Strictly’s Kai Widdrington Supports Grassroots Football Boost with Footie For All Initiative
Kai Widdrington, known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, recently visited Littleton Junior FC to show his support for The Sun’s Footie For All campaign. The campaign, in partnership with Tesco, aims to provide a significant boost to grassroots football by offering grants to local clubs. Littleton Junior FC was one of the lucky recipients, receiving a £1,000 grant.
Kai, who was once part of the Southampton academy, joined the kids on the pitch and showcased his football skills. He expressed his admiration for the younger generations’ love for the game, stating, “Football has always been a part of my life, and to see younger generations still loving it is incredible.” He also reminisced about his own experience playing grassroots football and emphasized the importance of making these opportunities available to anyone who wants to play.
During his visit, Kai was accompanied by his father Tommy, who manages Aldershot Town, and his brother Theo, who is a professional player and midfielder at the club. Kai highlighted the significance of having supportive parents and access to proper facilities for young players. He shared his memories of playing with makeshift goals made from bags or coats and acknowledged that not all children have the same luxury.
Kai emphasized the lasting impact of playing football at a young age, stating, “The skills I learnt on the pitch have stayed with me for life.” He mentioned that many of his former grassroots teammates have gone on to become coaches at local clubs or play professionally, like his brother. Football remains a significant part of their lives because they all share a genuine love for the game.
The Widdrington family’s visit to Littleton Junior FC coincided with The Sun’s announcement of an additional £150,000 cash pot for the Footie For All campaign. The initiative has already made a positive impact, helping clubs across the country establish new teams, provide free places for kids from low-income families, and replace outdated equipment. The Sun encourages local teams to apply for one of the fantastic new Footie For All grants, which can be used in various ways to promote and facilitate access to the sport.
Littleton Junior FC, located near Winchester, Hampshire, utilized their grant to purchase new equipment for the club. With over 600 players and 104 coaches, the club plays a vital role in the local community. They also established a hardship fund to ensure that families facing financial difficulties do not have to withdraw their children from the sessions.
The impact of the Footie For All campaign was evident during Kai’s visit, as the kids enjoyed playing in a safe and well-organized environment. Theo, who has fond memories of his time at Pace Youth FC in Southampton, expressed his joy in seeing the children have fun while learning important life lessons such as respect, dedication, and teamwork.
The visit concluded with an impromptu game between Kai, Theo, and the six-year-olds. The young players showcased their skills and received tips from the Widdrington brothers. Kai jokingly described the kids as “little Duracell batteries” due to their boundless energy.
Tommy Widdrington, a former professional football player himself, expressed his belief in the potential of some of the young players present. He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by many parents but emphasized their willingness to support their children’s dreams of becoming professional athletes.
Kai’s journey from being a talented young footballer to becoming a world Latin American dance champion and a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing exemplifies the importance of providing opportunities for children to pursue their passions. The Footie For All campaign aims to make these opportunities accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.
As Kai prepares for a live tour with his girlfriend and fellow Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova, he emphasizes the significance of entertaining and moving audiences during their performances. Just like a football game that evokes laughter and tears, their aim is to leave a lasting impact on their fans.
The Footie For All campaign continues to make a positive difference in the lives of young footballers across the country, providing them with the resources they need to pursue their dreams. With grants available for local teams, the campaign aims to create a more inclusive and accessible footballing landscape for all children.