Raheem Sterling makes offer to pay for 14 students to go to university

In the world of professional sports, it's always heartening to see athletes use their platforms and resources to make a difference in the lives of others.

Players like Raheem Sterling exemplify this spirit of giving back, using their success to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Through philanthropy, community engagement, and personal involvement, Sterling and others like him demonstrate that the power of sports can extend far beyond the field and into the lives of countless individuals, inspiring hope and fostering positive change.

Now the Chelsea forward has pledged to put 14 poor students of black, African and Caribbean heritage through university in an effort to help bridge an equality gap.

 

Recent studies showed less than five per cent of UK students beginning undergraduate degrees in the 2021-22 academic year were black.

Through his foundation, England star Sterling has partnered with the University of Manchester and King's College London to fund scholarships for seven students at each institution.

The first four scholarships will go to students beginning degree programmes in 2023-24. Those will be split evenly between the two universities, with two at Manchester and two at King's.

"This opportunity will help young people access further education and present them with experiences and opportunities that will enhance their future career prospects," Sterling said. "I hope this initiative will be a real game changer over the next few years and I am delighted to be working with two of the finest universities in the world.

 

"I wish the recipients of our funding all the very best and look forward to meeting everyone on campus in Manchester and London later this year," Sterling added. The England international moved to London in the summer of 2022, leaving Manchester City for Chelsea after seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

"Widening participation in higher education makes both King's and the wider world a better place," King's president and principal Shitij Kapur said. "We are delighted to partner with the Raheem Sterling Foundation to further our work in this area and enable more support for under-represented students to access higher education, achieve their aspirations and become the change-makers of the future."

The Raheem Sterling Foundation was set up in 2020 with the aim of helping the most disadvantaged in society.

It followed campaign work from his international team-mate Marcus Rashford - another member of England's squad at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup - who has aimed to tackle food poverty.