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      in Soccer

      Harry Kane pictured training with Bayern days after 3 of his kids were saved by hero nanny in three-car smash

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      HARRY Kane was pictured training with Bayern Munich just days after three of his kids were saved by a hero nanny in a car crash.The striker’s children were “lightly injured” in a three-vehicle accident outside Munich on Monday afternoon.Harry Kane was pictured training with Bayern Munich just days after his kids were in a car crashCredit: GettyThe striker’s children were ‘lightly injured’ in a three-vehicle accident outside MunichCredit: Hohenschäftlarn volunteer fire departmentKane’s three kids were taken to hospital as a precaution – but the ex-Spurs striker confirmed everyone was ‘fine’Credit: Instagram @katekanexThe England captain was in London ahead of his side’s 2-2 Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.Kane, 30, played and scored in Tuesday night’s game — the day after the crash.Bild published images of an accident between three cars, including a van carrying his children and bodyguard.Three of Kane’s children – Louis three, Vivienne, five, and Ivy, seven – were travelling in the Mercedes and were taken to hospital as a precaution.Read more Sports NewsAnd a British nanny was praised for saving footie star Kane’s children.A young driver in a Renault cut across their people carrier to turn into a junction — crunching into its front and sending both ­vehicles spinning towards an oncoming Land Rover Defender.Despite its airbags being triggered, the nanny calmly brought the £100,000 Mercedes to a halt, steering clear of the out-of-control Renault and avoiding careering into the 4×4.The quick-thinking nanny, 24, was said to be “left terrified”.Most read in FootballA source told The Sun: “The Kane’s nanny did an incredible job of protecting the children.”None of this is her fault. She might be on German roads, but she had right-of-way.A British nanny has been hailed a hero after averting disaster during a car crash when she drove Harry Kane’s children”It was the German driver who cut across her path and smashed into her. She would only have had milliseconds to react.”You can see from the pictures it was a serious smash, but the Kane children would have felt nothing other than a bang. She really has averted disaster.”Local fire chief Daniel Buck said the family’s people carrier “had a lot of damage”.He added: “The good news was nobody had really strong injuries, more minor injuries typical for a car accident.”Thank God nobody was really injured. It was really lucky for all.”The Renault driver, a 20-year-old woman, could be punished with a fine of as little as £150.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe could have been charged with “negligent assault” and, if anyone had been injured, faced up to three years behind bars.Kane’s wife Katie, 31, and their ­youngest child Henry, seven months, were not in the car.Kane at Saebener Strasse training ground yesterdayCredit: GettyThe driver, 20, who crashed into Kane’s kids is said to be facing a fine of £100Credit: GettyThe young motorist smashed into a black Mercedes Vito while trying to turn onto a motorway slip roadCredit: Hohenschäftlarn volunteer fire departmentKane’s side drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finalCredit: GettyInside Harry and Katie’s life in ‘Germany’s Hollywood’BEFORE finding their perfect family home, Harry and his clan had been staying in Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, one of Munich’s most prestigious and exclusive hotels.
      The five-star resort is frequented by celebs and footballers, costing an eye-watering £10,000 per night to stay.
      Located 7.5 miles (12km) southwest of central Munich, Grünwald is a popular spot for Bayern players as it is only a 15-minute drive from the club’s training ground.
      Kane is also joining the current Bayern squad living there; Alphonso Davies, Matthijs de Ligt, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Benjamin Pavard and Leroy Sane.
      And Katie could also rub shoulders with a new group of WAG pals including Anika Bissel, the partner of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Peter Neuer.
      There’s also Leroy Sane’s wife Candice Brook, a US model, TV personality and singer, and Mathea Fischer, the partner of Leon Goretzka.
      The area is known as the “Bavarian Hollywood”, and it is Germany’s wealthiest municipality.
      A source previously told MailOnline: “Grünwald is the Bavarian Beverly Hills. It’s the home of the rich and famous and offers the very best in luxury mansions.
      “I can assure you that the Kane family will be in one of them and will enjoy their new life here.”
      The family have a variety of high-end restaurants and eateries in the area.
      They include Chang, a Michelin guide-listed Asian restaurant, which offers pick ‘n’ mix style sushi for £100, caviar for £450 and ribeye steak for £40.
      Another Bayern star hotspot is Hugo’s, which specialises in truffle pizza and pasta.
      There are also plenty of International schools for the Kanes to choose from for their new little one, including the International Preschool Munich, which has fees of up to £975 per week.  More

