"Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace star, expresses concern over the scarcity of positive role models."
English International Eberechi Eze, a key player in Crystal Palace's recent FA Cup victory over seven-time winners Manchester City, has expressed his desire to positively impact the lives of children through his personal foundation.
In an interview with our lead UK presenter, Sarah-Jane Mee, during the third Annual Eze Invitational tournament, Eze discussed his plans for his foundation, which aims to provide opportunities for children, both in and outside the sport.
Eze stated, "It's about exposing them to different aspects of life, and different opportunities. Not just being a footballer, or a rapper, but showing them different paths, different ways of being."
The event organized by Eze offered a free tournament for kids, along with free food and football boots. "That's what we dreamt of as kids. To be able to put on a tournament that's free for kids, and they can leave with free food, free boots, that's something special," Eze added.
Talking about his role as a mentor, Eze echoed the sentiments of England manager, Sir Gareth Southgate, by emphasizing the importance of having positive male role models. "People we can look up to, to actually show us what it means to be a man, what it means to strive for something, to become something, to make something of yourself, that’s something we’re definitely lacking now," Eze said.
With Palace's successful push towards FA Cup glory, Eze has been instrumental, scoring the winning goal in the final, as well as in the semi-finals and quarter-finals. As the summer approaches and rumors swirl about potential club transfers, Eze described the recent trophy parade in Palace as a "crazy experience."
"For me, it's special. It's the stuff you're dreaming about. It's everything," he said.
Stay tuned for the full interview on The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee on our website at 8pm tonight (28 May).
Eze's foundation aims not only to provide sports opportunities but also to foster education, self-development, and personal growth in children, beyond the scope of being just athletes or entertainers. He aspires to be a positive male role model, echoing sentiments expressed by England manager, Sir Gareth Southgate. Despite his success in football, scoring crucial goals for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, Eze cherishes the impact his foundation and mentorship can have on young lives.
