Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given his “absolute, full support” to a new county-wide community health initiative launched on Friday by Nottingham Forest.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis welcomed Sunak to the City Ground as Forest announced their project, A New Vision For Sport, in front of local businessmen and dignitaries.
Forest hope to unite professional and semi-professional sports clubs across the county and will conduct a comprehensive review of Nottinghamshire’s sporting facilities.
Speaking at the launch, Sunak said: “I think Nottingham Forest and E.ON’s initiative to get everyone in Nottinghamshire – regardless of their age – out playing sport for an hour a week is a fantastic campaign and it’s a real example of the good that a club really grounded in its community can do.
“Nottinghamshire will be a happier and healthier place because of this initiative.
“Indeed bringing together all the sports clubs in Nottinghamshire to not just promote sport, but to provide a pathway into professional sport for children who have got the talent and dedication is also a great idea.
“And one that may just quicken Nottingham Forest’s return to being a European footballing powerhouse once again. This initiative has my absolute, full support.”
Greek businessman Marinakis, who became Forest’s owner in 2017, said: “Whatever is needed in order to make this project a success, whatever investment is required, I am personally committed to do so for this region.
“I am particularly proud that we can contribute to a project which can change the futures of our children and everyone in this region.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his support and all those who will contribute towards making this project a success.”
The club said A New Vision For Sport “champions the collaboration between the public and private sector across Nottinghamshire, including its professional and semi-professional sports clubs, local councils, higher education institutions and commercial entities”.
Forest added: “It recognises the pivotal role of sports clubs in fostering greater equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle to improve health outcomes in the region.”
The club’s chairman Tom Cartledge told the PA news agency: “When the idea came about, the Prime Minister’s office was made aware and he thought it was a great initiative that he wanted to support, so we’re delighted he’s here today.”
Cartledge said Marinakis was “absolutely adamant that the project of Nottingham Forest was not just about on the field, but off the field as well”.
“He has committed financial support to whatever reasonable level to ensure that the initiative happens,” Cartledge said.
“He’s absolutely passionate as a family man that the kids of Nottinghamshire feel the energy that Premier League football brings to the city.”
Forest were docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules earlier this week and dropped into the relegation zone.
When asked if they would be launching an appeal against the punishment, Cartledge said: “At the moment we’re digesting the points deduction.
“We’ve got a big game against Crystal Palace to win (on March 30) and that’s what we’re focusing on.”
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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