25 Years of the Football Foundation: Jordan Pickford’s grassroots beginnings

Long before the England caps, penalty shoot-out heroics and spectacular saves, Jordan Pickford was a young goalkeeper diving around the pitches of grassroots club Washington Envelopes in Sunderland. 

Today, Football Foundation investment is helping ensure similar opportunities exist for the next generation across the North East, with funding supporting facilities including the Beacon of Light Hub (£2 million), the Ford Hub (£4.1 million), the Washington Hub (£4.8 million) and the Downhill Hub (£5.2 million). With his strong links to the city, Jordan has made use of the incredible facilities at the Sunderland Hubs alongside his family. 

Every football journey starts on a first pitch. For Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford, that first pitch was at Washington Envelopes. We’re celebrating grassroots football across our social channels and would love to see where your journey began too. Share a photo of your first pitch with #FirstPitches.