Man. United star forces govt. to announce COVID food fund

Amina Taylor

Press TV, London

He’s the Manchester United and England forward who commands respect on the pitch but now it seems footballer Marcus Rashford is making his presence felt in the field of politics.

The 22-year old has been praised for his efforts in getting the government to backtrack on its earlier decision to scrap funding that would be a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children. Rashford himself was overjoyed with the news, having already partnered with FareShare UK, he had helped to raise around 20 million pounds to supply meals across the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The PM acknowledged Rashford’s efforts but surprisingly said he was unaware of the campaign until recently. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer chimed in with his own words of praise. Rodney Hinds is a sports editor and writer and thinks Rashford’s actions show the power of sports and a star giving back but comes at a difficult time for the country.

Growing up in challenging circumstances, Marcus Rashford has breathed added positivity into football and sports as a whole. In an environment where public figures are seen but not heard there is the hope his actions might be a catalyst for others to affect change.

For the children and their families who will benefit from the leadership Marcus Rashford has shown, the team he plays for or the politics at the heart of this issue will all be of lesser importance to the food in their tummies.