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      in Motorsport

      My brother Lewis Hamilton made £24m while I sat crying & eating pot noodles as gambling debts forced me to sell my car

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      SITTING inside a dirty room, unwashed and slurping a Pot Noodle, Nicolas Hamilton broke down in tears before his computer screen. The 32-year-old – the half-brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis – had frittered away thousands on gambling in a six-month binge and spiralled into a deep depression that left him on the brink of suicide.Lewis Hamilton helped to inspire his half-brother Nicolas to get into racingCredit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonNicolas says he and Lewis remain each other’s ‘No1 fans’Credit: GettyThe 32-year-old made history at the 2015 BTCC racing against able-bodied driversCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceWhat started as a £2 bet on Arsenal scoring developed into an “all-consuming” addiction to online casinos and blackjack that rarely saw him leave his room in 2017.Two years earlier Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, had made history as the first disabled driver to go up against able-bodied racers in the British Touring Car Championship. He was forced to sell off his “pride and joy”, a midnight blue Mercedes C63 gifted to him by Lewis, to settle a hefty tax bill that he couldn’t afford due to his gambling and “naivety” about finances.In his memoir Now That I Have Your Attention, Nicolas speaks out about that dark time, which left him on the verge of ending his life.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “I felt so ashamed, using this amazing gift to pay my tax bill. “It felt like I had practically stolen the money from my brother and I have never forgiven myself for that.“It destroyed me. I got a real wake-up call. I had no way of going forward because I’d lost everything. “I was stuck. I had a balcony at my flat and I was thinking what would I do if I just jumped off it.”Most read in Motorsport Inside glamorous life of Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nic with racing career and Instagram model girlfriendNicolas’ struggles came three years into Lewis’ racing career with Mercedes, in 2017, when he was paid £24million a year – not including funds from sponsorships and endorsements.Yet he felt unable to confide in his half-brother, or his parents, and relied on daily calls to Samaritans over a difficult two-week period. Nicolas has since overcome his addiction – even able to take a trip to Las Vegas casinos recently without having a flutter – and says he’s grateful that “gambling is no longer an issue”.Recalling his difficult moments, he told The Times: “I wanted more of the winnings – and the losing didn’t really deter me. It just got me in a cycle.Nicolas followed half-brother Lewis into racing but says he is always ‘compared’ to the F1 world championCredit: InstagramNicolas was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at 18 months oldCredit: InstagramIt was Lewis who recognised Nicolas’ talent on a driving simulatorCredit: Instagram“I couldn’t stop thinking about it — I just wanted to go back to my computer. The whole day would go quite easily. “I could see it was a problem but I was too far in. I was scared to stop. I’d lost so much money that I felt like, if I stopped, I was in a hole that I wouldn’t get out of.” After admitting all to his parents, Nicolas says they were “supportive” and “felt sorry for me”. He’s never spoken to Lewis about selling the Mercedes, which was bought for him as a surprise 24th birthday present.’Lewis spurred me on’Overcoming gambling addiction was just one of many struggles Nicolas has battled throughout his life.In 1992, he was born two months premature and spent the first six weeks of his life battling to survive in intensive care. At 18 months old, Nicolas was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, which affects his balance and muscle movement in the lower half of his body. Doctors predicted he would never be able to walk or run.Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with himNicolas HamiltonGambling addiction: five warning signsIS someone you know gambling more than they can afford to lose? Are you concerned they may be addicted? If so, read GamCare’s list of five signs to take note of.

