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    Major update in hunt for gang who kidnapped Liverpool star Luis Diaz’ parents as cops ‘closing the net’ on suspects

    COLOMBIAN police say they are closing the net on the gang who kidnapped Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s parents after identifying some of the suspects.Alejandro Zapata, deputy director of the country’s Policia Nacional, said he was not in a position to name names.
    Colombian authorities have provided a major update in the search for the dad of Liverpool forward Luis DiazCredit: Rex
    Luis Manuel Diaz has been missing since Saturday after being kidnapped by armed gunmen in ColombiaCredit: AFP
    Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was later rescued after being found in the city of Barrancas the same nightCredit: Supplied
    But he said investigators were “clear about people who could be linked” to Saturday’s abduction of Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda in their home town of Barrancas.
    Mr Zapata confirmed investigators were treating the kidnap as a “premeditated crime” which had been meticulously planned.
    He added: “When something like this happens, it is generally not spontaneous and there has been previous planning, people that draw people to a certain place, that is, who place them somewhere so that others arrive and that’s what we are investigating.”
    He also spoke about the possibility that Luis Manuel was smuggled into Venezuela following the rescue of the Liverpool striker’s mum just hours after the abduction.
    Read more Sports News
    Mr Zapata said: “What we know is that the kidnap occurred in La Guajira and it’s close to the border of course.
    “We don’t have any evidence at the moment indicating he has been taken across the border, we can’t say that’s what’s happened, but we can’t rule it out either.
    “It’s very possible his captors look to the possibility of fleeing to Venezuela.”
    Appearing to support the idea the gang who have Luis Manuel are in hiding and have not managed to cross into Venezuela, Mr Zapata’s boss William Rene Salamanca Ramirez told Colombian media: “I can’t give any information on that and I want to be very prudent.
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    “I myself flew over an area you’d cross in and they would have to cross the Perija Mountains and I don’t think a human being could survive that.
    “We were trying to put some commando units into that area and we couldn’t because of the dense jungle vegetation.
    “An army blockade has been in place in the lower part of the mountains which would be the normal route into Venezuela.”
    Colombia’s Attorney General Francisco Barbosa had confirmed earlier it was possible the winger’s dad could already be across the border.
    He said Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro would be asked to help free Luis Diaz’s dad if it emerged that was the case.
    A reward of up to £40,000 has been offered by the authorities for information.
    A man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative of Cilenis.
    Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday. They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
    “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
    “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them.
    “They headed for a rural area. The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”Luis’ mum has yet to speak publicly about her ordeal.
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    She was abandoned by her captors by the roadside as the hunt to catch them intensified.
    The men holding the footballer’s father are said to have fled with him on motorbikes.
    Portuguese forward Diogo Jota held up Diaz’s shirt after scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on SundayCredit: EPA More

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    Cops still searching for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad after terrifying kidnap in Colombia as mum rescued and freed

