Mallinder has big respect for Marcus

MARCUS Rashford’s efforts to ensure children don’t go hungry during the Covid-19 pandemic is inspiring sports stars everywhere, says community-minded Northampton full-back Harry Mallinder.

Manchester United striker Rashford, 22, last week successfully won his battle with government ministers to preserve free school meals for around 1.3m children in England.

Mallinder, 24, has already been leading the way at his club through his work with the Saints Community Foundation.

“I’ve seen over the last few months, even before this latest breakthrough Marcus had, all the work he’s been doing during lockdown,” said Mallinder.

“Time away from playing has given him an opportunity to get involved in stuff that means something to him and it’s not just been school meals, he’s done other great things as well.

“I’ve been a big Manchester United fan from an early age so seeing him as a 22-year-old leading with such maturity, he comes across as such a genuine, nice lad – something we can all aspire to be like.”

Mallinder added: “I haven’t been as active as I’d have liked with the Foundation as with lockdown I can’t get physically involved in sessions. But I’m in daily contact with our team and we’ve got some big projects on the go.

“We were due to have a massive fund-raising day but that’s on hold now so we’ve set up a raffle with great prizes, like Cobus Reinach’s World Cup boots and some England shirts.

“Since my involvement in the Foundation, one thing I wanted to bring this year was the involvement of all our playing group.

“Previously, we were quite naïve around the incredible work going on within the community and how much of a difference we can make. The opportunities that our Foundation gives to under-privileged kids is life-changing.

“We haven’t got as big a platform as football, but it’s a platform nonetheless and we can help.”

Mallinder is eager to resume playing again after his impressive five-match return from an ACL injury was cut short in March.

He said: “Having been out for 15 months, it was such a good feeling to get back into it. To have it disrupted was a shame but we were excited to be back in training last week to make a push towards playing.”