Tour 2018 – the King meets the young Vikings!
Mon 23 July 2018, 17:17|
Tottenham Hotspur
Ledley King thrilled young footballers at our Global Football Development’s training camp with LA Vikings in West LA on Sunday.
Over 100 youngsters attended the camp over the weekend at West LA College where our Global Football Development coaches focused on player development pathways and showcased the Club’s philosophy.
Our legendary former captain and Club Ambassador Ledley joined in with the session, gave advice on the go during small-sided matches and then provided an insight into what it takes to reach the top in a special Question & Answer session.
The young audience certainly gasped in appreciation after Ledley was asked about the toughest opponent of his career – and he was able to reel off the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, Henry and Ronaldinho!
“It’s great to be here and get the Tour underway with local kids enjoying football,” said Ledley, a one-club man with 323 appearances for us between 1999-2012.
“Grass-roots football is where it’s at – it’s where everything starts and we always say when we visit communities, we want to leave a legacy behind. It’s been great to integrate into the local community here in West LA and to see so many smiles on faces. That’s what it’s all about.”
For Andy Rogers, our Head of Global Football Development, the key for this programme with LA Vikings was development pathways.
He said: “We’ve created an opportunity to raise funds for scholarships in the community, which is something we want to make as a legacy of this Tour.
“For us, it’s not just about coming in for two days and then disappearing. We feel we play an important part in developing ‘soccer’ here in the States and this is a chance for us to give opportunities for these youngsters to develop, play and progress. It’s been a privilege for us to work with LA Vikings.”
For Nicky Holender, LA Vikings founder and Spurs fan, this was a special weekend.
Born in north London, Nicky was a former professional in England and Norway before injury struck and took him down a new career path as a fitness trainer – and he now not only looks after footballers aiming to fine-tune their fitness (Soloman Kalou, Divock Origi, Danny Ings) but also some of Hollywood’s A-listers including the likes of actors Gerard Butler, Jared Leto, chef Gordon Ramsay and Spurs fan Adam Richman.
“To have Spurs work with us here at LA Vikings and to see Ledley King here is an absolute dream come true,” he said.
“I’m a north London boy, I moved out here and started this club… I just didn’t envisage an opportunity like this with the team I love, but it’s been incredible.
“We’re a growing club here at LA Vikings with kids aged 7-13 and for us, it’s all about player development. If we can help four of five of these young players get a scholarship in college, that’s what we’re here for.
“As Ledley said, it’s all about smiles on faces, everyone has to enjoy football and you can see everyone here has had a great time."
