Easter Sunday
On Sunday 31st March 2024 JRF hosted a special event to celebrate Andrew Cole.
The former Manchester United and England legend who represented a number of top-level clubs in the UK during his playing career was guest of honour at the JRF headquarters – Bridgestone Arena on the Stonebridge Recreation Ground.
The event which was attended by approximately 500 local people formed part of the ongoing Legacy Series, a new initiative which has seen former professional footballers including Emile Heskey and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink immersing themselves in the local Brent community, as well as visiting the recent Cyrille Regis book launch at Harlesden Library.
On the day, coaching sessions for 40 budding community coaches were delivered by Peter Augustine from the Football Association as part of the ongoing continued professional development for these young people, and Walking Football for men and women was at the forefront of the early activities.
The local community and football fans dropped in to meet the footballing legend, take the opportunity for photos, and to meet up with and socialise with old friends over music and refreshments during the all-day event.
Specially made Andrew Cole bibs which referenced all the Clubs he had represented looking at the history and heritage of the player, were a talking point during the session.
Following an hour-long talk where Andrew discussed health, wellbeing, family, and career there was a special presentation by local young people of roses and a Player’s Cap to commemorate the role Andrea plays in inspiring others.
In the afternoon Andrew also kicked off a Ramadan Cup game and met local Somali community leaders in Brent.
The all-day event included health checks being offered by the Clinical Team from Brent Health Matters and there was a Focus Group discussion on prostate Cancer to raise awareness amongst the local community.
There was certainly something for everyone during the special Easter Event which continued into the evening.
