Copy
Keep up-to-date with all the FF news in this monthly round-up!
View this email in your browser

Former Chelsea man Michael Duberry opens school's new all-weather pitch

April saw former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry return to his old school, Enfield Grammar, to open their brand new £1.25m state-of-the-art pitch.

The former Stamford Bridge star, who also plied his trade at Stoke City, Leeds United and Reading, opened the new facility by scoring the very first penalty on the new surface! He also led a coaching session for a lucky group of youngsters, as well as taking part in a Q&A session for some of the school’s students.

Duberry, who attended Enfield Grammar between 1987 and 1992, was delighted to open its new facility, saying: “This is a great day for my old school because they, and the local community, now have access to really top quality facilities.

“I’m actually quite jealous that we didn’t have this back when I was playing here – it would have saved training sessions and matches being cancelled!


The new facility was part-funded by a bequest left from a former Enfield pupil, John Blissett Newman. The facility was also made possible thanks to funding from the Football Foundation, the London Marathon Trust, the Mayor of London: Sports Facilities Fund and the school’s trustees.

Another former pupil, Jake Livermore, was invited to attend, but was unable to due to his part in England’s friendly match against Germany the night before. The school has produced an array of other professional footballers, including Steve Morison (Millwall and Wales), James Dayton (Cheltenham), Danny Foster (Wycombe), and Kevin Stewart (Liverpool).

 
Click the images to see a picture gallery from the event.
FuchsVideo
This month, we were joined by former Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer who faced our quick-fire Q&A. Read on to find out Shearer's most memorable goal and who was the toughest opponent he faced...

Q: Can you tell us a bit about the first grassroots team you played for?
A: Wallsend Boys Club was the first club I played for. I played for them for four years before I was spotted by Jack Hixon who invited me to trials with Southampton FC.
 
Q: What is the best piece of advice you would give to a budding young footballer? 
A: Work hard, don't cut corners and never be late.
 
Q: You’ve opened several Foundation Facilities over the years, just how important is it to have quality facilities for people to play at? 
A: Kids don't have the opportunity to play in the streets like I did, it is vital that they have safe
and good quality facilities to learn the game. The all-weather surfaces also help because so many games are lost to bad weather.
 
Q: You're the Premier League's record goal scorer, but which goal is most memorable?
A: I loved every goal I scored but if I had to pick one it would be the goal in front of the Gallowgate, against Portsmouth, when I broke Jackie Milburn’s record.
 
Q: Who was the best defender that you ever played against?  
A: Tony Adams – I always knew I was going to have a battle with him. Neither of us would shy away from the physical challenges but at the end of the match we would shake hands and move on. 
 
Q: Tell us a bit about what the Alan Shearer Foundation does for local people.
A: The Alan Shearer Foundation was set up to directly support the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle: a highly specialist, disability, respite, residential and social provision for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments. It is the foremost centre of its kind in the UK and provides children and their families a place to relax and enjoy the facilities with specialist help and support.
Take a look at our top five non-football sportspeople to have visited our facilities over the years!
We kick off our list with two-time Team GB gold medallist Victoria Pendleton. The former cyclist-turned-jockey was on hand to unveil the brand new 'Pendleton Centre' at her old school, Etonbury Academy. 
Next up is former Australian tennis star Pat Cash. Back in 2012, the 1987 Wimbledon champion unveiled the brand new tennis wall at Rosemary Gardens in Islington. Having cut the ribbon, Pat proceeded to deliver a coaching session to a host of young tennis fans.
Back in 2008, we were extremely honoured to be joined by former American track and field athlete Tommie Smith. Smith, who won gold in the 200m final at the Mexico City games in 1968, was made famous by raising his black-gloved fist on the podium in what we now know as 'The Black Power' salute. He was joined by his fellow countryman, John Carlos, in a protest against the discrimination against African-Americans in the United States.
In 2006, former England and Essex cricket star Darren Gough joined then Prime Minister Tony Blair in Manchester, to open the 100th Barclays Spaces for Sports site. Gough, who had won Strictly Come Dancing prior to the event, gave some dance lessons to some of those in attendance. Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs and England netballer Tracey Neville (sister of Gary and Phil) were also at the launch. 
Finally, five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave opened the brand new £1m boathouse at Lea Rowing Club in Spring Hill after a significant investment from the Mayor of London: Sports Facilities Fund. The project allowed for the introduction of an ‘adaptive rowing’ programme for participants with disabilities, only one of four London clubs to do so.
Last year, 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen opened the brand new pavilion at Langton Green Community Sports Association. The images below show the transformation of the changing pavilion, which was funded by a £384,500 grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund. This facility allows for all the community to enjoy sport in safety and comfort.
The Football Foundation is looking for a brand new Analyst to join our Knowledge & Insight team. The individual will work within a team of analysts to provide accessible management information and insight to drive continuous improvement and efficiencies. To find out more, click here.

Here our some others job currently open for applications:
- CRM ManagerThe FA
- Senior Corporate Strategy ManagerEngland Rugby
- Digital Product ManagerBritish Olympic Association
  • Relive all of Easter weekend's best goals across Europe right here.
     
  • Watch the hilarious moment that Perth Glory's goalkeeper got caught trying to dribble the ball 30 (yes, THIRTY) yards outside his box!
     
  • 'Ewe are ya!' Take a look at this non-league Welsh game being interrupted by a couple of rogue sheep
     
  • Our very own Ambassador, Duncan Watmore, made this list of 'Football's Brainiest Footballers'. See who else made the cut!
Follow us across all our social media channels to keep up-to-date with all the latest Foundation news and stories - don't miss out!
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Flickr
Website
Copyright © 2017 Football Foundation, All rights reserved.
 
TopCorner e-newsletter - April
 
Our mailing address is:
Whittington House
19-30 Alfred Place
London
WC1E 7EA

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list