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      in Boxing

      Inside KSI’s manager’s 40-year plan to bring WWE to life in boxing ring with never-before-seen tag and handicap matches

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      KSI’S manager Mams Taylor is making his childhood dreams come true by bringing WWE to life in the boxing ring.Taylor, a music mogul-turned boxing promoter, launched Misfits alongside KSI in 2022 to home celebrity-style crossover bouts. Misfits Boxing became the first to have tag-team boxingBoxers tag in and out of the boutCredit: GettyIt is part of Mams Taylor’s dream to bring boxing to lifeStars from the worlds of social media, music and entertainment – including KSI himself – have all taken to the Misfits ring. But Taylor has tried to revolutionise spectacle showdowns by blending them with a bit of pro wrestling both in and out of the ring. Misfits have sensationally had tag-team matches and this weekend in Nashville host their first two-on-one HANDICAP bout. And it has all been part of Taylor’s master plan since he began watching WWE almost 40 years ago to bring the best of pro-wrestling to the world of boxing. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “I think it’s a good blend and you’ve got something for everyone, especially with the two-on-one outnumbered tag match, again, shades of WWE but with real fighting.“Because for me, when I watched WWE as a kid it was WWF and I remember when I found out that it was predetermined outcomes and I was more heartbroken than when I found out there’s no Santa.“So I said one day we’re going to make it so that they really fight each other but you still have that entertainment and the storylines and all of that.“And I think Misfits Boxing is as close as you can get to that because obviously there’s no predetermined outcomes, nothing’s choreographed or anything like that it’s all real boxing.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“But you’ve got some colourful characters.”Taylor got his break in the music industry, which is where he met UK chart-topper KSI before becoming his manager. KSI’s Misfits Boxing in talks with FIVE footballers with Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney still expected to make shock switchBut his dream was always to be a shot caller like former WWE boss Vince McMahon. Taylor said: “I wanted to be like the Vince McMahon of something, of some kind of combat sports organisation.“So it’s absolutely a manifestation of something I’ve thought about over and over again.“I remember playing with the WWE toys and organising them and playing the matches out and doing the story lines and it was like practise for what it’s like now.“Obviously, I didn’t know it would be in boxing per say but that’s how it’s kind of worked out.”I think Misfits Boxing is as close as you can get to that because obviously there’s no predetermined outcomes, nothing’s choreographed or anything like that it’s all real boxing.Mams Taylor on comparisons between WWE and Misfits Boxing Taylor appeared to come out of nowhere when he teamed up with British promoter Kalle Sauerland to launch Misfits on streaming service DAZN. But in fact, it was a long time coming after testing the waters in MMA.Taylor revealed: “I was a boxing fan through way of proxy through my brother as well who loved that and I boxed myself from the age of 14. “Then MMA came about and tried my hand at that and actually put on an MMA show with some friends of mine about 20 years ago. “So as a fan and someone who has trained it’s something I am very passionate about just in general, combat sports.” Misfits co-founder KSI rarely misses an event and the man himself is hoping to be in the house to watch the never-before-seen two-on-one bout.READ MORE SUN STORIESTaylor said: “We’re working on it, hopefully. “He hates missing them but he’s got some commitments so we’re trying to work some things around. Hopefully he’ll be there.” KSI with manager and Misfits co-founder Mams TaylorCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Luxembourg’s football factory as perennial underdogs go from 9-0 drubbings to the brink of Euro 2024

