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      How ‘Cristiano Ronaldo money’ blocked Man Utd from signing Harry Kane before Bayern transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED failed to sign Harry Kane last summer because he would have cost them “Cristiano Ronaldo money”.United had been keeping tabs on Kane for almost 10 years as he set the world alight at Tottenham and became record goalscorer for the club as well as England.
      Manchester United tried to sign Bayern Munich star Harry Kane in the summerCredit: Getty
      Man Utd didn’t sign Kane because he would have cost as much as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
      According to The Mail, the Red Devils tried to finally get their star man in the summer when the striker had only one year left on his Spurs deal and was adamant he wouldn’t extend this time around.
      The North Londoners’ chairman Daniel Levy was under immense pressure by owner Joe Lewis to sell the 30-year-old in order to avoid losing the club’s greatest asset for free the year after.
      However, Levy, who is well known for being an immensely tough negotiator, was not at all keen on letting the England captain going to a Premier League rival, even though the player wanted United.
      Therefore, United would definitely have had to splash a staggering amount to seal a deal with the Tottenham bigwig.
      Read More on Man Utd
      However, the Manchester giants would also have to spend a staggering amount on the forward’s wages.
      Kane would have cost Erik ten Hag’s side a total amount similar to Ronaldo during the Al-Nassr superstar’s second stint at Old Trafford.
      It’s understood that the Tottenham legend’s salary at Bayern Munich is in the neighbourhood of £500,000 per week, including signing-on fee and bonuses.
      Therefore, United would have found themselves back at the same situation they were in when Ronaldo returned in 2021.
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      The Red Devils would be dealing with an expensive contract of a player in his thirties that wouldn’t have much resale value at the end of his deal.
      That led to United backing off and Kane ultimately moving to Bayern after a £104million deal with Tottenham.
      And the centre-forward has already amassed a staggering total of 22 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances with the German champions. More

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      in Soccer

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

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

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

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

      The calculation does not include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi set to break another record as World Cup-winning jersey tipped to fetch over £8MILLION at auction

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      LIONEL MESSI’S World Cup-winning kit is set to smash the record fee paid for sporting memorabilia. A six-pack of the icon’s Qatar 2022 tops are tipped to cost more than the £8.1million paid for a Michael Jordan jersey and £7.1m for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” shirt.
      Lionel Messi’s first-half top from the final win vs France is one of six of his World Cup 2022 shirts under the hammer as a setCredit: Getty
      This Diego Maradona top fetched £7.1m, more due to his handball than a glorious solo goal he soon added to it as Argentina beat England 2-1 in 1986Credit: Getty
      Michael Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’ season in 1998 was the most-watched on TV in NBA history, with his shirt fetching £8.1m 24 years laterCredit: Getty
      Messi’s jerseys being auctioned include the first-half one from Argentina’s epic final victory over France.
      The 36-year-old scored twice in a 3-3 draw before also netting in the 4-2 shootout triumph – helping him win an eighth Ballon d’Or.
      Sotheby’s in New York are overseeing the sale, with some proceeds going to charity.
      The Barcelona legend, who has since left PSG for Inter Miami, will see half a dozen of his shirts from Qatar go under the hammer.
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      Pride of place goes to his top from the opening half of the final – in which the only goal was his spot-kick on 23 minutes.
      The batch of tops is made up of his semi-final one against Croatia, the last-eight tie with Holland and round-of 16 clash against Australia, plus two from the three group matches.
      If the valuation is met, Messi’s six shirts will surpass the record set in September 2022 by a jersey of basketball all-time great Jordan, now 60, from 25 years ago. 
      That shirt is from the 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 in the Chicago Bulls superstar’s famous “Last Dance” season.
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      For football fans, however, a more notable comparison to Messi’s tops might be the late Maradona’s short-sleeved shirt with which he leapt to handle the ball in against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
      The Argentinian called it the “Hand of God”. But England keeper Peter Shilton called it “cheating” – and never forgave him.
      But Shilton’s Three Lions’ colleague Steve Hodge swapped shirts with Maradona after the game – and got £7.1m for his part of the bargain at Sotheby’s in London last year.
      The New York arm of that auction house said the Messi tops are being brought to sale by US-based tech start-up company AC Momento.
      Sotheby’s added: “A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to UNICAS Project, led by Sant Joan de Déu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital with the support of Leo Messi Foundation, to meet the needs of children suffering from rare diseases. 
      “This follows the work the Leo Messi Foundation has completed with the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Center which treats 400 children with cancer each year.
      “The set of shirts will be on view at Sotheby’s New York in a free, public exhibition open from 30 November to 14 December (the same period during which bids are invited).” More

