Foundation session packs a punch as hometown boxer Viddal Riley surprises local kids

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation received a knockout of an endorsement from boxing star Viddal Riley on Friday, with the undefeated champion returning to the Premier League Kicks football sessions he used to take part in as a youngster.

Viddal was joined by Spurs ambassador Ledley King and led a shadowboxing session for participants to help them get warmed up, before taking part in a series of football challenges.

The 27-year-old moved to Tottenham when he was eight, grew up close by to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and attended next door Northumberland Park Community School, now Duke’s Aldridge Academy.

The Foundation has been delivering programmes to inspire, empower and transform lives across Haringey, Enfield and surrounding boroughs for almost 20 years.

These areas include some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England, with areas that face high levels of crime, poverty and unemployment, as well as significant health inequalities.

Viddal knows about these challenges first-hand and jumped at the opportunity to engage with the next generation.

He said: “Tottenham Hotspur Foundation was a huge influence on my childhood. I grew up next to the Club's stadium and they used to do Premier League Kicks sessions at our school, so to be here and called a special guest really is an amazing, full circle moment for me. As much as they're grateful to have us here, we’re grateful to be here with them.

“Putting these sessions on for these kids is so important as it connects them with people they might not otherwise meet. It’s such a diverse group of people that get the chance to link up in one place and that’s why it’s vital the Foundation does this work in the community.”

Participant Jahkyi, 13, said: “It felt amazing to take part in the boxing with Viddal and Ledley. The session was good, a lot of fun.”

The Foundation is committed to delivering on the Club’s vision of creating life-changing opportunities across North London.

Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

Viddal is one of tens of thousands of young people the Foundation has delivered the programme to, including 6,500 in the last five years.

The Foundation also delivers an array of programmes opening doors to education, creating pathways into employment, driving healthier and happier lifestyles, and building safer, stronger communities.

Ledley said: “In my role as a Club ambassador, I’ve been really proud to champion the good work of the Foundation and it’s great to see someone like Viddal, with the success he’s had, coming back to his roots and helping inspire these young people.

“We’re excited to see what he does next in the ring and I’m looking forward to getting back in action myself, alongside some good friends, to support the Foundation continue its vital work.”

Ledley will be joining other Spurs legends to take on AC Milan Glorie at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 23 March. The match represents a rare chance for fans to see some of their Spurs favourites from recent years pull on the famous Lilywhite shirt once again, with all profits being donated to the Foundation. Tickets are available now...