Piers Morgan tweeted earlier this year that 99 per cent of football’s millionaires started out life as working class boys with underprivileged backgrounds.
The former Mirror editor may have been exaggerating a little, but it’s true that the Premier League is awash with domestic footballers who didn’t enjoy the easiest start in life.
Ex Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear had a particularly difficult upbringing. Growing up on a council estate in Watford, his father died when he was seven, with his mother struggling to bring up the future Ireland international and four of his siblings.
Elsewhere, current wing wizard Hatem Ben Arfa was brought up on a council estate in the Parisian suburb of Clamart, honing his skills on a scruffy pitch at the end of his street before securing his big break with Lyon.
As we’ve seen time and time again though, football is a game that rewards talent – regardless of a person’s background. But perhaps more importantly, it’s a game capable of unifying less well-off communities.
This concept is being championed by Paul Burgum, founder of Billingham-based BCT Aspire. The community-based social enterprise has been working for seven years to raise the aspirations of children, many of whom are underprivileged, in the north-east – running activities such as sports days and football tournaments.
“We’ve focussed on local football success stories to engage some of the kids,” he explained.
“[Former England U21 international] Andrew Davies, who’s on the books of Stoke City, has supported us alongside his brother Mark, who plays for Durham County Cricket Club. The pair have helped us out over the years with raffles and prizes.”
Since its inception seven years ago, BCT Aspire has grown into three separate wings: a catering enterprise, an events organisation company and its socially-minded operations – the key area of its business and the one funded by its commercial activities.
Central to BCT Aspire’s ethos is the belief that all young people, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to realise their potential.
“It’s taking the time to find out what makes someone tick and the belief that everybody can not just be good at something,” Paul added.
“We work really hard at finding out what a kid likes and what makes them happy.”
BCT Aspire works with approximately 65 children on a weekly basis, although between 120 and 150 youngsters attend its events such as family-orientated talent competitions and sports days.
Football takes a central role at the social enterprise – with the sport having a particularly strong influence in the north-east region. Ex Hartlepool United goalkeeper Jim Provett has lent his backing to BCT Aspire, as have the boys at local team Billingham Town FC.
Paul’s efforts have been recognised by local paper the Evening Gazette, which has put BCT Aspire forward for ifwecanyoucan.co.uk’s 2012 Challenge. This recognises north-east-based businesses that have achieved impressive rates of growth.
The future of BCT Aspire appears to be a bright one and who knows; perhaps one day it will nurture the talents of a future St James’ Park hero.
You can lend your support to Paul Burgum and BCT Aspire in the ifwecanyoucan.co.uk 2012 Challenge by voting here. Votes can be cast until Thursday, 10th May.
