Marcus Rashford has highlighted the influence of his mother and deep bond with Manchester United after being honoured at the Sports Journalists’ Association British Sports Awards.
Rashford’s campaign to end child poverty has seen the accolades come thick and fast in 2020 and led to him becoming one of the most recognisable athletes in Britain.
The 23-year-old England striker was awarded an MBE in October and has been named as an SJA Sport for Social Change winner, alongside Lou Macari, Ebony Rainford-Brent and the Dons Local Action Group.
“The times they put me into accommodation when my mum was struggling at home, when I was 11 and I was there up until 16/17.
“It is a lot deeper than what people see sometimes. I think people see some of the stuff that has been happening since I’ve been in the first team but the bond that I have with United is much greater than these last five years.
“It will forever be greater than probably my actual career because they are the reason I have become a footballer, they have given me the opportunity to express myself and to find out I had talent in football.”
Full SJA British Sports Award winners:
– Sportsman of the Year: Lewis Hamilton
– Sportswoman of the Year: Hollie Doyle
– Sports Team of the Year: Liverpool
– President’s Award: Chris Brasher (posthumous)
– Bill McGowran Trophy for male and female para-athletes: Dame Sarah Storey (cycling), Alfie Hewett & Gordon Reid (wheelchair tennis)
– National Lottery Spirit of Sport: Kim Daybell, Polly Swann, Vicky Wright
– SJA Sport for Social Change winners: Marcus Rashford MBE, Lou Macari, Ebony Rainford-Brent and the Dons Local Action Group (formed by AFC Wimbledon supporters).
