Ex-SAFC goalkeeper Jordan Pickford salutes grassroots start ahead of England duty | OneFootball

Jordan Pickford has hailed the grassroots platform that launched his career as he prepares to add to his 81 England caps.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, the Everton goalkeeper praised the Football Foundation and Washington Envelopes for giving him his start.

England’s number one has helped the Three Lions reach two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. He holds national team records for consecutive tournament starts, consecutive clean sheets and shootout saves. Since 2017 he has missed only 12 league games.

Washington-born, he progressed through Sunderland’s academy, playing 35 times in 2016/17 before moving to Merseyside.

Formed by the Premier League, the FA and the British Government, the Football Foundation has invested over £one billion in grassroots facilities. On Wearside this includes Beacon of Light Hub (£two million), Ford Hub (£four point one million), Washington Hub (£four point eight million) and Downhill Hub (£five point two million).

Pickford said his grassroots club marked the beginning, putting him in the spotlight to be scouted by Sunderland, which led to a trial, the development squad and his first Under-nine contract. He added the Foundation’s investment in Sunderland means youngsters can always play, standards improve, and every community should have a great place to play.

Football Foundation chief executive Robert Sullivan said many England men’s players began on facilities improved by funding from the Premier League, the FA and Government. He cited grants for third-generation pitches, changing rooms, grass pitch upgrades and goalposts, aiming for every community to have a great place to play.

Source: Sunderland Echo