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Football fans across the world are patiently waiting for the restart in my opinion, the best football league in the world. The English Premier League reaches millions upon millions of fans across the globe and is considered to be one of the most competitive and exciting leagues. Manchester United has a proud history and tradition and is currently fighting to finish in the top four to ensure Champions League qualification for next season. As a fanatical football fan, myself the thought of watching the team I love competing again this season is truly exciting and I am confident a top four finish is achievable. But we all need to remember the impact the Corona Virus pandemic has been thus far not only economically but catastrophic as millions of people have been affected and sadly many lives have been lost to the disease. When I read Marcus Rashford’s letter to all MPs in Parliament I felt extremely emotional because not only is Marcus Rashford a remarkable football player, he is some one who is actively contributing to community outside of football.
The reason I feel so strongly about what Marcus has been brave enough to put into writing is because I do not live in the United Kingdom I live in South Africa, we have similar challenges with poverty and children reliant on a feeding scheme in order to sustain them. I am sure across the world the challenges Marcus has highlighted in his letter are sadly a reality in every country in the world currently. Football in South Africa has a proud history and after hosting the World Cup literally ten years ago football is the most popular sport in South Africa and is looking to become a force to be reckoned with in Africa and internationally. From what I read in Marcus letter and his heartfelt plea to the politicians is that if he was not given the opportunity to develop into the player he is today. He comes from a single parent hard working mother who did her very best to provide for her family of five kids and if it was not for the kindness and generosity of the community, he had around him, there would not have been a Marcus Rashford. To quote Marcus “As a family, we relied on breakfast clubs, free school meals, and the kind actions of neighbours and coaches. Food banks and soup kitchens were not alien to us; I recall very clearly our visits to Northern Moor to collect our Christmas dinners every year.”
The fact that Marcus has reached out and partnered with a food distribution charity Fare Share to help cover some of the free school meal deficit once lockdown began shows the true character of the man. He has raised 20 Million Pounds and manages to feed 3 million vulnerable people every week. Marcus Rashford is showing the entire world how we as human beings regardless of which club we support can do a small kindness to others by supporting local charities in their endeavor to look after the most vulnerable in this era of Coronavirus. We do not know when Corona Virus pandemic will come to an end, however we can all be inspired by Marcus who has openly revealed in his letter how has now expressed the reality in that to quote Marcus “Parents like mine would rely on kids’ clubs over the summer break, providing a safe space and at least one meal, whilst they work. Today, parents do not have this as an option. If faced with unemployment, parents like mine would have been down at the job centre first thing Monday morning to find any work that enables them to support their families. Today, there are no jobs.“
In conclusion I just want to comment on the fact that a professional footballer who clearly has a passion and love for his country and its future is brave enough to put an open letter out to not only the politicians in the UK. His message has reached each and every football loving fan around the planet We sometimes need to be reminded of our purpose and meaning to me Marcus Rashford is my HERO.I am inspired to contribute to similar initiatives in my community and give back to others. Maybe the next Marcus Rashford is waiting for someone to give him a chance to live his football dreams too.