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      LITTLE Luxembourg, for so long the laughing stock of international football, are two wins away from having the last laugh.Incredibly, the nation once ranked 195th out of 205 by Fifa, are on the brink of a footballing miracle as they close in on a shock place in this summer’s European Championship.Luxembourg are closing in on a place at Euro 2024Credit: GettyIf they beat Georgia tonight they will face either Kazakhstan or Greece in a Play-Off final matchCredit: GettyVictory for head coach Luc Holtz’s battlers against Georgia in Tbilisi tonight would send them through to a final Play-Off match against either Kazakhstan or Greece.Win both and they will be lining up in a major football tournament for the first time, taking their place in Group F alongside Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic in Germany.It’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the Red Lions, who were more like the Red Lion for most of their history.As recently as 2006 they were regarded as the pub team of international football when they played eight internationals, lost eight – including a 7-0 drubbing by Germany – and failed to score a goal.Read More in FootballAt that point they had failed to win a game for a decade – a record winless stretch of 83 matches!FIFA ranked them 195th out of 205 nations, just one place above Montserrat – a Caribbean island that had been destroyed by a volcano – and American Samoa, who had suffered a world record 31-0 defeat to Australia!The turning point for the nation of 600,000 inhabitants came in 2004 when the Grand Duchy drew up a grand plan for the future.Paul Philipp, Luxembourg manager between 1985-2001, took over as President of the Luxembourg Football Federation.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe sent out scouts to scour the country for the best 400 eight to 11-year-olds and placed them in regional centres of excellence,The best progressed to the recently built National Youth Academy at Mondercange where the top 250 of Luxembourg’s young talent between the ages of 12 and 19 are trained by professional coaches every day.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThey play one international match a week and for their clubs at the weekend. The pay-off came when Luxembourg qualified for the Uefa Under-17 Championship in 2022.Luxembourg now exports their talent and only one of the squad who beat Liechtenstein in the Euro 24 qualifiers play locally, while the rest ply their trade in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.Luxembourg beat Bosnia and Herzegovina home and away, drew in Slovakia, took four points off Iceland and six off Liechtenstein to finish third in their qualifying group. Losing 6-0 at home to Portugal and 9-0 away from home was a painful reminder of the past – but at least it is the exception now rather than the rule.”We are small and we will always be small,” said Philipp.But that won’t stop Luxembourg from dreaming big tonight. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s love affair with Eintracht Frankfurt after Man Utd legend becomes ‘life member’ of club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson surprised fans by becoming a “life member” of Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.As his former side Aberdeen geared up to play against the Bundesliga side in December, representatives from the German club met with Fergie to hand him a Frankfurt scarf and shirt with his name on.Sir Alex Ferguson became a ‘life member’ of Eintracht Frankfurt on TuesdayCredit: Twitter @EintrachtHis relationship with Frankfurt stretches all the way back to the 1960sCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyBut many will have been confused as to how the Scottish icon’s relationship with the team first came to be.In fact, it is a story that stretches back more than 60 years to Fergie’s early years as a player.Frankfurt vs Rangers in European Cup semi-finalFergie watched Frankfurt beat Rangers before the Germans lost the European Cup final to Real MadridCredit: PA:Press AssociationSeven years before he joined Rangers as a striker – where he scored 35 goals in 66 games – he attended the 1960 European Cup semi-final between Frankfurt and the Scottish giants.Rangers lost the first leg 6-1 in Germany, before they were beaten 6-3 on their home patch in a 12-4 aggregate thrashing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd that is where Ferguson’s admiration for the club began – despite Frankfurt losing the European Cup final 7-3 to Real Madrid.Speaking about the semi-final tie, he said: “That was unbelievable. In the first leg, Frankfurt beat Rangers 6-1. “I was at the second leg when Eintracht came to Ibrox with 70,000 spectators.”Of course we felt hopeful and told ourselves that the Rangers could come back. In the end they lost again by six goals.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I was a Rangers fan and only lived about 200 meters from Ibrox. I also attended the final and hoped Frankfurt would win as they had beaten Rangers. “At the time I was 17 years old and played for Queens Park FC from Glasgow.”It was a great game. Kress scored the first goal. We said to ourselves, ‘Wow! A great German team.’ “But then there were Puskas, Di Stefano, Gento. I don’t think there will ever be another team as charismatic as the Real Madrid team at the time.”Puskas scored four goals and Di Stefano three. They were fantastic players and the 7-3 win was an incredible game. “There was no shame in losing this game. Frankfurt had proven itself in the semi-final against the Rangers.”Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campScoring hat-trick against FrankfurtStriker Ferguson scored a hat-trick for Rangers against Frankfurt in 1967Credit: GettyIn 1967, Ferguson was given the opportunity to avenge that defeat in the European Cup semi-final when he faced Frankfurt in his first game since moving to Rangers.The two teams played in a pre-season friendly as Fergie bagged a debut hat-trick in a 5-3 win.But while the legendary manager has fond memories of the match, he admits it did not quite atone for what had happened seven years earlier.He added: “It was my first game for the Rangers. We won 5-3, but I wouldn’t call it revenge for 1960.”I scored a hat trick against Hans Tilkowski in the Frankfurt goal. Grabowski also played. “He was only 23 years old at the time and played until 1980, unbelievable.”He also played in the 1974 World Cup and I still remember his cross for the Muller goal against Italy in 1970.”Facing Frankfurt as Aberdeen bossFerguson’s Aberdeen side lost 2-1 on aggregate to Frankfurt in the Uefa Cup in 1979Credit: GettyMore than a decade on from scoring a treble against Frankfurt, Fergie came up against them in the Uefa Cup first round as Aberdeen manager in 1979.And the Germans got the better of his side as they earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg, before returning home and securing a 1-0 victory for a 2-1 aggregate win.But the aftermath of the match saw Ferguson learn an important lesson in his development as a coach.He recalls: “I was in my second season as coach of Aberdeen FC and we had once again qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup.”Frankfurt were the better team, but we saved the game with an equaliser. We had the chance to travel to Frankfurt, where we lost 1-0.”Bernd Holzenbein scored the goal in the second game that knocked us out of the competition.”I learned an important lesson when we played abroad. Some players went out after the game. After that, I made sure that something like that never happened again.”Watching Frankfurt beat Rangers againFrankfurt beat Rangers in the 2022 Europa League finalCredit: GettyFerguson never ran into Frankfurt during his sensational 27-year spell as Manchester United boss – where he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.But after retiring from management, he then watched as Frankfurt and Rangers met once again in the 2022 Europa League final – 62 years after Fergie saw the two clubs clash in the European Cup.And once again the Glasgow-born icon was left bitterly disappointed as Frankfurt beat his boyhood club on penalties.But he still admired the spectacle fans from both sides created in Seville, Spain.When asked if he watched the game, he said: “Naturally. I saw the game. It was pretty even.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was nice to see that both teams brought so many fans to Seville that they had to open another stadium in the city to bring in additional fans.”It was fantastic to see a final like that.” More

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      in Soccer

      The rise of Amad Diallo, from name change and finding shooting boots at Sunderland to becoming an FA Cup classic hero

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      NO sooner had Amad Diallo become a hero for downing fierce rivals Liverpool in an FA Cup classic, he was unfortunately the villain of the piece in the referee’s eyes.After his shot evaded Caoimhín Kelleher in the Reds goal, kissed the post and bounced over the line at an ecstatic Old Trafford, he whipped off his shirt to celebrate in front of a delighted Stretford End.Amad Diallo celebrates scoring the winner against LiverpoolCredit: EPAIvorian youngster Amad’s low shot beats Caoimhín Kelleher in the Liverpool goalCredit: GettyUnderstandably overcome by emotion, he had forgotten he was on a yellow card and gave John Brooks no option but to show the 21-year-old a second yellow.But as he trudged down the tunnel, that didn’t matter one bit. The Ivorian had cemented his name in folklore, fans were singing it with gusto, and the £37million signing from Atalanta had finally landed.”I think that is the best goal of my career,” a beaming Amad, who had been playing on an empty stomach while observing Ramadan, told ITV afterwards.Sunderland fans may argue he scored better when he starred at the Stadium of Light during the 2022-23 season.Read more Man Utd newsHowever, the joy on his face told the story of a man who has come a long way, and banished his past behind.Leaving Ivory Coast behindWhen he was 10, he left Abidjan behind with his brother and headed to Italy.They settled in Parma, where a young Amad would star for youth club Boca Barco.Following