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      in Soccer

      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney praised after donating thousands to burgled shop

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      WREXHAM’S celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been hailed for saving a burgled shop from going out of business.Stephen Tapp’s local sportswear store Wrexham Trainer Revival was broken in on October 28, only a month after he celebrated his new location.
      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been praised once moreCredit: Getty
      Reynolds and McElhenney saved a burgled shop with a generous donationCredit: Getty
      That terrible incident left Tapp facing financial trouble and thus a donations page was set up online.
      Just as the owner was ready to close shop, Reynolds and McElhenney stepped in with a £3,500 donation.
      That took the grand total to £7,000, a sum that will keep the local business going.
      Tapp told the BBC: “It was overwhelming – I literally had to be picked up off the floor.
      Read More on Football
      “One of the biggest actors in Hollywood donating money to my little shop, it’s ridiculous.
      “We were about to wrap up the online donations page, then they doubled the amount I’d already received – taking it to £7,000.
      “After spending so much time talking to the police my head wasn’t in a very good place.
      “I was very close to packing up and selling it all on eBay – the support I’ve had from everyone has been amazing.
      Most read in Football
      “The donations page was set up by an American couple I’ve only met once – that money has covered all of my costs and kept the business going.
      “By Sunday tea-time, with the amount of messages I received on social media, there was no way I could give up.
      “They’re welcome to the shop anytime. There’ll be a couple of free T-shirts there for them, that’s for sure.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Ex-F1 engineer Rob Smedley launches new karting series for kids, with supporting cast that includes Idris Elba.

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      EX-F1 engineer Rob Smedley is trying to change the future of motorsport – with a little bit of help from Hollywood star Idris Elba.Smedley, who worked at Ferrari and Williams, has launched the Global Karting League, an electric go-kart series targeted at youngsters – whose parents don’t have deep pockets.
      Rob Smedley wants to do something ‘more purpose driven’ after leaving F1
      The Wire and Luther actor Idris Elba, seen here at the wheel of a Formula E racing car, is helping out the karting scheme via his academyCredit: Getty
      A junior karter gets to grips with the electric kart
      The series, which kicks off in the UK, will offer kids the chance to turn up and race electric go-karts for a fraction of the price of traditional petrol karts.
      Smedley, who is also working with the Idris Elba Speed Academy, hopes Global Karting League will give young racers the opportunity to reach F1 from different demographics.
      He said: “I’ve spent all my life in Formula One and when I stopped with the teams I wanted to do something more purpose driven.
      “One of the things that really interested me was how the majority of the drivers in F1 come from privileged backgrounds.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      “And that only seemed to be getting more and more prevalent. I spent a lot of time looking at why and it comes down to grassroots level.
      “If you want to participate and be successful, you’ve got to have a huge budget and that’s just prohibitive. A huge barrier.
      “If you want to race at national level, you are getting into £100,000 and the next level and race in Europe, that’s £250,000 a year and it’s not open to anyone but ultra high net worth families.
      “We started with a blank sheet of paper and wanted to massively reduce the cost and complexity and that’s how the Global Karting League was born.
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      “It is about nurturing talent, creating a credible pathway through karting from the very grassroots and kids who’ve never done it before, to eventual world champions.”
      Smedley says that unlike football, many potential star drivers have never had the opportunity to try their hand at racing.
      He added: “If football was costing tens of thousands of pounds, we wouldn’t have found the immense talent across the years from different corners of the Earth.
      “You wouldn’t have found Leo Messi, you wouldn’t have found David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne or George Best.
      “We also have the Idris Elba Speed Academy. He’s somebody like myself who wants to give back.
      “He wants to represent those underrepresented communities. We had 400 kids try out and we filtered that down to 12 kids with the highest potential and put them into the Global Karting League, and they are all fully-funded.”
      One junior karter on the series is Sienna Greene, 15, from Coulsdon, who has the ambition of reaching F1.
      She said: “I first tried karting at a birthday party when I was about nine and I won and a little later I joined a cadet programme at my local track.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Working with Idris has been fun. He’s a lovely person, and he’s really down to earth.
      “I prefer racing the electric karts to the petrol ones because if I do make a mistake, I find it easier to fix, compared to a petrol kart which takes longer to get back up to speed.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Benjamin Mendy’s £5m mansion as he is forced to slash price as it languishes on the market

