Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford honoured at the 2021 Sport Industry Awards
As confirmed by the club’s official site, Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was named as this year’s recipient of the Integrity and Impact Award at the 2021 Sport Industry Awards held on Wednesday.
The Red Devils star made the headlines with his efforts to combat child poverty and has since been an active contributor to the cause. Rashford’s effort not only won him widespread public support but resulted in UK government policy changes regarding access to free school meals.
The United number 10 was unable to attend the ceremony in London but sent a video admitting he was humbled by being nominated for the award.
“I know how fortunate I am, so I’m just doing what I can to help young people in the same situation I was in growing up.”
Despite calls from a certain section of the fans for him to just concentrate on football, Rashford is in no mood to do so. As a public figure, he understands the responsibility that lies on his shoulder and has risen to the challenge.
According to The Spectator, Rashford has gone on to explain why he will not limit his impact to just the football pitch. As someone who came from a difficult childhood, the English international is better placed than some to understand the impact his work has on the vulnerable section of society.
“The ‘stick to football’ advice doesn’t cut it where I’m from. See, when my community had nothing to call their own, they always found something in the way of kindness to give me.”
Rashford believes more efforts should be made especially in terms of communication to understand the crux of the problems. While the task is far from easy, it is not an excuse to not do something proactive that can potentially turn around people’s lives.
“No child should be starting 20 yards behind any other just because of the community they live in. It’s time to level up.”
The United ace has become involved in political campaigns involving free school meals, Universal Credit and Literacy. Whether it be on the pitch or off it, the 23-year-old is a hero. Not all of them have to wear capes, some just sport the colour red.
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Rashford is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and is yet to feature for United this season. His eventual return to action will hand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer another key part of his United jigsaw.
