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      Football clubs get £1,000 grant to help keep players on the pitch thanks to The Sun’s grant

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      FOOTBALL clubs across the country got an extra-special Christmas gift this year – a £1,000 grant to help keep their players on the pitch.The Sun has funded 150 clubs with the cash injection to make sure no child misses out on footie because finances are tight at home.
      Sevenoaks Powerchair Club gives teens and adults the chance to play football in adapted chairsCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Getting this grant to make sure our chairs’ batteries are powered properly is brilliant, said head coach AdamCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Our Footie For All campaign highlighted how kids were being forced to drop out of clubs because of the cost-of-living crisis.
      We then teamed up with Tesco Stronger Starts, which provides healthy food and activities for Children, to give away £150,000 to grassroots clubs across the country.
      We invited teams who work with kids under the age of 18 to apply for one of the 150 £1,000 grants.
      One very special team, who are celebrating being awarded a grant, is Sevenoaks Powerchair Club which gives teens and adults a chance to play the sport in specialist chairs.
      READ MORE ON FOOTIE FOR ALL
      Head coach Adam McEvoy, 36, said: “Our players have a high level of disability so can’t access any other form of football.
      “Getting this grant to make sure our chairs’ batteries are powered properly is brilliant. Each chair costs around £6,000 and we need them to last as long as possible, so our players don’t miss out.”
      The Kent-based team has 15 players, aged between 10 and 25, who spend their Sunday mornings enjoying their version of a kickabout.
      It also allows their parents a bit of respite from providing constant care, as they trust the coaches to look after their young ones.
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      The team asks for a £15 contribution each month to help cover some of the sessions’ costs.
      “Football, in a way, is a by-product of what we do,” Adam said.
      “They love that when they come to football, they’re treated as a footballer. Nothing else matters for those few hours.
      “We see these kids grow into polite, confident young people. It gives them so much more than just a game.”
      Another club that has been awarded a grant is Coity Chiefs Girls FC in Coity, Bridgend, South Wales.
      Little Lionesses in Bridgend, WalesCredit: Adrian Sherratt
      Gornal Community Football ClubCredit: Supplied
      Under the guidance of LeeAnn Baker and her husband, the team has grown from 75 girls to 110 training every week.
      LeeAnn said: “We’re so grateful for the money because it means we can expand the pitch space we rent to make sure all the girls who want to play football can be involved.
      “Every week, we see the joy on the faces of all our players, who are having a chance to enjoy playing without getting comments from boys about how they shouldn’t play.
      “It’s such a supportive environment — when a player gets injured, the others rally round to help. It’s so important girls have a space to play and develop their talent.”
      In a bid to keep everyone involved, the club has a kit swap-shop, which keeps parents’ costs to a minimum as the girls grow.
      Each player pays £14 a month to cover some of the costs and receive top-flight training.
      Another girls’ team making sure women’s football has a bright future is Gornal Community Football club in the West Midlands. Coach Alan Moore, 62, has been running girls’ sessions for decades and is using our £1,000 grant to open up two new squads.
      He said: “The two new sessions are for girls who have completed the free FA wildcat session and want to start playing competitively.
      “It’s amazing to see their confidence grow — it’s so important girls have somewhere to play football.”
      The club started the girls’ team five years ago and it has proved incredibly popular, especially in the wake of the Lionesses’ success.
      The club, which has 18 teams of both genders, charges just £20 a month to play. If finances are tight, they allow kids to come for free.
      Alan said: “Thank you to The Sun and Tesco for helping us get two extra teams — it means 24 more girls are playing in a squad.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Christine Heffernan, Tesco group communications director, said: “It’s clear that football clubs up and down the country need the support more than ever, and that we’re reaching hundreds more children as a result of this funding.
      “The Tesco Stronger Starts and Footie For All partnership is getting children into doing what they love — playing footie more often.” More

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      Man City ace Erling Haaland applies to trademark his initials – lining up possible range of silk pyjamas

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      MAN City striker Erling Haaland has applied to trademark his initials — potentially for a range of personalised PJs.The Nordic goal-getter, 23, known for his love of jim-jams, wants to lock down his rights to the scrawled letters EBH.
      Erling Haaland is known for his love of pyjamasCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      It would mean no one but Haaland — middle name Braut — could put his stamp on an array of items, including clothing.
      He would also like to protect personalised soap, deodorant, perfume, computer games, mobile phones, smartwatches, jewellery, umbrellas, drinks bottles, sunglasses, yoga balls and sweatpants.
      The Norwegian, often seen in designer silk pyjamas — even on nights out — registered the application in his homeland.
      However, last June his bid to trademark his name was rejected.
      READ MORE ON ERLING HAALAND
      He was beaten to it by another Erling Haaland — a 29-year-old from Oslo.
      But he was permitted to trademark his signature and his lotus goal celebration. More