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has slashed a whopping £750,000 off the asking price of his £5million mansion as he battles bankruptcy following his rape trial. The former Manchester City footballer, 29, must sell the sprawling Cheshire property to avoid financial ruin. 
      Benjamin Mendy’s mansion has now been put up for saleCredit: Savills
      The ex-City defender now plays for Lorient in FranceCredit: Getty
      As he chases up to £10m of back pay from his old club and while rebuilding his career at French Ligue 1 club Lorient, Mendy has now reduced the asking price to £4.25million.
      It comes as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is seeking a bankruptcy order against the footballer over a nearly £800,000 tax debt. 
      The house is described by estate agents as “one of the finest contemporary homes in Cheshire”. 
      The 11,000sq-ft residence is set in over 1.75 acres of grounds and boasts six bedroom suites, an open plan living area, games room, home cinema, swimming pool, steam room, gym and spa. 
      Read More in Football
      It was bought by Mendy from cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff in 2018 for £4.8million. 
      Flintoff, who never lived at the house, bought it for £1.8million in 2008 and spent two years rebuilding the property – before renting it out. 
      His tenants included former footballer Peter Crouch and wife Abbey Clancy. 
      The former Man City star was already a millionaire when he joined from Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
      Most read in Football
      His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
      But instead of pocketing £31.2million, he ended up fighting bankruptcy after his 2020 arrest for rape.
      He was cleared of raping a woman following a retrial in July.
      Jurors unanimously cleared him of both charges after three hours of deliberation.
      But despite going free, he was forced to close his image rights company after being chased for unpaid tax.
      The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
      The sprawling property boasts a luxurious interiorCredit: Savills
      Peter Crouch was a former tenant at the mansionCredit: Savills
      The property is worth millionsCredit: Savills
      There is even a home cinema at the swanky padCredit: Savills More

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      in Soccer

      Jordan Henderson admits he DID go to Saudi Arabia for the money as Liverpool legend opens up on controversial transfer

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      JORDAN HENDERSON admits money WAS one reason for his controversial switch to Al-Ettifaq.The Liverpool legend, 32, says it “hurt” to be booed by England fans unhappy with his move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is banned.
      Jordan Henderson came on as victory vs Italy sealed England’s place in the Euro finals, having been booed when coming off against Australia four days earlierCredit: Getty
      But he claims there has been confusion over the motives for his £700,000-A-WEEK transfer – having previously appearing to deny he had forgotten his morals for a mega pay day.
      The midfielder told Channel 4 ahead of England’s 3-1 defeat of Italy: “I did an interview a couple of months ago and maybe some of the stuff that came out didn’t come out in the way that I thought I said it.
      “An example of that would be when I said I didn’t go out there solely for the money. 
      “I think that’s a big difference – it’s not a sole reason going out there for the money.” 
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      But Henderson, who has been a vocal backer of LGBTQ+ rights, insists he has come under no pressure to change his views since joining the Saudi Pro League over the summer.
      He apologised last month for any upset caused by moving to a country with a notorious record for human rights.
      And now the 80-cap star claims: “I think having someone like myself, with the values that I have, in Saudi Arabia is only a good thing. 
      “Before I went to Saudi, people knew the groups I supported and helped in the past.
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      “My values haven’t changed as a person just because I’m going to a different country to play football.”
      And he added: “Not once since I’ve been there have they said I can’t do this or I can’t say that.”
      Henderson has “no regrets” over a transfer that in July left him earning THREE TIMES more than Three Lions skipper Harry Kane.
      But he revealed his mixed feelings over the hostile reaction from Wembley supporters when he was taken off in last Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia.
      The workhorse explained: “Of course it hurts because every time you pull on that shirt it’s a proud moment and I’m playing for my team-mates, for my country and for the fans.
      “But at the end of the day that’s part and parcel – I’ve had enough criticism over my career so far to be able to deal with stuff like that.” More