interest from a host of Serie A clubs, the youngster signed for Atalanta in 2015 and would develop into one of the most coveted players in European football.Most read in FootballBut in 2020, local authorities launched an investigation into how Amad arrived in Parma.Man Utd fans say ‘we’re going to be SCARY’ as forgotten man who has never played for Ten Hag returns to trainingIt was handed over to the Italian football federation (FIGC), who later revealed Amad and his brother were at the centre of a child trafficking ring.They alleged five adults smuggled Amad and his brother, Hamed Junior Traore, into Italy from their native Ivory Coast on a family visa.The fake documents claimed that Amad and Hamed, who is now a Bournemouth player, would be cared for by their apparent parents, Mamadou Hamed Traore and Marina Edwige Carine Teher.The FIGC alleged the two adults were not their parents, and even questioned if Hamed was Amad’s real brother.A carefully worded statement from the FIGC said that Amad had: “Allowed, in order to be able to enter into his first professional contract with Atalanta, on 11 July 2018, the use of the false name Traore Diallo Amad.”Other non-registered subjects (Traore Hamed Mamadou and Teher Marina Edwige Carine) carried out acts aimed at obtaining false or altered documents to circumvent the rules on entry into Italy and membership, as a non-EU citizen already residing in Italy.”It was found that they pretended to be the parent of the footballer, using false certificates attesting the relationship of kinship.”Finally, for himself, to obtain subsequent membership cards with companies affiliated with FIGC, continuing to use the false certifications that had allowed him to settle in Italy with fictitious parents.”Aspiring footballer Amad poses with Paul PogbaAtalanta gave Diallo his first team debut in 2019Credit: GettyMan Utd paid £37m to bring Amad to EnglandCredit: GettyThe case was concluded in 2021, after the FIGC accepted a plea bargain from the pair who were fined £42,000.Moving onTo distance himself from the scandal, the United winger changed his name and has just ‘Amad’ on the back of his No16 shirt now.Although his chances at the Theatre of Dreams have been limited, his progress hasn’t been hampered.It was on loan with the Mackems where he soon became a fans’ favourite.Before that an underwhelming loan at Rangers made many feel the gamble on an unproven talent who had appeared just four times for Atalanta before United spent big was money down the drain.A spell in the Championship was just what he needed to kickstart his career on our shores.Something seemingly clicked four months into his spell, when Amad scored three goals in five games in December, 2022.An underwhelming spell at Rangers in Scotland made many question if United had wasted their moneyCredit: Willie VassHowever, a loan spell at Sunderland would give him the confidence he neededCredit: GettyEx-Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray understood how to get the best out of AmadCredit: ReutersHis performances earned him the EFL Young Player of the Month award.He single-handedly propelled Sunderland into the playoff picture and was a handful for the opposition.Tony Mowbray got the best out of him, playing to his strengths and allowing him the licence to play a free role.It was fitting that when Mowbray was sacked earlier this season, Diallo sent his well-wishes on social media.In an Instagram story, alongside a photo of the manager, he wrote: “Thanks for having [helping] me a lot in my training. Good luck boss.”By the end of the 2022-23 season, Amad had scored 14 goals and managed 4 assists for the club in all competitions.The standout – a spectacular strike against Luton Town in the playoff semi-final – wasn’t enough to earn his side a spot at Wembley.Fittingly, he has done that with United who will face Coventry City next.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he might have just fired himself into Erik ten Hag’s first team plans now.But first, he must serve that pesky suspension in their next Premier League fixture against Brentford.Amad was unfortunately sent off after taking his shirt off celebrating his late winnerCredit: APAmad will now surely force Erik ten Hag’s hand in giving him more first team opportunitiesCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer best player on pitch by miles as lackadaisical team-mate endures FA Cup nightmare

