Thank-you from England Football
England Football stars Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Ellen White surprised four community volunteers with a video call to say ‘thank you’ ahead of National Thank You Day on Sunday 4 July.
The four football-loving volunteers were recognised after all playing a pivotal role in their communities over a challenging 18 months, dedicating their time to help others.
The activity was organised as part of our support for the national day of thanks which has been organised by the Together Coalition. The day aims to bring communities together to thank each other and celebrate the community spirit that so many felt during lock down.
Selected to be thanked were:-
Gavin McKenna – Through his Reach Every Generation and Building Lives project, Gavin dedicates his time to supporting young people within the youth justice system as well as fighting social issues that impact and affect youth in the country. Harry Kane thanked Gavin on behalf of the England men’s Senior squad.
Imagine your footballing hero calling you to thank you for your volunteering work.
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) June 21, 2021
That's what happened to Gavin, who uses football as part of his program to help young men and their mental health.#ThankYouDay pic.twitter.com/XkQ4Oho7Wu
Bradley Gwin-Barratt – Bradley volunteers at Liverpool Homeless Football Club, taking part in youth social action campaigns highlighting the causes of homelessness and volunteering to build bridges in the community, following the impact of devastating gun and knife gang crime in North Liverpool. Bradley - a big Liverpool FC fan - was personally thanked by Jordan Henderson. The video will be available on England Football Twitter on Thursday 24 June.
“Working in communities in Liverpool - it’s a massive inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing”
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) June 24, 2021
Bradley has volunteered for Liverpool Homeless Football Club since he was 14. Jordan Henderson surprised Bradley ahead of National Thank You Day on the 4th July. #ThankYouDay pic.twitter.com/TgesEXQmjV
Alvin Owusu-Fordwuo – 24-year-old Alvin founded ‘The Advantage Group’, a social enterprise that aims to raise the attainment and employability of students from diverse backgrounds. The enterprise has supported over 500 students through mentorship schemes for young people. Alvin was surprised by Raheem Sterling, with the video available on England Football Twitter on Saturday 26 June.
“Working in communities in Liverpool - it’s a massive inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing”
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) June 24, 2021
Bradley has volunteered for Liverpool Homeless Football Club since he was 14. Jordan Henderson surprised Bradley ahead of National Thank You Day on the 4th July. #ThankYouDay pic.twitter.com/TgesEXQmjV
Finally, 17-year-old Eriona Meheti is a coach at Pro Touch Academy, a London-based community sports organisation that provides help, support, and encouragement to potential young, gifted and talented football players. And Lionesses legend Ellen White showed her thanks to Eriona on behalf of England senior women’s team. The video will be available on England Football Twitter on Tuesday 29 June.
“As a squad we have a big summer ahead but we wanted to be part of saying thank you to everyone who has got us through the past 18 months," explained Kane.
"We all have people to be grateful for and the national 'Thank You Day' is a moment we're proud to be a part of. Whoever you're thanking, join your neighbours and communities and say thank you together.”
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA and member of the Together Initiative steering group, added: “It’s been an extremely challenging 18 months, made more manageable by volunteers throughout the country who have gone and beyond in so many ways.
"Football has endless examples of players, coaches, staff and fans performing heroics for their community’s wellbeing. We are proud to be a supporter of National Thank You Day and recognise the importance of taking time to pause, reflect and join together on Sunday 4 July.”
NATIONAL THANK YOU DAY: READ MORE