      1) Being withdrawn – Have they stopped socialising? Addicts can lose interest in their usual activities or hobbies. Often they choose not to spend time with family or friends – in favour of staying at home – and when they do they may constantly check their phone.  
      2) Mood change – Are they acting differently? There could be noticeable changes in their mood and behaviour, which could include looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason. 
      3) Sleeping problems – Do they constantly seem tired? Chasing losses and losing money can cause sleeping issues. Anxiety or constant worry can lead plays to be up at all hours. Some gamblers play during the night, which can disturb their sleeping pattern. 
       4) Financial concerns – Has money gone missing from bank accounts or are they regularly short of money and need to borrow money? This could be a sign. Some feel pressure to take out loans to generate income. 
      5) Lying – Do they lie about what they do with their time? Many feel expected to provide for others. If they are hiding a gambling addiction they may be scared of their problem being found out and feel very low wrongly believing they have let people down. 
      Do these warning signs apply to your loved one? GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline. Freephone 0808 8020 133 or talk via web chat at: www.gamcare.org.uk. They provide information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling. Advisers are available 24/7, every day of the year. 

      The disability meant much of his teens was spent in a wheelchair, which led to bullying from classmates.He recalled them mimicking him while he attempted to walk with mobility aids and try to tip him over while in his wheelchair.Nicolas told The Independent: “I didn’t have a voice or a purpose in school – a disabled boy and only person of colour in my school… kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself.”Growing up, he had a strong bond with Lewis – admitting they “were super close” – and says his sibling would encourage him to take part in sports.Nicolas said: “We used to go outside and play basketball. He didn’t treat me any differently, so we would still run races, which I obviously wouldn’t win. “It never upset me. It actually spurred me on to either run faster or become more mobile. I don’t think that was his plan but it was the effect he had on me.” Lewis encouraged Nicolas to learn wheelchair ‘tricks’ to deter bullies from picking on himCredit: InstagramLewis in 2017 when he earned £24m a year with MercedesCredit: AlamyNicolas set a personal best last year, placing sixth in a BTCC raceCredit: AlamySimilarly, his parents instilled resilience, regularly telling him to “brush yourself off” after falls while walking and encouraging him to be independent and strong. Legs ‘like mush’At 16 years old, Nicolas’ life changed forever after a rude interaction in 2008 that encouraged him to work even harder than before to no longer need to use his wheelchair. He was travelling abroad to watch Lewis in a race with his mum when a lady at an airport check-in counter, refused to address him directly and instead spoke to his mum.“She just asked my mum whether I needed assistance or help,” Nicolas recalled during an interview with The Independent last year. Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsportNicolas“I had all the hormones of a teenager wanting to be a man. I was growing a beard. I wanted to talk to girls and go to the pub.“But I’d become lazy and I was in a wheelchair because it was easier for me. It was hard work to walk around. “Able-bodied people weren’t looking at me in the way I wanted to be perceived. That was when I got out of my wheelchair. And I haven’t been back in.”Nicolas starting regular strength training and physio to help him walk – despite it causing neck, back, pelvic and muscular pain – and says before his legs “were like mush”. He told The Times: “Pain will always be a part of my day. I do not take anything for it. I learn to deal with it.”At 16, Nicolas says his legs were ‘like mush’ but now he can walk unaided and no longer uses his wheelchairCredit: GettyHe’s focused on motivational speaking alongside his racing careerCredit: InstagramLewis celebrating with Nicolas at the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix back in 2008Credit: Getty’Bankrolled’ furyNicolas was encouraged to go into racing by his brother at 18 after noticing he was “good on a simulator” and says he “planted the seed in my mind”.In 2011, he made his racing debut at the Renault Clio Cup in a modified car and four years later, became the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Despite his personal achievements, Nicolas has regularly been compared to his famous brother including after a near-fatal crash in 2011 after he hit a tyre barrier at 100mph on the racecourse at Thruxton Circuit, in Hampshire.While being pulled out of the car, which had smoke coming from the bonnet and engine, he recalls a marshal telling him: “Oh dear, Lewis isn’t going to be impressed with this, is he?”Nicolas, who described it as “the most insensitive comment”, added: “Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with him.” It has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsportNicolasIn April last year, Nicolas recorded his best finish to date – sixth place during a BTCC race at Donnington Park – which helped to silence the critics who said he was only driving because of his famous brother. “To come across the line with that result, after everything I’ve been through – best day of my life,” he said. “To finally shut the critics up on 23 April was the best thing I could ever wish for. It was a load of relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders.”Nicolas has faced nepotism comments, online trolling and bullying throughout his racing career due to beliefs that his famous sibling helped him financially or with connections. Last year, he defiantly stated: “Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport.” And has since addressed it in his memoir. Nicolas’s memoir Now That I Have Your Attention comes out this monthCredit: InstagramHe described Lewis as ‘the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car’Credit: GettyHe wrote: “I know pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true; it is also something that I would never want or accept.”Nicolas revealed his father Anthony financially supported his first season as a driver but since then, he has had to find the funds himself.To do so, the 32-year-old has taken on a number of jobs including working for racing video games companies, where he spends up to eight hours analysing virtual cars.Nicolas is also a public speaker – working for nine different UK agencies – and has other one-off gigs including representing MGM as an ambassador at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He remains passionate about racing and hopes to someday compete again after parting ways with Team Hard last year but first, he has to raise the money to compete. Nicolas explained: “I’d love to be back on the grid and I think I deserve to be but I’ve got to find half a million pounds.”Despite being compared to his F1 racing champion brother, whcih he calls “hard”, there is no sibling rivalry.Instead, Nicolas credits Lewis – who he describes as “the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car” – as someone who helped to make him the man he is today. Nicolas adds: “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan…READ MORE SUN STORIES“But it has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsport.”Nicolas Hamilton’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons In Leading A Life Bigger Than They Expect, comes out on April 11 and is available to preorder. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘My kids needed me’, says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon shares heartbreaking reason for turning back on management dream