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      Sergio Ramos’ stunning wife Pilar Rubio stuns in a red bikini and straw hat

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      ROVING telly reporter Pilar Rubio loves to be out and about — as it gives her a head start on the Boxing Day sales.The Spanish beauty, 45, posing in a straw hat for a shoot, went to Manchester for a three-day shopping spree.
      Sergio Ramos’ stunning wife Pilar Rubio stuns in a red bikini and straw hatCredit: David Prades-Photo
      Mum-of-four Pilar previously revealed she has sex with Sergio Ramos every dayCredit: Getty
      Footage on Instagram shows her in the Christmas market wrapped in a winter coat.
      Pilar has four kids with Spanish footie legend Sergio Ramos, 37.
      Mum-of-four Pilar previously revealed that the couple have sex every day.
      When asked how often she had romped with her husband-of-three-years in the last month, the stunning brunette replied: “We do it every day, except for the days when I am in Madrid.
      READ MORE ON PILAR RUBIO
      “Today for instance, thanks to you, I can’t.”
      Told by the shocked host of chat show La Resistencia they were like Avengers superheroes having sex so often with four youngsters in the house, she added: “My children are in bed at 9.30pm. Sex is life.”
      She insisted the fact they had four kids had no impact on their sex life.
      Rubio tried to turn the tables by asking host David Broncano about how often he did it – but was told he had no children so there was no comparison.
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      In her tell-all interview, Rubio – who has commuted between Paris and Madrid since Ramos joined PSG in 2021 – also claimed she had just £46,000 in the bank.
      Seeing the admission was causing as much shock as her confession about sex with Sergio Ramos, she added: “I’m talking about the current account which is the one I saw.”
      Pilar went to Manchester for a three-day shopping spreeCredit: Instagram More

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      Mason Greenwood enjoys family Christmas at home after jetting into Manchester with partner Harriet Robson

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      MASON Greenwood enjoyed a family Christmas at home after jetting into Manchester with his partner Harriet Robson.The Manchester United forward – on loan with Spanish club Getafe after Old Trafford bosses ruled he couldn’t play for the club following abuse allegations – was pictured shopping with Wag Harriet Robson in Hale, Cheshire, in the run up to Christmas.
      Man United star Mason Greenwood enjoyed a family Christmas at home with his partner
      The forward, 22, on loan at Spanish club Getafe, was seen out shopping with Harriet Robson in Hale, Cheshire
      The couple, who have a daughter, flew back during the La Liga winter break
      The couple, who have a baby daughter, flew back to the UK to see family during the La Liga winter break which runs from December 23 to January 3.
      A source said: “Mason and Harriet have really enjoyed living in Spain. They have had time and space to enjoy being a young family and are facing up to the challenge of living in a foreign country.
      “He has had lots of problems off the pitch in his short career, but he finally seems to be addressing them and sorting himself out.
      “He has made some good friends with teammates and Harriet has been welcomed by some of the Wags. They like being able to go out in Madrid without feeling like everyone is watching them.”
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      Greenwood moved to the Madrid-based side in September after United announced the previous month he wouldn’t play for them again.
      The decision came after allegations of attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour were dropped by the CPS when a key witness refused to co-operate with the prosecution.
      United then launched an internal investigation into Greenwood’s conduct and kept him suspended on full pay of £75,000-a-week.
      Getafe are understood to have told United they would like to buy Greenwood for £40m, but United want to keep Greenwood’s deal as a loan move.
      Most read in Football
      His future remains uncertain with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan all keeping tabs on his form.
      The 22-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists in 15 games since moving to Getafe in September.
      His form has led to some United fans to call for his return to Old Trafford despite bosses previously saying he needed to leave to rebuild his career and that they had no plans to bring him back.
      Former United starlet Ravel Morrison tweeted: “What a player. United need to bring him back!!” after watching a highlights reel of Greenwood playing for Getafe.
      After Greenwood led a late comeback against Atletico to draw 3-3, France striker Antoine Griezmann heaped praise on him, saying “Mason Greenwood was really causing us problems in the second half. We couldn’t stop him and it cost us the game.”
      Greenwood moved to the Madrid-based side in September after United announced the previous month he wouldn’t play for them againCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal fans wind up rivals the most by gifting merch from their own club for Christmas – where does your club rank?

