On 18th November, the day after he scored his 69th England goal versus the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, Harry Kane unveiled a specially commissioned statue at Peter May Sports Centre, Walthamstow.

The statue had been initially created by sculptor Peter Moulton in 2020 but had remained in storage while a permanent location for its installation was found.

London Playing Fields Foundation (LPFF) came to the rescue when CEO Alex Welsh contacted Waltham Forest Councillor Cllr Emma Best and the Kane Family and offered Peter May Sports Centre as its final destination. This was particularly apt as Peter May Sports Centre was where Harry’s football journey began as an eight year old player for Ridgeway Rovers.

The statue stands in the foreground of a mural (designed by Marc Silver of Murwalls) which celebrates Harry’s journey from Ridgeway Rovers to England captain and record all-time goal scorer.

The unveiling of the statue, which was undertaken by two current Ridgeway Rovers players – Myla Shaw and Jayden Alexander, clearly moved Harry who said: “It’s quite humbling to see it here now knowing there’s going to be loads of kids walking past and hopefully being inspired.”

Alex Welsh LPFF CEO said: “Playing Fields are where sport begins and for the lucky few, like Harry Kane they are where careers begin. We are delighted that this playing field was where Harry’s journey began and are so grateful that he has never forgotten his roots. We want every player that passes this statue and mural to be inspired and to think that one day this could be me.”

Peter May Sports Centre is operated by charitable social enterprise GLL in partnership with the LPFF. 

Peter Bundey, GLL Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to help celebrate the incredible achievements of Harry Kane and support Harry, the LPFF and Waltham Forest Council in the shared ambition to inspire thousands upon thousands of young people over future years”.     

 

see more articles here