    COPS are continuing their search for Luis Diaz’s dad after he and the Liverpool star’s mum were kidnapped in Colombia before she was freed.It comes after earlier reports suggested Luis Manuel Diaz was rescued during a police shootout that left two of his captors dead.
    Luis Diaz’s dad has reportedly been rescued after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia
    Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool in August 2022Credit: Getty
    The Liverpool FC striker’s parents were taken hostage on Saturday near their home in Barrancas, Colombia.
    It comes after his mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was freed from her captors and was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives, with Diaz’s dad still reportedly missing.
    Liverpool FC released a statement today confirming it was aware of the ongoing situation involving Diaz’s parents.
    “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity,” they said.
    READ MORE ON LUIZ DIAZ
    “In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said it was a “worrying situation for all of us”.
    Colombian police have announced that they are prepared to reward anyone who will provide crucial information into the kidnapping of Diaz’s dad with £40,000.
    William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, the director general of Colombia’s National Police force, was today filmed speaking with the 26-year-old winger on his mobile phone from an undisclosed location in La Guajira where he travelled to after the kidnap took place.
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    He told the footballer, referring to him by his nickname of Lucho: “Dear Lucho, you’re talking to William Salamanca the director of Colombia’s National Police.
    “I am here in La Guajira on the orders of Colombia’s President to lead and supervise the operation to rescue your father.
    “Last night we managed to rescue your mother and she is safe and well.
    “We are here and using all the air and land resources available with the support of the Colombian Army”.
    The police chief spoke to the Liverpool player after Colombia’s Ambassador to the UK Roy Barreras described the kidnap of Luis’ parents as “miserable” and said their liberation was being seen as a “national priority.”
    He said in a direct message to the captors after it was confirmed Cilenis had been rescued but Luis Manuel Diaz was still missing amid fears he was already in Venezuela: “Mr kidnappers: In addition to a heinous crime, you have committed a terrible mistake!
    “You have offended the flag of Colombia, the shirt that I am sure you have also worn to shout the goals of the Colombian National Team that unites us all.
    “You still have time. Avoid a greater tragedy. It will turn out badly for you! Correct the error Free Lucho Díaz’s father now.”
    The Colombian army said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Army troops support the search operation for the parents of soccer player Luis Díaz, who apparently are victims of kidnapping.”
    Diaz has not been included in Liverpool’s squad to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
    Local media in the La Guajira region earlier reported the footballer’s dad had been freed following a shootout with police which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers.
    The incident is said to have happened near an area called Los Barrancones as the captors headed towards Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
    They reportedly had the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country.
    But there has not yet been any official confirmation, however, that Luis Diaz’s dad has been rescued.
    The reports emerged as a man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
    Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
    “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
    “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
    “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
    “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
    Responding to claims there was an exchange of gunfire before Cilenis was rescued, Medina said: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to her yet.
    “It’s a difficult situation. She’s back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her.
    “We’re just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”
    He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person who is much loved in Barrancas and there’s never been any talk of threats.
    “He and his family are highly appreciated in this municipality and that is why he always felt calm and safe here.
    “But there is always going to be someone who wants to harm a family, a family which is bringing a lot of glory and a lot of recognition to Barrancas.
    “The general public rejects acts like this targeting a much-loved and respected family in our municipality.”
    Diaz is Colombia’s biggest star and has scored nine goals in 43 appearances for the national side.
    His father previously revealed the Liverpool ace suffered from an illness which caused him to lose a dangerous amount of weight.
    The tricky winger went from “chubby” to extremely skinny which could’ve cost him his life.
    Diaz was born and raised in the heartland of Colombia’s largest indigenous community.
    His football skills impressed scouts, including Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama.
    After scoring seven goals at the 2015 Copa Sudamericana de Pueblos Indigenas, Diaz’s career began to take off.
    Read More on The Sun
    Atletico Junior sent him on loan to Barranquilla, where he was put on a special diet to gain 10kg.
    Diaz crossed the Atlantic to join Porto in 2019, before moving to Liverpool in January 2022.
    The Liverpool ace’s parents were taken near their home while on their way to a relatives houseCredit: Getty More

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    Jude Bellingham’s incredible dream to play for BARCELONA leaked… hours before Real Madrid star plays in El Clasico

    JUDE BELLINGHAM had the one dream you keep secret before your El Clasico debut.That’s if a school ‘snitch’ is to be believed!
    Judging by his expression in training as Real Madrid prepare for El Clasico against Barcelona, perhaps Jude Bellingham knows his ‘guilty secret’ is outCredit: EPA
    Bellingham’s head was in the clouds if this display board is true
    The new £115m Real star has amazing stats in his first LaLiga campaignCredit: Reuters
    Revealing that Bellingham loved Adam Sandler movies might be considered embarrassing enough.
    But the kid who claims he was a Year 10 colleague of Real Madrid’s new hero also insisted England’s hottest talent wanted to play for BARCELONA.
    Bellingham lines up at Real’s fiercest rivals on Saturday after 11 goals in 12 games since his £115million arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
    The midfielder was signed more for his all-round gifts than his strike rate.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    So the 20-year-old has made a staggering start to his career in Spain by anyone’s standards.
    But – according to a TikTok post from a ‘school-mate’ – Bellingham had OPPOSITE plans for his life in LaLiga when he was aged about 10.
    Photos uploaded to the social media site include a display board disclosing the kids’ fantasies for the future.
    And a scrapbook is notable for a photo apparently of the ex-Birmingham ace, captioned: “Point of view: You went to primary school with Jude Bellingham.”
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    The young Brummie is outed as an admirer of Sandler – who by then had featured in The Wedding Guy and The Waterboy but has more recently had top roles in Hustle and Uncut Gems.
    Bellingham is said to have listed talking too much as a bad habit – ironic as he seems so mature, relaxed and natural in interviews.
    And then came the killer confession under a section headed: “When I grow up I want to be…”
    In the top right the purported answer from Bellingham is: “A professional footballer for Barcelona and England.”
    If true, it was certainly a dream of two halves.
    He’s already won 27 caps after becoming the Three Lions’ third-youngest player ever – aged 17 years and 136 days against the Republic of Ireland in November 2020 aged 17.
    But playing for Barca at any stage would be a sensational development after he joined ‘El Clasico enemies’ Real in June this year. More

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    Bradley Lowery’s mum speaks out as football yob Dale Houghton admits mocking her son’s death at Sunderland game

