Leeds born footballer James Milner visited Emerald Headingley Stadium in October to present a cheque for £10,000 to Leeds Rhinos Foundation from his James Milner Foundation.
The England international and Liverpool FC player, who became Vice President of Leeds Rhinos Foundation in April 2017, has pledged support for the charity through the donation from his own charitable foundation.
Milner was welcomed to the stadium by Rhinos star Stevie Ward and juniors from local community club North Leeds Leopards, whose players along with hundreds of other children across the city have been able to enjoy unique match day expereinces at Leeds Rhinos games in part thanks to the donation from the James Milner Foundation.
Ward spoke to Milner about his support for Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the work they do to help disadvantaged children access sporting activities and events.
“I am very fortunate to do what I do for a living and there are obviously good and bad sides to having that profile and being out and about and recognised," said Milner. "On the positive side we can use that profile to help others. The James Milner Foundation is now in its sixth year and we have managed to raise half a million pounds and that goes to all great causes and charities like Leeds Rhinos Foundation. We set the Foundation up to work with different sports, not just football and we have done this all over the north of England and obviously being a Leeds lad I wanted to get involved as much as I could here.
“Kevin Sinfield is patron of the James Milner Foundation and I am a Rhinos fan so it was a no brainer to get involved with Leeds Rhinos Foundation. Any difference you can make to some of the kids who are maybe not having the best time at home or who might not be able to afford to go watch sport and do sport and to be able to contribute to allow them to do all that is something I am proud to do. We know how much it has meant to our lives growing up and you seem to forget everything else going on, especially when you are a kid, when you are out there playing sport either on the park or whether it’s for a team, so it means so much to the kids and to be able to help and give the children that opportunity is fantastic.”
The donation from the James Milner Foundation was used to fund several Leeds Rhinos Foundation projects that target young people with needs in Leeds – assisting young people to attend a game which would not normally be possible for them, attending projects to raise aspiration, confidence, and self-esteem as well as providing opportunities to help those young people in Leeds who are in the care system.
Bow Bowman, Chief Operating Officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation added: “It was great to have James and his family visit Emerald Headingley Stadium in his capacity as a Vice President of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. James is a true role model and the city of Leeds should be proud that one of our very own is keen to support many worthy causes via his very own James Milner Foundation. During his visit he spent a lot of time playing rugby and netball with children from North Leeds Leopards and showed some good ball handling skills and an eye for a gap! Similarly for all his success and stardom via Premier League Football there was a huge grin on his face as he held aloft the Super League Trophy!”
For more information on supporting the work of Leeds Rhinos Foundation email info@leedsrhinosfoundation.org