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed the heartbreaking reason he could not pursue his management dream. The Manchester United and England legend retired in 2015 and began taking his coaching badges. Rio Ferdinand revealed the heartbreaking reason he could not pursue his management dreamHe even did so alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and John O’Shea, all ex-United stars who have gone on to coach. But, in the same year Ferdinand hung up his boots, his wife Rebecca sadly passed away following a battle with breast cancer at the age of just 34.She left behind the couple’s three young children Lorenz, Tate, and Tia.And Ferdinand admits it was for that reason that he could not commit to management. He said on The Overlap podcast: “I was doing my badges. I wanted to be a coach, manager 100 per cent. “Me, Wayne, Michael, Sheasy, they’ve all done management now, I was on the same course as them. “But obviously, personal situations at home happen. If you’re going to be a manager you’ve got to be there 24/7 there’s no time off. “I’ve seen it with Stevie and Frank in the little time I’ve had with them. The change from being a pundit to a manager, their phones are never off their ear. Most read in Football”They’re not really fully engaged because they’re probably thinking about a million other things. “My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them, I’m at work but I’m contactable, I can still be there I can still get to parents evenings whereas with managers, they miss all that stuff. ‘We were a disgrace’, says ex-Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand as he reveals massive change he’d bring to football “So I had to make a real quick decision. It wasn’t even something I had to think about, really. It was just like, I’m not doing that.”The former defender later tied the knot again, with former reality TV star Kate Wright – now Ferdinand – in 2019. And Kate has helped raise Ferdinand’s children while also welcoming two children into the world, son Cree and baby girl Shae. My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them, I’m at work but I’m contactable, I can still be there I can still get to parents evenings whereas with managers, they miss all that stuff. Rio FerdinandFerdinand, 45, now features on fans’ TV screen as a regular pundit on TNT Sports, a role he is still loving. He said: “I’d be doing this anyway with my pals, going to games. “Loads of my mates would be coming up to me after the game on the weekend, I’d be on that train or on the mini bus with them. “But I love it and where we get to see it first hand we’re still close enough you get to smell it and feel it a little bit. I love it.”Ferdinand with his first wife Rebecca in 2009 who sadly passed away aged just 34Credit: Getty – ContributorThe former footballer is now with ex-reality TV star KateCredit: InstagramKate is step mum to Ferdinand’s three kids while they also share two themselvesCredit: Kate Ferdinand / Instagram More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury will ‘walk all over Oleksandr Usyk’ but only if he has dad John in his corner, claims Derek Chisora