    BRADLEY Lowery’s mum has spoken out after a shameless footie yob admitted to mocking her son’s tragic death.Heartbroken mother Gemma said the sickening behaviour of Dale Houghton was like a “dagger to the heart”.
    Bradley Lowery’s mum Gemma hit out at a sick troll who mocked her son’s deathCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Dale Houghton sparked fury over the vile act
    Houghton will be sentenced next monthCredit: Facebook
    Houghton, 31, was snapped using a picture of the youngster to mock Sunderland fans during Friday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
    The thug today admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
    And Gemma slammed him for showing no “remorse” after his shameful act.
    Speaking to The Mirror the 40-year-old said: “To be honest when I first saw it I was upset and a little bit angry, using my child in a negative light.
    Read More in Football
    “However as the day went on and I saw the impact and the backlash the men got.
    “I’m the sort of person who tries to see the good in people, so I started trying to justify their actions, they’ve just been beaten 3-0.
    “But then I got sent some messages from a group chat they’d been in which you can clearly see there was no remorse.
    She continued: “They said that Bradley shouldn’t have got special treatment and that’s when it really, really hit us.
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    “It was like a dagger to my heart and I got really really upset about that. What they did was intentional and they had no remorse for doing it.
    “That’s when I thought ‘actually you are not very nice people and you deserve to be punished’.”
    Houghton now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
    And he will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
    Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
    Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
    She also told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
    Sunderland fan Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with neuroblastoma, but succumbed to the illness in 2017. 
    He was a mascot for his beloved club and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
    Ex-prem star Defoe also blasted the heartless fan for his disgraceful act on Friday.
    The former Sunderland striker struck up a close friendship with Bradley, six, before his death from cancer in 2017.
    He told MailOnline: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
    “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
    “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
    Ex-prem star Defoe blasted the heartless fan for his disgraceful act on FridayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    How a scheme to support local football clubs is benefiting whole communities

    BECAUSE of a developmental disorder, 11-year-old Sean had been rejected by every local football club. Until, that is, his parents took him to Bangor Saints FC, where he was welcomed with open arms.“At Bangor it doesn’t matter who you are or what level you’re at, because we see our job as supporting young people,” says Daf Roberts, 46, a postman whose roles at the club include coaching coordinator, safeguarding officer and equality champion.
    Daf Roberts (right) with one of his many hats at Bangor Saints FC
    Daf tried Sean in various positions, then one week he gave him the goalkeeper’s gloves. Sean was outstanding, and that season he won the club’s Golden Gloves award.
    “When we announced it at the presentation, his joy was overwhelming,” Daf recalls.
    “His parents cried. They told me Sean’s dream was to be accepted and be part of a team, and he is – he’s a fantastic lad.
    “People join the club thinking it’s about scoring goals, but in fact they learn to mix regardless of background.
    “They learn respect, teamwork and life skills, and their fitness improves,” adds Daf, who was named 2023 FAW (Football Association of Wales) Grassroots Spirit of Football Award winner.
    Founded in 2014, Bangor Saints has expanded from two to seven teams; these range from under-sevens to under-17s, and the club numbers around 100 players.
    The value of a local sports club to a community is enormous, but it’s not cheap to run.
    There are league and FA affiliation fees, pitch hire, kit, referees… the list goes on, especially for those with clubhouses and changing rooms to heat and maintain.
    When Bangor was expanding in 2018, it needed funds and applied for a grant through the Tesco Bags of Help scheme (now called Tesco Stronger Starts).
    Working in partnership with the charity Groundwork, the supermarket has awarded over £100million to more than 50,000 local projects through its funding programmes.
    These include 6,000 schools, over 2,000 sports teams and 2,300 other youth organisations.
    Customers can participate by voting in their local stores to support projects, or even nominate them.
    “Community is the central pillar of our purpose at Tesco,” says Christine Heffernan, the company’s director of group communications.
    “We’re proud that together we can help make a difference in our customers’ communities and to their friends and families.
    “We’ll provide information about the projects so they can vote for them in every store and support their favourite cause.”

    An allocation of £1,000 to Bangor Saints meant the club could buy new portable goalposts and enough kit to run new teams.
    “Schemes like Tesco’s are a massive bonus for clubs like ours in an area where the cost of living crisis is biting,” says Daf.
    “Parents can’t really afford much. Fundraising and awards like this take the pressure off parents and enable the club to flourish.”
    Tesco recently launched its new grant programme, Stronger Starts, which is committing £5.3million to schools and children’s groups, funding healthy food and activities.
    It has already received over 5,000 applications for the first round, showing the scale of support needed.
    For help reaching local clubs and causes that could benefit from support, the supermarket chain has teamed up with The Sun’s Footie For All campaign.
    The newspaper launched Footie For All after it was revealed that 94 per cent of clubs nationwide were struggling and that many young players were dropping out because their parents could not cover costs.
    “It’s clubs like Bangor who see first hand the difference these opportunities can make to young people’s lives when they’re moving, motivated and mentally energised,” says Christine.
    “That’s why it felt right to extend the reach of our Stronger Starts funding to grants to ensure any child can play football, and take away the worry about paying for subs or kit.
    “Ensuring children thrive means we’re also ensuring our communities thrive. By encouraging mental, physical and social skills in an environment where there is a sense of enjoyment, participation and teamwork, we’re benefiting the wider future population and locality too.”