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      MORE than half of Premier League fans wind up rivals with merchandise gifts from their own club for Xmas.Arsenal supporters topped the table in buying friends the wrong scarf or cap a poll found.
      Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City fans topped the list of fans getting ready to wind up their mates on Christmas DayCredit: Getty
      Sixty-five per cent of them gave Gunners gear to mates who follow Spurs.
      Next were Liverpool supporters, with 62 per cent buying Everton pals merchandise from Anfield.
      Man City fans came third, with 60 per cent winding up United muckers.
      At the bottom end, Fulham were 18th with 30 per cent admitting joke buys, and Brentford 19th on 28 per cent.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTMAS 2023
      Bournemouth fans on 26 per cent were least likely to prank their pals, according to a poll of 2,200 supporters by BettingTips4You.com.
      Spokesman John Pentin said: “Our survey brings to light the lighter side of football fan culture.” More

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      German footie fans caught fondling life-sized model of Harry Kane at FC Bayern Store in Munich

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      FOOTIE fans have been caught offside — fondling a life-sized model of Harry Kane.The mannequin is part of a Christmas display at an official club shop.
      German football fans have been fondling a life-sized model of Harry Kane
      Harry has netted 21 goals in 15 games for Bayern since moving from SpursCredit: Getty
      But staff keep having to adjust the shorts worn by the Bayern Munich striker’s dummy because of over­zealous man-handling by his German admirers.
      Last night a worker at the FC Bayern Store in Munich city centre said: “Everyone is always touching Harry’s body here on display.
      “No one is disrespectful, just in awe of him and all of his achievements.
      “Definitely we have seen fans, of all sexes, give him a little pinch or pat on the bottom.
      read more on harry kane
      “Sometimes his bottom gets touched so much that we have to make sure his shorts are on properly.”
      England hero Harry, 30, has netted 21 goals in 15 games for Bayern since moving from Spurs in the summer.
      Last night he revealed he was leaving his Munich hotel base to move into a new home in the city.
      He posted on Instagram: “A massive thank you to the hotel staff who have made me feel at home since moving to Munich.
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      “It’s been a huge part of being able to settle in so well.” More

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      Max Verstappen snubbed from hiring Mercedes AMG GT with top speed of 195mph on holiday — as he’s ‘too young’

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      FORMULA One world champion Max Verstappen was snubbed when he tried to hire a high-performance car on holiday — as he was too young.The 26-year-old Dutch ace — used to racing at well over 200mph — was denied access to the Mercedes, which has a top speed of 195mph.
      Formula One ace Max Verstappen was unable to hire a Mercedes from car rental firm Sixt when he went on holidayCredit: Splash News
      Staff said that allowing Verstappento take the AMG GT motor would have breached its insurance policyCredit: Mercedes
      Staff at car rental firm Sixt said that allowing Verstappen — who won his first grand prix aged 18 — to take the AMG GT motor would have breached its insurance policy as he is under 30.
      The Red Bull racer, who this season won his third consecutive F1 world championship, instead had to make do with a less powerful BMW 5 Series.
      He flew to the Algarve in Portugal with family and friends on three private jets last Monday.
      The party had rented around 20 cars from Sixt at Faro Airport and hired the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve racing circuit for two days before Verstappen flew on to Brazil.
      READ MORE ON F1
      A source said: “Max and the group went to Portugal for a fun racing trip and had booked the cars they wanted.
      “When they got to the airport, Max was shocked when he was told he wasn’t allowed to drive the Mercedes he wanted.
      “He’s a seasoned F1 driver who’s used to handling powerful cars, so it’s quite astonishing to think he wasn’t allowed to get behind the wheel of this one — but those are the rules, so he abided by them.”
      Verstappen, who has hit a top speed of 213mph in his RB19 F1 car, had picked out the Mercedes AMG GT, which can do up to 195.7mph.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The BMW he was eventually given can cruise at up to 155.3mph.
      His manager Raymond Vermeulen ended up driving the Mercedes.
      Belgium-born Verstappen has won 54 races and made the podium 98 times in his F1 career.
      He has raced for Red Bull since 2016 and is said to have earned £43million this year alone.
      He began karting aged four and was competing in championships at seven. Dad Jos, 51, was also an F1 driver.
      Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has said of Verstappen: “I believe he will turn out to be the greatest driver of all time.”
      A Sixt spokesman said: “The employees of our franchise partner in Portugal have only followed the rules that arise for insurance reasons.
      “In order to find a customer-friendly solution on site, Mr Verstappen was provided with another premium vehicle.
      “However, there can be special circumstances that justify a deviation from rules. This is such a case.
      “We apologise to Mr Verstappen. He can rent the car he wants from us at any time.
      “There is of course no doubt at all about his driving skills and his experience with powerful cars.”
      In August, Verstappen appeared to break the speed limit while driving a £2.3million Aston Martin Valkyrie supercar through a tunnel in France.
      Read more on The Sun
      A video showed him to seemingly be at 73mph on a 55mph road.
      His representative was asked to comment.
      Verstappen has hit a top speed of 213mph in his RB19 F1 carCredit: Getty More