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      CHELSEA survived a second-half collapse to make the FA Cup semi-final in what will be a huge boost for Mauricio Pochettino.A 92nd minute goal was needed in the end from substitute Carney Chukwuemeka to make it 3-2 after Chelsea led comfortably at half-time, before Noni Madueke put the game to bed in the 98th minute.Chukwuemeka was the hero as he slid the ball through Stolarczyk’s legsCredit: AFPAnd spared quite a few of his team-mates blushesCredit: GettyA disastrous Axel Disasi own goal after 51 minutes came from nowhere to leave the door open for Leicester to get back in it.That was compounded by a brilliant Stephy Mavididi curler on the hour mark to make it 2-2, with Leicester looking like they were well on the way to joining fellow Championship side Coventry in the semis.The tie swung again though when Nicolas Jackson, clean through on goal, opted to fall down under contact from Callum Doyle to win a penalty.A pen was given, but VAR intervention found the foul was outside the box and his yellow was changed to a red.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFrom there, Chelsea prodded the Leicester goal in the hope of finding a winner, and that only came after a moment of brilliance from Cole Palmer, with his deft backheel finding Chukwuemeka, who slotted home to make it 3-2.Noni Madueke, on as a sub, then put the tie beyond doubt with a deflected 20-yard effort after some great work in the build-up.”Que sera! Sera!” The Chelsea fans sung, and another trip to Wembley beckons.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRobert Sanchez – 5A nervy showing, not one that will convince Mauricio Pochettino of his No.1 credentials. Caught on the ball by Patson Daka in his own box and flapped at a few crosses.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumIt may be harsh to call him out for Axel Disasi’s bizarre own goal, but his positioning was the reason he had little to no chance of recovering, and was well beaten for the equaliser.Malo Gusto – 7An ever-present figure bursting down the right wing and at the heart of everything good for Chelsea. Looks to have nailed down that right-back slot under Poch.The one negative was his defending for Leicester’s equaliser, letting Stephy Mavididi cut in and curl a beauty into the top corner.Axel Disasi – 4Slow to make decisions on the ball at the back. Lackadaisical at times, and then one of the most incredible own goals you will see this season.Sanchez and Disasi were involved in a horrendous mix upCredit: ReutersA finish at the wrong end that summed up his woeful afternoon.Trevoh Chalobah – 6Compared to his centre back partner, had a pretty uneventful afternoon. Will be desperate to keep his place in the side with Thiago Silva benched and Levi Colwill injured.Hardly at fault for either of the goals.Marc Cucurella – 8Perhaps there is a career at Chelsea for the Spaniard after all, grabbing his first goal for the club with a tap-in into an empty net.Looked lively and full of purpose with left-back rival Ben Chilwell watching on from the bench.Moises Caicedo – 6Pretty anonymous until a neat link-up with Nicolas Jackson and a ball on a plate for Raheem Sterling only to watch his teammate shoot wide.Grew into the game after the break, getting into goalscoring positions, but does not bring any calmness or control to this Chelsea midfield.Conor Gallagher – 6Put in a shift, as he always does, and nearly found the bottom corner with a curling effort just before the break.Cole Palmer – 8A quiet opening for his recent high standards this season. Pochettino will be bemused as to why he did not take the first half penalty over Sterling given his record of five in the Prem.Sterling made up for it with an accurate low ball across goal that Palmer tucked away before the break. He then produced a cheeky backheel for Carney Chukwuemeka’s winner.With not a lot of the ball, he was still Chelsea’s best player by miles.Palmer was Chelsea’s best player againCredit: GettyMykhailo Mudryk – 7Unfortunate not to grab a goal in the first half with his positivity on the ball, seeing one shot blocked in the box and another well saved. Seems to finally look at home at Chelsea.Can feel hard done by as he was subbed off – to the frustration of the fans – with the scores level and 12 minutes of normal time to play.Raheem Sterling – 5Had several opportunities to find the bottom corner from inside the box but his touch was often found wanting and his finishing was non-existent.Brought down for a first half penalty, his effort from 12 yards was tame and easily saved by Jakub Stolarczyk before missing a one-on-one sitter.Moments later, he redeemed himself with an assist for Cole Palmer, but that was his last bit of quality. After an abysmal free-kick, the Chelsea fans chanted: ‘Get him off’.Sterling was booed by some sections of the Chelsea crowdCredit: AFPNicolas Jackson – 6Remains an enigma. From brilliant to bewildering. His dribble around Jannik Vestergaard to tee-up Cucurella was inspired, but at times his clumsiness on the ball cost him.In the second half, out of nowhere he then produced a Bergkamp-esque turn to win a free-kick and earn Callum Doyle a red card, but then missed a sitter from six yards near the end.READ MORE SUN STORIESSubsCarney Chukwuemeka (On for Mudryk) – 8One chance, one goal to win it in injury time. A delightfully cool finish after a one-two with Palmer inside the box.Noni Madueke (On for Sterling) – 8Forced Stolarczyk into a decent stop from close range from a Gusto cross, and then unleashed a worldie after a mazy run to seal the win.Ben Chilwell (On for Cucurella) – N/AMadueke’s late goal was specialCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside the new adrenaline pumping experience hidden beneath a Premier League stadium

