Michail Antonio has joined a new Football Association campaign to celebrate grassroots football volunteers.
The West Ham United forward and all-time Premier League record goalscorer began his career at grassroots club Tooting & Mitcham FC in south London before embarking on his road to the top of the game.
While Antonio has gone on to play in the Premier League, in European competition and international football for Jamaica, he has never forgotten his origins, and opened his own Academy in Selhurst, offering football, education, placements and qualifications to youngsters from similar backgrounds to his own.
As someone who therefore knows the grassroots game inside out, Antonio met grassroots volunteers, to learn more about the positive impact that they have on players, clubs, and communities across the nation, with the aim of inspiring the next generation to get involved.
Joined by West Ham supporter and presenter JaackMaate and fellow content creator Elz the Witch, the No9 met Faversham Strike Force FC’s teenage stadium announcer Archie, Middlesex FC referee Surekha Griffiths, Haringey Borough FC club secretary Karla Parker and Punjab United FC head of youth development Raj Dhesi
“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,” Antonio explained. “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.”
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.”
With the aim to retain and reward existing volunteers, the campaign participants will be invited to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at St George’s Park – the home of all 23 England Football teams – where they will get to observe training sessions and see the inner workings of the world class facility during a Men’s international camp which could feature Hammer Jarrod Bowen.
There are volunteering opportunities for all. To find out more information on how you can get involved and become a volunteer, please click here.