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      Harry Redknapp: Klopp and Guardiola would struggle to keep this Luton team up… Rob Edwards could be a miracle worker

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      THERE have been some classic Christmas hits over the years… and a few no one would have predicted.I’m reliably informed that Mr Blobby, Bob the Builder and Lily the Pink were all No 1s — and I don’t think too many saw them coming.
      Rob Edwards in Harry Redknapp’s Christmas No1 this season for his heroics with LutonCredit: Reuters

      Andros Townsend scored the winner as Luton got a huge win over NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Harry has picked out his Christmas chart toppersCredit: Rex
      So with the Big Day tomorrow, I thought I’d pick my chart toppers.
      Maybe not in terms of a place in the table but definitely so when it comes to the job they’re doing.
      Of course, if silverware and success were the only criteria, Pep Guardiola is streets ahead.
      Five trophies in one year for Manchester City. That will never — can never — be bettered.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      And Friday’s disappointing draw with Sheffield United doesn’t mean Unai Emery has been anything but an absolute star at Aston Villa.
      I know that blew Villa’s chance to go top but don’t go overboard — they are still right in the mix. I’ll come back to him, though.
      Because the one who has really worked a water-into-wine miracle is Luton boss Rob Edwards. In so many ways.
      Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. Let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.
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      I always say the best teams have the best players and Luton haven’t got too many stars, didn’t spend any money and have a small squad.
      But that doesn’t mean Edwards is a poor manager. For me, it’s the total opposite. And he’s certainly put the hard yards in to get there, from a less than glamorous starting point.
      Forest Green to be exact, where he won the title and took them into League One for the first time ever — and got the Watford job.
      He never had a chance there — you’re in a long list, Rob — so fair play to Luton for giving him a crack. That’s what you call a punt paying off, as well.
      Tenth in the Championship when he was appointed, third by the end and a day they’ll never forget at Wembley in the play-off final.
      Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.Harry Redknapp
      A one-season stay it may be but the memories keep on coming. And what a bond he has built.
      Getting the best out of what you’ve got is vital for any manager, even more so when there are no superstars. Well, you won’t find many at Luton but they can match anyone for spirit.
      Yesterday’s win over Newcastle, a draw with Liverpool and pushing City and Arsenal close proves that.
      As much as I’d love to see them survive, that would be the biggest miracle of all. And highly unlikely.
      But it still doesn’t take away from how good Edwards has been — and how impressively he handles himself, too, because there’s been a lot to cope with outside of football.
      Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.
      Harry has been very impressed by Sean Dyche’s work at EvertonCredit: EPA
      Jude Bellingham has been tearing it up for Real MadridCredit: AP
      He’s not the only boss who’s stood out, though, and Emery has been magnificent at Villa. Disappointing against the Blades, for sure but everyone has the odd blip.
      I’m not the only one who didn’t think Villa would be above both Manchester clubs, Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle — not by chance, either.
      I’m not saying they’re going to win the title — I fancied United in August, so you wouldn’t back my tips anyway — but Emery’s certainly making it a season to remember.
      It’s turned out that way for Everton, too, although not in the way they hoped because of that ten-point penalty.
      Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. But let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.Harry Redknapp
      But if there’s one man you’d want in charge when things are going against you, it’s Sean Dyche, who’s always got the best out of people and is doing so again at Goodison Park.
      Wolves manager Gary O’Neil needs a mention as well and Newcastle fans idolise Eddie Howe for a reason — they know they’ve got a diamond.
      I love the way he has given the kids a chance and wasn’t scared to play 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley in France against Paris Saint-Germain. That’s what it’s all about.
      Talking of players, by the way, there’s a good argument that the best two in Europe right now are both English. Just a shame that they’re playing abroad.
      Read more on The Sun
      Harry Kane, with 25 goals for Bayern Munich, and Jude Bellingham tearing it up every week for Real Madrid.
      It would be great if they were playing in the Premier League. Fingers crossed they’re both fit for the Euros next summer. More