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      HIDDEN beneath a Premier League stadium is a thrilling new experience that recently opened its doors to adrenaline junkies.Buried under the 62,850-seat arena is the world’s first official Formula 1 karting track.F1 Drive – London opened in FebruaryCredit: F1 DRIVE – London / Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThe experience is hidden beneath a Premier League stadiumCredit: F1 DRIVE – London / Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThe steering wheels of the karts feature LED screensCredit: F1 DRIVE – London / Tottenham Hotspur StadiumPerhaps unsurprisingly, it’s Tottenham who play host.The North London side have excelled at making the most of their gleaming new stadium since it opened in 2019.Whether that be encouraging fans to enjoy craft beer at the stadium, hosting world title boxing fights, staging NFL games or putting on concerts for global artists.The latest innovation to hit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is F1 Drive – London.READ MORE ON STADIUMSSunSport went along to start their engines.The centre-piece of the new experience, which is under the South Stand, is a 500 metre, 17 turn karting challenge.The whole set up felt as fresh and gleaming as the shiny stadium itself with loads of fantastic details from the world of Formula 1 that will delight motor enthusiasts.Giving the pre-race briefing is David ‘Crofty’ Croft (in video format, obviously), the cars have DRS and the grid start includes the famous ‘lights out’ system that fans of Drive to Survive will love.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe electric cars feature great details. Each has its own LED screen on the steering wheel showing your lap times as well as those of your competitors.The screen can also be used to activate DRS and ERS (energy recovery system) which boosts the power of the kart – ideal when trying to zip past an on-track rival.Inside new Saudi Arabia GP circuit designed by F1 icon featuring 20-storey-high first corner and biggest hills on calendar Sound is pumped into the individual motors alerting you to when DRS is available and if you’ve smashed your PB, as well as delivering realistic F1-like engine noises to make it all the more authentic.For any Max Verstappen wannabes it’s great fun – and will likely be a lot more competitive than the real F1 this season.Various packages are available for all ages, with the ‘sprint session’ (£70) and ‘elite session’ (£85) including two spells of 15 minutes on track. That easily felt like long enough.In addition to the karting itself, there are F1 simulators available to use. The wrap-around UHD screens and full-motion seats provide a highly authentic experience of taking on a real life Grand Prix circuit.There’s even a pit stop challenge for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the world of F1.For more details visit the official site here.All ages are catered forCredit: Getty Images for F1 DRIVE – London / Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThere are also F1 simulatorsCredit: Getty Images for F1 DRIVE – London / Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThere is a pit stop challengeCredit: F1 DRIVE – London / Tottenham Hotspur Stadium More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea hothead Nicolas Jackson has as many bookings as goals – but incredible gesture reveals his softer side

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      NICOLAS JACKSON has as many bookings as Premier League goals and on the surface looks like a bust-up waiting to happen.But SunSport can reveal there is a secret softer side to the 22-year-old Chelsea striker, one in stark contrast to his public image.Nicolas Jackson is starting to find his feet at ChelseaCredit: GettySenegalese Jackson did not own a pair of football boots until he was 16, while growing up in the poor town of Ziguinchor.It is something he has never forgotten and it was the inspiration behind a personal aid mission to help the kids of his old home town.While at former clubs Villarreal and Mirandes in Spain, kind-hearted Jackson scrounged spare kit from his team-mates throughout the season.Old boots, shirts, socks, shinpads. You name it, he took it all home