An unlikely hero

It is probable that no one reading this has ever met Craig Bellamy. It’s also likely that, aside from a few pleasantries and an autograph request, most have never interacted with any other Premiership footballers either. So all that we have to base our judgement on is what we know and see – and this is probably acceptable in the circumstances. We can only form an opinion from our observations – this would rightly be deemed small-minded in ordinary life, but the world of professional footballers is not a regular one. We read interviews, watch games, check comments on websites, listen to the odd rumour provided by our friends and then form a view on the players and managers we all covet.

Indeed, most will have an opinion on Craig Bellamy. The majority will see the snarling face, the foul mouth, the sleeve of tattoos, the reported incidents of violence and believe that this is not a pleasant man. That this striker is the nadir of modern football. That this is an offensive individual providing the worst kind of example to young children. I used to think all of the above, but now believe I was woefully wide of the mark…

For Craig Bellamy is doing a lot of good for a huge number of under-privileged children. He’s not shouting about it either, but simply getting on with a job he feels inspired to do. The Craig Bellamy Foundation (started by Craig himself if you weren’t sure) gives children in Sierra Leone the chance to play football and develop personally and socially through their passion for the game.

The Foundation boasts a network of nation-wide football development leagues with 1,600 registered members, aged between 10 and 14 years old. It doesn’t need me to tell you that Sierra Leone is a country with many problems, yet this scheme is giving hope to a number of young children. Crucially, the kids are not allowed to participate in the football if they don’t attend classes beforehand.

Further leagues are planned, as is a state of the art football academy designed to offer the best in coaching and education. This information is expanded further on the Foundation’s website:

http://craigbellamyfoundation.org/

You can also see Bellamy talking passionately about the project himself, explaining why he felt motivated to donate a huge amount of his own time and money (millions of pounds I am led to believe) towards the scheme. I sense he’s genuine too. This isn’t something that Bellamy has sought publicity for, which would have been logical given the general perception of him amongst football fans. Instead, he seems sincerely motivated to help troubled young children and I think this deserves enormous credit. Whilst so many of his colleagues will be spending their money on another car, a superfluous watch or a holiday with the boys, Bellamy dedicates his summer holidays to developing this project in Sierra Leone.

Now I’m not suggesting footballers shouldn’t enjoy their wealth, and indulge in some luxury items. I’d certainly be tempted by a gleaming Aston Martin if I had the financial backing. Yet how admirable is it that Bellamy can give up so much to help so many, and not brag about it either. I have certainly had my opinion on the Welsh forward changed. I always rated him as a top player when fully fit. I now rate him as a human being too.