 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Peter Beardsley to receive National Football Museum Hall of Fame / Football Foundation Community Champion Award 2008
The National Football Museum and the Football Foundation are delighted to announce that Newcastle , Liverpool, Everton and England football legend, Peter Beardsley, is to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Football Foundation Community Champion Award for 2008.
His award will be presented by Football Foundation Chief Executive, Paul Thorogood, at a prestigious ceremony at the Millennium Mayfair Hotel, London on 18 September.
Since hanging up his boots Peter Beardsley has willingly devoted a huge amount of his time to supporting the grass roots of the game. His work with Wallsend Boys Club is well known. In 2007 he became an Ambassador for the Football Foundation. In this role he has generously given up much of his time to visit projects the Foundation has funded. He visits a great many more as well and regularly stays in touch with communities he has met.
Peter's passion for football is clear as he joins in football sessions with local clubs or school teams which, coupled with his kind words of encouragement, provide inspiration for volunteers and youngsters alike. His visits add to the sense of pride that communities feel for their projects funded by the Football Foundation. Peter Beardsley sets the perfect example to young people, inspiring them to participate in sport and work in the community. He personifies dedication and working hard. He is symbolic of the joy that football can bring. In short, there is no better role model in football.
Paul Thorogood from the Football Foundation said: “Peter Beardsley is not just one of the most gifted footballers to wear an England shirt. He is a true Community Champion. His help has been invaluable in our work with the community. He has been an inspiration to so many young people. I congratulate the National Football Museum for helping us to celebrate Peter's great work in this way. ”
Here are some comments made by groups that Peter Beardsley has visited:
“The kids here are still talking about Peter Beardsley's visit last year and the kick-about he had with the youngsters. He stayed a lot more time than was planned and was happy to talk to everyone. It made us feel so proud of our new sport facility funded by the Football Foundation that Peter came to open. He's a lovely man. It was great to meet him.” Dougie Raine, Mulgrave Community Sports Association, near Whitby .
“It was a fantastic day and Peter couldn't wait to get on the pitches to play football. He signed hundreds of autographs and the students loved it.” Joan Ellis, Cockermouth School , Cumbria .
“We are so proud of Peter as a ex-member of the club. His willingness to give up his time to encourage our young lads is without parallel. Everybody in the community here loves him. He is constantly to be seen in the local papers supporting good causes. His award is richly deserved.” Kevin Riley, Wallsend Boys Club, Tyne and Wear.
Other players and managers to enter the National Football Museum Hall of Fame on 18 September in the growing list of the greatest of all time will include:
Jimmy Armfield, David Beckham, Steve Bloomer, Thierry Henry, Emlyn Hughes, Paul Scholes, Ray Wilson, Bertie Mee, Steve Johnson and Pauline Cope.
The first recipient of the National Football Museum Hall of Fame / Football Foundation Community Champion Award was Niall Quinn in 2007.
Peter Beardsley was voted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 2007, but was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness. He will therefore be presented with two awards this year and becomes the first footballer to enter the Hall of Fame in more than one category.
The Hall of Fame was launched in 2002 to celebrate the greatest players and managers in history from the English game. The Hall of Fame Selection Panel is made up of some of the biggest names in the game and is led by Museum President Sir Bobby Charlton and Vice-presidents Sir Tom Finney, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Trevor Brooking.
The Football Foundation is the UK 's largest sport charity, and is funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government.