Ex-SAFC goalkeeper Jordan Pickford hails grassroots ‘spotlight’ ahead of England matches | OneFootball

Jordan Pickford has hailed the grassroots ‘spotlight’ that launched his career, praising Washington Envelopes and the Football Foundation as he prepares to add to his 81 England caps.

According to Sunderland Echo, England’s No.1 has helped the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, setting records for consecutive tournament starts, clean sheets and shootout saves.

At club level he has been a mainstay for Everton since 2017, missing only 12 league matches and playing a key part in recent survival fights. Washington-born, he came through Sunderland’s academy, made 35 appearances in 2016/17, then moved to Merseyside.

The Football Foundation, a partnership between the Premier League, the FA and the British Government, has invested over £1billion in facilities nationwide, including the Beacon of Light, Ford, Washington and Downhill hubs on Wearside.

Pickford said Washington Envelopes set him on his way, putting him in the spotlight to be scouted by Sunderland for a trial, the development squad and his first under-nine contract. He believes the investment lets people always play, improves standards and is widely appreciated in the North East, adding that every community should have a great place to play.

Football Foundation chief executive Robert Sullivan said many England men began on facilities improved by the Foundation, from 3G pitches and changing rooms to grass upgrades and goalposts, aiming for every community to have a great place to play.

Source: Sunderland Echo