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      in Soccer

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

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      THE Sun is today launching a landmark Footie For All Fund to help protect kids’ clubs hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis.We have teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme to hand out £150,000 worth of grants to grass roots youth football clubs struggling with funds.
      The Sun is launching our landmark Footie For All Fund to help protect kids’ clubs hit hard by the cost-of-living crisisCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Harry Redknapp has backed The Sun’s Footie For All FundCredit: Louis Wood
      Gary Lineker has backed The Sun’s Footie For All FundCredit: Doug Seeburg
      The cash can be used in any way that encourages more children to take up the sport or improves access to the game.
      Perhaps you are a local team that wants to offer parents help with membership fees.
      Maybe you need new kits or more pitch space to play on.
      Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Earlier this year we launched our Footie For All campaign to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing kids to give up football.
      Figures showed that 94 per cent of grass roots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership, according to charity Sported.
      In the wake of our probe we have been inundated with stories of local youth sides — who make a huge difference to their communities — struggling to cover their costs.
      Clubs across the country also told us how some kids are being forced to drop out altogether as families can not pay their membership subs or for kit and transport.
      Most read in Football
      So today we urge grass roots clubs to apply for one of our fantastic £1,000 Footie For All support grants.
      Launched in conjunction with Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign — which funds healthy food and activities for children — we will dish out 150 grants in total to clubs across the country.
      Christine Heffernan, Tesco group communications director, said: “The Tesco Stronger Starts grant programme provides £5million of funding to get more children and their families access to healthy and nutritious food and physical activities.
      “We thought that The Footie For All programme would be a great extension to that to help kids to thrive.
      “Any child should be able to do physical activity they enjoy if they wish, taking away the worry about paying for subs or kit for example.”
      Our campaign is being backed by big names in the game.
      Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker said: “I think grass roots is vital.
      “That’s where everyone starts. Some of us finish at the top, some don’t, but we all enjoy it.”
      Sun columnist Harry Redknapp added: “Grass roots football is important, and we need to ensure there are facilities for kids.”
      Reality star Joey Essex is also keen to see kids keep playing.
      He said: “Football provides an escape for so many kids from whatever else is going on. The Sun is offering families a lifeline.”
      To apply for one of our grants, see tescostrongerstarts. org.uk/footiefund.
      Grants will be awarded by The Sun with charity Groundwork, which runs Tesco’s grant-giving programmes, on a rolling basis.
      Applications must be made by October 29.
      SOMERTON TOWN
      YOUTH football club Somerton Town, Somerset, kept its membership subs frozen for three years to help families cope through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.
      But organisers had to raise them from £95 to £120 this season after rises of up to 30 per cent in costs.
      Somerton Town kept its membership subs frozen for three years to help families cope through Covid and the cost-of-living crisisCredit: Chris Balcombe
      Since it was founded in 2001, Somerton have played a unique social role for its 187 players, across 11 teams.
      Chairman Justin Davies, 40, says: “We have a huge catchment area that contains areas with large-scale social and economic deprivation.
      “Playing football teaches young people about teamwork, respect and fair play.
      “Little things like shaking hands before and after a match to show respect to the other team is important.
      “When we put the prices up, 21 players left, with 20 not going on to join another club. It was a financial decision.”
      Justin Davis said: ‘Playing football teaches young people about teamwork, respect and fair play’Credit: Chris Balcombe
