outside his house in LondonCredit: APVorayth’s Ferrari was found smashed up after an accidentCredit: AFPHis attorney claimed alcohol found in his system was drunk to steady his nerves after the crash.The family put up £12,000 for bail and he went home the same day, quickly resuming his jet-set lifestyle. He was seen three months later at the Red Bull Singha Race of Champions in Bangkok, surrounded by friends and cousins.It took Thai police another five years to issue a formal arrest warrant in 2017 when Vorayuth fled Thailand and his passport was revoked.  Interpol issued a ‘red notice’ to arrest him pending extradition but it appears to no longer be posted on its website.He has since failed to show up at court with lawyers claiming he was too busy to appear or had important appointments – including one in London.Chalerm sees Horner as some sort of foster sonEx F1 driver Ralf SchumacherThe Thai statute of limitations – the time in which someone can be prosecuted – started to expire on potential charges of speeding, hit and run and causing death by reckless driving.Then, in 2020 the police suddenly announced they were dropping all charges.The move provoked fury and a boycott of Red Bull products in Thailand, where campaigners complain of a two-tiered justice system – one for the poor and  another for elites.It emerged that at the time of the accident the dead policeman’s brother signed a contract with the Yoovidhyas to receive around £75,000 in compensation if the family agreed not to start criminal or civil proceedings.However, the deal didn’t shield them from a case brought by Thai prosecutors and, after the outcry following Vorayuth’s acquittal, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a new investigation.He said the original probe had been “compromised” and fresh charges of drug use and causing death by reckless driving were laid against Vorayuth in 2020.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but is been better known for being the father of three-time world champ Max Verstappen.
      Jos can frequently be seen behind the scenes at Red Bull during the race weekends and takes pride in supporting his son publicly.
      However, he has been the subject of some scrutiny in the past.
      After an incident in 1998 at a karting track where another man suffered a fractured skull, he avoided a suspended jail sentence after agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the victim.
      Ten years later, he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen.
      He was found not guilty of assault, but guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously issued restraining order.
      He was fined and sentenced to three months of a probational, suspended prison sentence.
      And in January 2012, he was arrested following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.
      He has overseen his son’s career like a hawk and now, with a wedge drive between himself and Horner, it leaves Max Verstappen in an awkward position

      Since then, cops have run out of time to prosecute the drug charge and the driving offence is set to run out in 2027.Last month several government officials and cops were accused of a conspiracy to help Vorayuth escape the country.Police chief Somyot Poompanmoung and other suspects face being charged with an abuse of power in order to aid an individual to avoid prosecution.Somyot was last year accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of tampering with evidence by altering the speedometer of Vorayuth’s Ferrari.Humble beginningsThe scandal is a long way from the humble beginnings of Vorayuth’s grandfather, who was once a farmer on his family’s duck farm.Born to poor Chinese immigrant parents who traded fruit in a town to the north of Bangkok, Chaleo Yoovidhya got a job as an antibiotics salesman before quitting to set up his own pharmaceutical firm in the early 1960sHe said “divine inspiration” helped him create an energy-boosting drink, which he named Krating Daeng.Austrian salesman Dietrich found the drink cured his jet lag and went into partnership with Chaleo in 1984, launching Red Bull.While the drink became a ‘go to’ for party animals, Chaleo was deeply private and had not given an interview in 30 years when he died in March 2012 aged 88.As the eldest of two sons, Chalerm took over the business empire and Red Bull Racing was born in 2005.The family are said to own five multi-million pound properties in London as well as a luxurious gated home in Bangkok.Chalerm has 11 children with wife Daranee and one owns a £5.9million townhouse in Chicago.Since 2001, the F1 businessman has also run a winery in Dallas, Texas, called Siam.’Foster son’ relationshipChalerm is said to see Horner like a foster sonCredit: GettyWith Chalerm owning 51 percent of Red Bull – with Austrian Mark Mateschitz retaining 49 per cent – he could be the deciding factor on whether Horner remains team principal.As Geri Halliwell stood by her man at the weekend, packing on the PDA at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Red Bull owner also made a show of support.He and wife Daranee were pictured laughing and joking with the Horners on the terrace in the clearest sign yet that Christian has the ear of the big boss.Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher previously described Horner as a “kind of foster son” to Chalerm.Speaking before Horner was cleared by Red Bull, he said: “He stands by him unconditionally.”Horner has said he is “absolutely confident” he will ride out the biggest storm of his life.Only time will tell if he’s correct.Horner, with wife Geri, says he is confident he will keep his jobCredit: Getty More