and packed it away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the end of the season, Jackson piled the lot into a dozen large boxes and took it all back to Ziguinchor — to give away to local children.Chelsea’s enigmatic forward paid the excess baggage fees out of his own pocket, which cost more than four times the price of his flight ticket.Despite playing in LaLiga, Jackson was not earning relatively big money at Villarreal. Even less at second-tier side Mirandes.But it did not stop him from digging deep to help the kids back home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe £30million star has endured a turbulent debut season in the Premier League. But following a troublesome start during which he picked up five bookings and a ban before the end of September, he is now settling down.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?He has nine top-flight goals already — one short of the total Didier Drogba managed in his debut season at Stamford Bridge before going on to become a Chelsea legend.And boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “You all are now seeing how he is improving. The most difficult thing was to support him when it was tough.“He has the quality and the capacity. Now he is doing much better but still needs to improve a lot. The numbers are similar to Drogba in his first season.“That maybe gives the fans more belief in him and to be a little more patient with him but as always it depends on the circumstances.“He was the only striker and we demanded too much in every single game and in every single action, ‘Score, score, score!’ It is not easy.“Now, I hope people can start to understand he has the condition to be very good.”You all are now seeing how he is improving. The most difficult thing was to support him when it was tough.Mauricio PochettinoJackson admits adapting to English has been a challenge and it may be a clue to the hair-trigger temper he is working on.But being willing to fight for your team is not always a bad thing.He is also adopting subtle changes to his routine to make marginal gains.At least eight hours’ sleep every night, tweaks to his diet with the help of Chelsea’s expert nutritionists, eating precise portions of vegetables, carbs and proteins to get the best from his body.Poch added: “A player arrived here who needed support, needed help, needed to perform but with time, needed to adapt to the club.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea welcome back Ben Chilwell, 27, to the squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final against his old club Leicester.The defender missed Monday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle with injury.Jackson with Chelsea manager Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Rex More

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      Inside Ben White’s amazing lifestyle, from Instagram model Wag to tattoo obsession and his adventurous fashion choices

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      BEN White has become Arsenal’s Mr Reliable since signing from Brighton.The defender, 26, cost the club a staggering £50million when he joined in 2021.Ben White lives in an amazing lifestyle away from the pitchCredit: GettyWhite is married to Instagram model Milly AdamsAway fro the pitch, White boasts is a tattoo obsessiveBut he has proved his worth, becoming one of the best right-backs in the country.Such was the Gunners’ belief in him, he was awarded a four-year contract and pay rise at the Emirates.Away from the pitch, White lives a very different life.Admittedly, he watches very little football and dedicates his time to stunning Wag, Milly Adams.Read more Arsenal newsTattoos are another passion for the Dorset-born footballer, who plenty of ink on his torso.While his fashion sense knows no boundaries, with White not afraid to experiment with his looks.The missusKey to Ben’s happiness is wife, Milly.The sultry Instagram model from Hertfordshire, who boasts over 20,000 followers, reportedly began dating the sportsman in 2022.Most read in FootballSince then, they have appeared inseparable, and their love affair has been well documented on social media.Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityWhite wasted very little time before popping the question on a luxury holidayThe happy couple shared pictures of their engagement, including one of their matching ‘I love you’ wrist tattoos.Then, in May 2023 the pair said their ‘I do’s’ at a private ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London.Weeks later, they followed that up with a SECOND wedding in Mallorca.He looked dapper in a tuxedo, while Milly was a picture of beauty in a white strapless thigh-split gown.She called it the ‘Best day of her life’ on Instagram.Ben has spoken about their relationship, revealing his competitive nature creeps in when they play board games.