Jamie Vardy's former club in Sheffield makes appeal to ensure survival

The Leicester City and England striker, who ensured his place in football history by firing the Foxes to the most unlikely of Premier League titles in 2015/16, began his senior career with Stocksbridge Park Steels FC.

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He joined the club as a teenager after being released from Sheffield Wednesday’s academy and went on to represent them at senior level between 2007 and 2010 before his rapid elevation to the top flight via spells at FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town.

Stocksbridge Park Steels is among clubs across the country struggling to stay afloat after football was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is trying to raise £20,000 for essential work it says is needed to keep the club running.

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The money would pay for ground maintenance, machinery and machine repairs, as well as building work to ensure the Look Local Stadium meets the required safety standards.

“The season coming to an abrupt end, the loss of income from the last three months of the season, and the fact we will not be able to play our lucrative friendly fixtures with our Sheffield neighbours prior to next season have left us with no choice but to ask our magnificent community for help,” said the club.

“Donate whatever you can, large or small. In exchange, we will be extremely grateful and ensure you have a football club to be proud of within the Stocksbridge community.”

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To donate, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/essential-maintenance-and-equipment.