The FA and England Football have teamed up with Michail Antonio to launch a new campaign that highlights the importance of volunteers in grassroots football.
The campaign sees West Ham United striker Antonio – a player with a well-documented grassroots football story, having learned his trade at Tooting & Mitcham FC before getting his big professional break – meet 14 grassroots football volunteers.
The launch video also features football content creators Elz the Witch and JaackMaate.
Sourced by football media business Goal Click, the volunteers featured in the campaign range from 13 to 73 years old and represent ‘the diversity and breadth of skills on show throughout able-bodied and para football communities in England.’
Antonio, commented, “I’m speaking from experience when I say that my football journey would have been totally different were it not for the time and effort of the grassroots volunteers who supported me along the way. Grassroots volunteers are at the heart of the game, and football games up and down the country wouldn’t be able to take place without them.
“It was a pleasure to meet Archie, Surekha, Karla, and Raj, and to hear about the brilliant work they are doing for their clubs and communities.
“I’ve seen those positive impacts first-hand, and we’re hoping that this campaign will help to inspire more people to get involved.”
MICHAIL ANTONIO
James Kendall, The FA’s Director of Football Development, added, “Grassroots volunteers really are the foundation of our sport, and the people in this campaign represent just a small minority of the dedicated individuals out there committing their time to the game they love. Whether it’s committing to an hour a week, or a whole weekend, we see and hear the value of our volunteering network every single day. The best part is that anyone can get involved and become a volunteer.”
UNITED COMMITS TO OLD TRAFFORD RENOVATION