    Apply for a Tesco Stronger Starts grant now
    Tesco Stronger Starts is open to any local club or charitable scheme. Add your support by voting for local groups using the blue tokens in your Tesco branch
    To find out more head to tescoplc.com/strongerstarts
    Hear all about The Sun’s Footie For All opportunities here. More

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    Yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with pic of Bradley Lowery are brothers – as mum slams ‘low lifes’ and cops open probe

    THE vile football yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley Lowery are brothers, it has been revealed.Little Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with cancer, but tragically died aged just six in 2017.
    Vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last nightCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
    His mum has now shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Dale’s (pictured) former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actionsCredit: Facebook
    The two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton (pictured)Credit: Facebook
    He was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
    Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match at Hillsborough on Friday, with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
    It has now emerged the two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
    Dale’s former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actions and claimed he “has not been employed” there for “some time”.
    Read more Sport News
    A full statement read: “JRI want to make clear that we do not condone the posts and images that has caused so much upset to so many people.
    “We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is an ex-employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the business for some time.”
    In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
    A statement from the family read: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
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    “I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.
    “Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry to.
    “Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m enternaly [sic] grateful for, but i must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
    “I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday, for their quick condemnation, and the support their fans have shown.
    “Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.
    “Thank you all for your kind words, it has really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo.”
    A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday described their actions as “outrageous and deplorable” on X, while South Yorkshire Police said it was working with the club to identify the men.
    A spokesman for the force said: “We are working to investigate public order offences following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture yesterday.
    “We will be working with the club to identity those responsible.
    “Anyone with information is asked to get in touch online or by calling 101.”
    Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
    “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
    “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
    Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
    In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
    In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
    Bradley struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    JRI claimed he ‘has not been employed’ there for ‘some time’Credit: Facebook/JRI Orthopaedics
    Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
    The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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    The surprising item which Tyson Fury has ‘fetish’ for and loves ‘as much as his Ferrari’ – and even hides from his kids

    TYSON FURY’S wife Paris revealed her legendary boxing husband has a “coffee fetish”.So much so that Tyson bought a coffee machine that he loves as much as his Ferrari.
    Tyson Fury is obsessed with his coffee machine that he loves as much as his FerrariCredit: Getty
    The undefeated WBC champion is passionate about fast cars and has amassed an impressive collection, which includes a Porsche and of course a Ferrari.
    However, Paris insists there is only one other thing the heavyweight likes as much as his cool rides and that is his coffee machine that makes him him his beloved Americanos.
    The Gyspy King’s partner revealed in her autobiography Love and Fury: The Magic and Mayhem of Life with Tyson that her husband’s passion began during a training camp in the US.
    The 35-year-old then bought a coffee machine that he is so enamored with that he keeps it in his main training ground in Morecambe so that his six children don’t “tamper” with it.
    Read More on Boxing
    Paris wrote: “I’m quite content with Nescafe instant granules – fully caffeinated; I need that pep-up – and like it made very weak with lots of milk, but no sugar.
    “If I’m having a hot drink in town, I’ll choose a latte or a flat white, nothing too strong or bitter for me.
    “Tyson, on the other hand, has become a coffee connoisseur (or a ‘coffee snob’ as I call him).
    “His obsession began when he was holed up in a US training camp that happened to have an all-singing, all-dancing coffee machine.
    Most read in Boxing
    “A freshly made Americano – with hot steam milk – soon became his daily treat, something for him to really look forward to.
    “Then, perhaps to break the monotony of camp life, he began to educate himself on the origins of the beans – Kenya, Brazil, Colombia – as well their various blends and roasts.
    “When he returned to the UK, Tyson splashed out on his own top-of-the-range coffee machine.
    “It’s his pride and joy (he loves it as much as his Ferrari, I reckon) and it’s kept permanently in his camp HQ in Morecambe so the kids can’t tamper with it.
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    Fury’s wife Paris revealed he keeps his coffee machine away from his kidsCredit: PA

    🥊 Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
    “Once or twice a day he’ll grind his own beans and, with tender loving care, will make himself his perfect brew.
    “His coffee fetish has become a standing joke between us, in fact. He’ll ridicule my mugs of cheap Nescafe, and I’ll poke fun at his posh Americanos.
    “‘Not such a working-class man of the people, eh, Tyson?’ [He responds] ‘Oh, go and boil your kettle’.”
    Tyson will need his daily caffeine intake ahead of his undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk on December 23 to keep him on his toes for the big fight. More

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

    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