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      DEREK CHISORA has claimed the key to Tyson Fury’s success against Oleksandr Usyk is the influence of his father John. Fury and Usyk square off in the heavyweight division’s first-ever four-belt unification bout on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.Tyson Fury with his dad JohnDerek Chisora says John should be Fury’s head coachCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAnd the Gypsy King is busy getting himself into fighting shape, starting out his camp in his hometown of Morecambe. Recently, Fury has posted videos on social media hitting the pads with his dad John, a former professional boxer and bare-knuckle fighter. And Chisora – three times beaten by the WBC champion – believes John is the right man to lead his son to victory over Usyk. He told SecondsOut: “Tyson looks good. I see his dad holding his pads for him. “What people don’t understand is a father and a son’s bond when they train with each other; it’s unbelievable.“It’s what people don’t understand, if Tyson has his dad in his corner, he’ll walk over Usyk easily because he has his dad in his corner. “That’s it, bro. It’s going to be a great fight.” Dad John has admitted he could not be more proud of his champ son Tyson or Tommy and Roman, both unbeaten pro boxers as well. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut a previous criminal conviction has always prohibited him from watching or cornering his sons in America. Although more recently, Fury has been fighting in Saudi allowing John to be by his side. Tyson Fury’s family members are ‘MOLES’ in his camp for Oleksandr Usyk fight, claims Sky Sports boxing punditHis last bout was a controversial split-decision win over MMA superstar Francis Ngannou, who even scored a shock knockdown. Now Fury, 35, faces Usyk, 37, for the undisputed crown in Riyadh and Chisora wants John to replace Sugarhill Steward as head coach. Chisora, 40, said: “He should be. His dad knows fighting. His dad grew up his whole life watching fights and fighting himself.”So I think his dad should be his main trainer at the same time his son will help. The way he’s looking with his dad on the pads, he looks great.”Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Lauryn Goodman blasts Kyle Walker for ‘wheeling out kids’ at Wembley & says star ‘will be overweight bald nobody soon’

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      ENGLAND captain Kyle Walker’s former mistress blasted him after the three sons he has with his wife appeared at the Brazil match as mascots.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman – who has a son and daughter with him – claimed he was using the children as ammunition in the bitter fall-out between them.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman has claimed Kyle Walker was using children at Wembley as ammunition in the bitter feud between themCredit: PAKyle posed with mascots ahead of a friendly clash between England and Brazil this weekendCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireA source close to Lauryn, 32, said: “It’s a shame to see children wheeled out as part of a row between adults and his many infidelities.“Lauryn couldn’t be less bothered and says he will be an overweight bald nobody soon.”Proud Kyle, 33, walked out at Wembley with Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five.But he later limped off with a suspected hamstring injury.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERThe Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie, who was also there on Saturday night.Annie was also at Wembley to support her kids and Kyle. A source said: “She remains dignified throughout the dramas, united for the sake of her three children and upcoming new born whom they are all looking forward to welcoming into the world.“Kyle is focusing on his family, Manchester City and England – and is determined to do whatever he can to contribute to their success.”Most read in FootballA spokeswoman for Kyle Walker said: “Kyle’s sons were on the pitch to share the honour of their Dad leading out England ahead of the Euros. “Previous England captains have celebrated in the same way with their families. Prem stars won’t know what’s hit them’, as wronged pair Lauryn Goodman & Rita Johal set for TV show about life of WAGS“It was a special occasion for Kyle and a proud moment for the boys which was appreciated by England fans at Wembley.”In a bombshell interview with The Sun, Kyle, 33, said he bitterly regretted betraying his “soulmate”.And he admitted making “idiot choices and idiot decisions” after sleeping with Lauryn.He added: “The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.“There have been days in this ordeal where I’ve just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.“The only person to blame is me. I have roles and responsibilities that I’m aware of and I’ve made stupid choices. But I need to own up to my mistakes — I owe it to everyone.“My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.”The Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie Kilner, who he says he regrets betrayingCredit: GettyWalker limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injuryCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Rashford’s mum reveals Man Utd star has been struggling after two bereavements and warns of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S mum has revealed the Manchester United star has been struggling after two bereavements in his life. Rashford has had inconsistent form this season with eight goals in his 35 appearances. Marcus Rashford with his mum Melanie MaynardAnd the England international has found himself in hot water with disciplinary problems off the field. His mum Melanie Maynard opened up on his son’s season in a column in The Times. And Melanie – who worked three jobs to support Rashford and his four other siblings – revealed her son’s secret heartbreak. She wrote: “Marcus lost a second very important person in his life: his cousin Nathan in November, after a very good family friend, Garf, had died a year earlier, which set him back a lot. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was a lot for someone so young to deal with. Marcus is United through and through from when he was younger. “He always wanted to play football professionally at his boyhood club. He worked so hard. “He always believed in ‘if you believe, you will achieve’. He’s had to sacrifice a lot to get to where he is today.” Rashford, 26, in January was disciplined by United after phoning in sick for training despite going on a boozy night out in Belfast. Most read in FootballBut he hit back in perfect style by scoring in his very next game, helping his side to a dramatic 4-3 win at Wolves. Rashford’s performances has since improved also with two in his last two league matches and an all-important goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itMelanie says her boy is on the up again but warned to beware of the “wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”. She said: “Marcus is human, so he will have ups and downs in his life like everyone else. “Marcus is in a very good place, he will never let anyone down. “But you always need to be wary of people’s intentions around you — sometimes people around you can be wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”After a good win against Liverpool on Sunday and Marcus’s England call-up, things are looking bright again.” Rashford has seven Premier League goals so far this seasonRashford has hit a run of form againCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      BBC Scotland sports presenter celebrates birth of first child as adorable baby pic shared in brilliant video