      HACKNEY WICK FC
      AFTER leaving prison in 2019, Bobby Kasanga started Hackney Wick FC, in East London, to stop other children falling into a life of crime.
      It now has more than 180 children on its books and a waiting list of even more who want to be part of its teams.
      For many families, the club is a way to keep their children on the right path – and Bobby, 37, who spent eight years inside for armed robbery, never turns anyone away.
      He says: “We try to do as much as we can to alleviate financial stress and often let kids play without paying or offer discounts if a family has multiple kids with us.
      “We’ve seen it getting worse recently, but we know turning anyone away could see them get taken in by gangs.
      “If we can’t have them, the gangs certainly will.”
      To play a year at Hackney costs around £250.
      But Bobby and his team are writing off around £5,000 of unpaid subs because they know families can’t afford it.
      He says: “We rely on our sponsors and they’ve been amazing.
      Last year, one covered the cost of 20 kids for a year. But it’s hard to keep our heads above water.”
      The club’s relationships with local businesses provide more than just financial help.
      Bobby says: “We’ve had four of our players taken on by one of our sponsors.
      “It means they have a stable income and a potential career for life.
      “That’s so important for helping them stay out of danger.
      “But even if they end up going down a bad path, the club relationships across the whole of East London may help diffuse violent situations.
      “They may stop an attack because they know the other gang member from football.”
      Bobby adds: “I never want anyone to go through what I went through growing up.
      “We are a family and I won’t take football away from them over money.”
      BLACKBURN EAGLES
      LIKE other clubs, Blackburn Eagles have also seen more kids struggling to pay – but it never turns anyone away.
      The club, which is the biggest in its area with 650 players on its books, feels it is vital for all kids to have access to the beautiful game and tries to keep its fees low.
      Blackburn Eagles feels it is vital for all kids to have access to football and tries to keep its fees lowCredit: BLACKBURN EAGLES
      In fact, the academy’s vice-chairman, Chris Hughes, 39, says prices have not been put up in around eight years.
      He adds: “We don’t turn anyone away.
      “We just take more children, create new groups, create new training sessions and create new teams.”
      But the club has recently had to take teams out of the Junior Premier League due to the cost of the four-hour round trips to play other teams across the North West.
      Chris says: “Football gives kids a good focus and can be a massive part of certain children’s lives.
      “It might be the one thing they’ll look forward to all week, and sometimes it gets them out of situations where maybe they don’t want to be at home all the time.”
      HOW TO APPLY
      WE want to hear the story of your club and the huge difference you are making to kids and your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland working with youngsters under the age of 18 you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that encourages more children to take part in the sport.
      Perhaps your club needs help with pitch fees or wants to sponsor funded places for children who can not afford membership.
      To apply and for full T&Cs, see tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund.

      WHAT THE STARS SAY

      A young Phil FodenCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Phil says football ‘brings happiness for so many people’Credit: Getty
      “GRASSROOTS football is where it began for all of us.
      “It brings happiness for so many people and it’s so important nothing gets in the way of everyone having that opportunity.”

      A young Harry MaguireCredit: Instagram
      Harry says ‘playing with a team gives kids an outlet and a chance to learn discipline’Credit: Getty
      “I SPENT my childhood with a ball at my feet.
      “Playing with a team gives kids an outlet and a chance to learn discipline and to make friends with people they might not have met.”

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

      A young Jarrod Bowen
      Jarrod said ‘football is for everyone and it’s massively important it stays that way’Credit: Getty
      “WE can’t let kids see their dream die simply because Mum or Dad can’t afford to pay for the subs, kit and travel.
      “Football is for everyone and it’s massively important it stays that way.” More