Three stars have thrown their support behind the Leeds United Foundation.
The charity has announced that Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson will join actor Vinnie Jones and Boxing World Title hopeful Josh Warrington have been named as ambassadors.
The trio join the Foundation, which helps over 50,000 people a year including children, young people, adults, disabled, at-risk, the unemployed and elderly across Yorkshire.
Ricky Wilson, new Leeds United Foundation Ambassador, said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to become an Ambassador for the Leeds United Foundation, a charity that does so much for the Leeds and Yorkshire community. I may not be able to name the 1968 winning squad like some of the Kaisers, but that doesn’t stop me from being genuinely proud of my Yorkshire roots. Supporting the Foundation’s work with the disabled, those with dementia, the unemployed, underprivileged children and the elderly is something I am incredibly proud to do.
“It’s vital that we listen to and help our communities wherever we can and we will do as much as we can to help the Leeds United Foundation. There are some really exciting plans for the charity and it’s a real pleasure to help them out.”
Simon Fox, Head of Partnership Development of the Leeds United Foundation said: "Ricky is a fabulous coup for the Foundation and a great addition to our world class Ambassadors roster alongside Vinnie Jones and Josh Warrington.
“Like them, he is proud of his Leeds heritage and attended Leeds Grammar School which is now the training HQ for our hugely popular Leeds United Foundation Girls Centre of Excellence.
“It’s well documented that the Kaiser Chiefs were such big fans of the club that they named themselves after Lucas Radebe’s old South African team which makes his appointment all the more poignant for the charity.
“Ricky is a great role model for any aspiring youngster who wants to achieve their dreams and we’re delighted to have him on board and help us deliver our ambitious plans.”
“It’s an absolute honour to become an Ambassador for the Leeds United Foundation and the Ability Counts Programme,” added Vinnie Jones. "The Foundation helps thousands of people with physical and mental disabilities every year and is a cause really close to my heart.
“Leeds United is a magnificent club with magnificent supporters and the work the Foundation do as the clubs own charity really helps bind the community together and unite the city.
“It’s a real hidden gem and I am proud to support the Foundation. We will make a difference, we will March on Together.”
Josh Warrington, current WBC InterContinental & Commonwealth Featherweight Champion, said: "I am hugely proud of my Leeds roots and absolutely thrilled to be invited to become the Sports Ambassador for the Leeds United Foundation. The support they provide for people most in need across the city is phenomenal. We’re a big city with lots of great stories and a great heritage but there are also still lots of people who need support and encouragement just to get through the day.
“In my role I will be helping the Foundation get people more active, more often in Leeds and hopefully enjoying their sport and activity.”
The Leeds United Foundation is a not for profit, grass roots sports charity, that exists to deliver targeted, high quality programmes that have a real and measurable positive impact on and which nurture the relationship between, the club, its fans and its communities. Find out more here.