“I want to win everything that I do. My ­missus and I play a lot of games at home. We play bat and ball, Uno, this magnetic game. I won’t be letting her win.”And what happens if Milly starts winning?  “The ball gets lost . . . ”Gorgeous Milly Adams is an Instagram modelBrunette Milly has over 20,000 followers on InstagramWhite’s romance with Milly has played out on social media, including their engagementThe pair said their ‘I do’s’ for a second time in MallorcaWhite and Milly began dating in 2022Loved-up couple Milly and Ben share matching tattoosTatsBen’s love of tattoos is already well documented. You just have to see his chiselled body to see he loves ink.And there are several that have deep meaning.He recently added a butterfly to his torso, which surely signifies flying high in life and in his career.It was created by A Star Tattoos – a side business of A Star Barbers – who famously trim Jack Grealish and Paul Pogba.White’s body is also covered in positive messages.On his neck he has the word ‘Shine’ inscribed. Next to that, there’s a small cross.When White grew up in Dorset, he went to school Queen Elizabeth’s, which preaches strong Church of England ethics.A massive tattoo of a lion’s eyes stretches across White’s chest.The lion is a popular tattoo for professional footballers – with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Memphis Depay sporting them.White sports numerous tattoos all over his bodyCredit: GettyA cross and the word ‘Shine’ appear on the back of his neckCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskWhite’s hands are also an ode to his love of inkread more sport featuresAgain, it symbolises bravery and strength.It was a tattoo that seemingly inspired his Arsenal team-mate Emile Smith Rowe, who later got a lion sleeve on his arm.And as previously mentioned, he has matching ‘I Love You’ tats written on his hands, as well as his star sign – Libra, and the date 1959.FashionWhen it comes to his clobber, White isn’t afraid to experiment.On his honeymoon in Ibiza, he and wife Milly wore matching black ensembles.The England ace donned cravat-style blue neckwear with an open shirt and Milly wore frilly see-through leggings above a bikini.White also loves expensive leisure wear, which he once wore on England duty in 2022.Instead of their Nike sponsored tracksuits, he went with a £650 Amiri combo instead.Along with a trackie, he’s often seen clutching an expensive wash bag or backpack on game day.Fashion conscious White shows off a fetching cravat on his Ibiza honeymoonWhite rocks a Balenciaga baseball cap and is a fan of leisure wearCredit: Instagram @milly_adamsHoodies and headwear feature heavily in White’s wardrobeCredit: Instagram @millywhiteWhite’s washbag from Goyard would have set him back around £1300Credit: GettyWhite also loves using a Louis Vuitton backpackCredit: GettyA Goyard one he was once seen holding would have set him back £1300, while he’s also the owner of a Louis Vuitton backpack that retails for for over £2,000.While, jewellery is also important for Benjamin, who often wears a diamond 18K white gold plated hoop cross earring.Silver chains are also wrapped around his neck.Disinterest in footballUnlike many footballers, White switches off from the sport when he’s away from training ground.He admittedly doesn’t watch football, which stems from his childhood.“Sitting down and watching a 90-minute game after I’ve trained all day and had four or five meetings about football … the last thing I want to do is watch more football,” White once confessed.While in an interview on Arsenal’s club website, he revealed he didn’t grow up in a football family and would have followed in his father’s footsteps as a gardener if he didn’t make it pro.He said: “I’d probably be working with my dad if I wasn’t a footballer. He used to be a gardener. I think that’s why there was never any pressure on me growing up, because I would have been very happy with that.”White added: “My dad has no idea about football to be honest. It’s quite funny, but it’s nice too. I’ve got the coaches here to tell me what I need to know anyway, so it’s nice not to have any added pressure or anything outside of that.Despite being a Premier League footballer, White barely watches any gamesCredit: GettyWhite says he would have been a gardener like his dad if he hadn’t made it proCredit: Sunday Times”I know I can go home and switch off from everything, think about other things, and they just tell me I did wellREAD MORE SUN STORIES“That’s how my life is arranged. When I come into the training ground, it’s all about football – 100 per cent focus. Then when I leave, I switch off from it.”I don’t think my dad has ever said to me ‘shall we watch a game on TV?’ He absolutely isn’t interested in that, I don’t think he’s ever watched one on TV.” More