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      BBC SPORTS presenter Leeanne Crichton has been absent from the airwaves in recent times as she took time off for the birth of her first child. And now the happy news of the arrival of a new member of the team has been announced on social media.Leeanne Crichton (right) with wife MarianneLeeann Crichton (left) in action during her time at Glasgow CityCredit: The SunThe 72-times capped international star stepped into the media limelight more than four years ago and is a regular on BBC Scotland’s Sportsound and Sportscene coverage.In addition to her commentary and punditry duties, former Scotland women’s international Leanne is still involved with the game as a midfielder with Motherwell.But her partner Marianne is involved with another sport altogether, as the chief operating officer of Boxing Scotland.And it was Boxing Scotland should announce the arrival of the pair’s baby daughter Cameron Victoria Crichton via their X/Twitter feed in the time-honoured way of a boxing introduction – voiced up by top Scottish boxing announcer Craig Stephen.”At 1.04pm Tuesday 5th March 2024 she made her debut in the world. “Weighing in 7lbs 1oz and wearing nothing but a smile, she is the fighting pride of Leeanne and Marianne. “Introducing Cameron Victoria Crichton.”A message to accompany the post read: “INTRODUCING……Cameron Victoria Crichton. Most read in Football”Congratulations from everyone at Boxing Scotland to our very own Chief Operating Officer Marianne Crichton and partner Leanne who welcomed their baby daughter to the world earlier this month.”Crichton, 36, had previously confirmed the news she was having a baby on the BBC podcast she shares with pal Rachel Corsie.Scotland star shares adorable baby gender reveal as family celebrates heart-warming momentThe birth was originally meant to happen on St Patrick’s Day, March 17th.But Crichton said: “It’s arriving a lot quicker than I’d expected it to arrive.”I feel when other people are pregnant it feels like they’re pregnant forever, it seems so long, but now we are now in this moment and time is going by really fast.”She added: “It’s super exciting it’s been an up and down journey. I won’t lie and say it’s been seamless to get to where we are but it’s just incredible.”Every day is – not a rollercoaster – I’m enjoying every day because it’s so different.”Earning a touching tribute from her fellow presenters when she took her sabbatical from Sportsound, she admitted she couldn’t stick around Pacific Quay any longer – just incase the tense title run in brought on an early arrival and some studio drama.She joked: “It’s probably best I wrap things up now because the next couple of weeks could be quite tense and I’d never want to take the limelight away from VAR!READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’d never want to make it all about me.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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