Rush is giving kids grounds for optimism
IAN RUSH is leading a campaign to take youngsters off the streets by buying up non-league grounds to offer them top-class facilities to play different sports.
A tie-up with Irama Sport has already seen the purchase of Isthmian League Whyteleafe’s facilities, along with grounds at Northern Premier League Brighouse Town and the Hellenic League’s Abingdon Town.
Amar Chopra, of Irama Sport, was an apprentice at Aston Villa so knows from experience how difficult it can be for an aspiring footballer. He has joined up with Liverpool legend Rush (below) to help ease the path for others.
Rush insists it is not about producing pros – it is about letting kids enjoy decent facilities and fulfilling their promise. Ultimately, it is providing amenities normally beyond their reach – and without having to pay sometimes exorbitant fees.
He said: “Not everyone is going to go on to become a professional footballer, but if we can help these kids in some way, we’re ready to do it.
“Hopefully, it will help develop the talents of youngsters who haven’t really been able to play other sports because the facilities aren’t there, or it’s too expensive.
“We’ve got to try and entice kids away from staying indoors and spending endless hours playing computer games.”
Rush, Liverpool’s all-time record goalscorer, has never forgotten his days being raised in Flint, North Wales and being spotted by Chester City.
He hopes his Ian Rush Foundation, linking with Irama Sport, can help kids with nowhere to go avoid trouble.
“We’ve got to be aware of the temptations of drugs and mental problems which can arise if kids become bored and unable to express themselves in different avenues including sport,” he added.
“Now, hopefully, we can get them off the streets and enjoy playing whatever sport they enjoy for free.”