Jordan Pickford praises grassroots start and Football Foundation backing ahead of England duty | OneFootball

Jordan Pickford has saluted his grassroots beginnings and the Football Foundation as he prepares to add to his 81 England caps. According to Sunderland Echo, the former Sunderland keeper highlighted local support in his pathway.

The 32-year-old Washington-born stopper came through Sunderland’s academy, playing 35 times in 2016/17 before moving to Everton in 2017. He has since been England’s first-choice goalkeeper, reaching two European finals and a World Cup semi-final, and has been a mainstay for Everton, missing 12 league games in eight-and-a-half years.

Before Sunderland, he played for Washington Envelopes in the city’s grassroots scene. The Football Foundation, a partnership between the Premier League, the FA and the UK Government, has invested over £1 billion nationwide, including on Wearside at the Beacon of Light, Ford, Washington and Downhill hubs.

Pickford said Washington Envelopes marked the start of his journey, putting him in the spotlight to be scouted by Sunderland. That led to a trial, time in the development squad and his first under-nine contract.

He credited major Foundation investment in Sunderland with ensuring youngsters can always play and improving standards, stressing how valued it is in the North East. He added that every community should have a great place to play.

Football Foundation chief executive Robert Sullivan said many England men began on facilities upgraded through the Premier League, FA and Government-backed fund. He said stories like Pickford’s show why grants for pitches, changing facilities and equipment matter, aiming to give every community a quality place to play.

Source: Sunderland Echo