Patrice Evra, a former Manchester United and France football player, celebrates Nelson Mandela Day by visiting Hackney Wick Football Club in London. The club, founded by Bobby Kasanga, provides a second chance for young players who were released from professional football academies. Evra, along with YouTube personality Jeremy Lynch, surprises the team with a van to help with their transportation needs, as they currently have to travel 40 miles to play their home games. The two then captain their own teams in a friendly match against Hackney Wick. The visit highlights the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and community service, reflecting the values of Nelson Mandela.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Patrice Evra is a former professional footballer who played for Manchester United and France.
2. Nelson Mandela is a global icon who spent his life fighting for freedom, equality, and justice.
3. Mandela Day is celebrated on July 18th, Nelson Mandela's birthday, to honor his legacy.
4. Hackney Wick Football Club was started in 2015 by Bobby Kasanga.
5. The club is based in Hackney, which had the highest knife crime rate in London in 2021.
6. Bobby Kasanga's original mission was to help kids off the streets and out of gun crime.
7. The club has also become a home for kids released from football academies, giving them another chance at the game.
8. Patrice Evra visited Hackney Wick Football Club as part of Mandela Day.
9. Jeremy Lynch, a YouTube personality, joined Patrice Evra to surprise the club with a gift.
10. Jeremy Lynch was released from Arsenal after a trial, but found success as a football freestyler.
11. The club's home ground is 40 miles away from Hackney, making it difficult for players to travel to games.
12. Patrice Evra and Jeremy Lynch gifted the club a van to help with transportation.
13. The van will help reduce travel costs and improve camaraderie among players.
14. Patrice Evra and Jeremy Lynch captained their own Hackney Wick teams in a friendly match as a final Mandela Day surprise.