Mata’s drawn to the art of fund raising
JUAN MATA has always been an artist on the pitch – and will now be judging artwork off it.
The Manchester United midfielder joined globally-renowned artist Darren Baker to launch the PFA’S ART4NHS competition to raise money for frontline charities.
Children and adults can submit paintings and drawings on the theme of the NHS and community spirit.
Three winners will be selected from each of four age groups and the Professional Footballers’ Association has allocated £25,000 for NHS charities and prizes.
Mata said: “In the face of adversity, it has been inspiring to see the remarkable work of the NHS staff and also how communities have come together.
“This competition aims to show support for everything the NHS staff and key workers are doing on our behalf and celebrate the simple acts of
THERE have been many good initiatives by EFL clubs and players through the crisis.
But League One club Peterborough deserve particular praise – even if it comes out of being naughty.
The Posh players have joined up with Morrisons to help fund food parcels for 100 local people using money donated from club fines which normally pays for a Christmas party.
Defender Niall Mason said: “It’s a really good gesture from the players and puts the money to good use. We just wanted to do something for the community.” kindness that can brighten up people’s lives during these challenging times.”
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “The NHS is our beloved national institution and now more than ever we owe everything to the wonderful staff, putting themselves on the frontline to help save lives and protect us all.”
Joining Mata on the judging panel will be artists Lauren Baker and Ian Berry.
Darren Baker has produced a wonderful painting of NHS hero Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old whose sponsored walk raised millions of pounds.
Mata has been a leading light when it comes to raising money, donating a percentage of his salary to his Common Goal charity, while the PFA has been instrumental with the Players Together campaign in aiming to raise millions for the NHS.
TO enter the competition go to thepfa.com/art4nhs
DAVE HANCOCK has worked with Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello, Phil Jackson and some of the biggest names in sport.
But now the ex-chelsea and England physio is leading a digital revolution at a time when technology has arguably never been more important for players during lockdown.
Hancock’s company Apollo has set up a groundbreaking phone app to allow clubs to keep a check on player fitness, diet, mental health and even sleep patterns.
LAURA WOODS is doing brilliantly as talksport’s new main breakfast host.
But, as if to prove what a tough act she has to follow, the station boasted its bestever listening figures for the first quarter of 2020 for the breakfast show when Alan Brazil was in charge, and also for the Hawksbee and Jacobs show.
Station exec Liam Fisher was in the mood to celebrate and said on Twitter: “If only the pubs were open…”