Ben Foster supports grassroots nutrition with Brickfield Rangers visit

Former Wrexham A.F.C. goalkeeper Ben Foster visited Brickfield Rangers this week as part of a major supermarket's campaign to improve nutrition in youth football. The visit was for the M&S Food Eat Well, Play Well: Grassroots Edition initiative, which provides free resources to clubs across the UK.

Foster, who spent the 2022/23 season with Wrexham, took part in a penalty shootout with young players and helped prepare spinach and banana pancakes. He spoke about his affection for the area and the importance of volunteer-run clubs like Brickfield Rangers, which supports many young players across numerous teams from Under-4s to Under-18s.

Campaign aims to fill nutrition gap

The campaign was launched after M&S research surveyed many grassroots coaches. It found only a small percentage felt confident advising on player nutrition, a gap the initiative aims to address with practical, affordable recipe ideas. M&S senior nutritionist Sophia Thistlethwaite said food plays an important role around training and that it was great to show players how nutritious ingredients can be turned into enjoyable meals.

Volunteer spirit mirrors club ethos

Brickfield Rangers, founded in the 1970s and playing at the Court Road fields known as the 'Brickie', is run entirely by volunteers. Coach Dave Murray dedicates many hours a week, a commitment he says is shared by the whole team who do it because they love being there. This community spirit aligns with the values often associated with Wrexham's own fan-owned model.

Foster's personal connection to food

The visit also highlighted Foster's personal history with cooking. He trained to be a cook as a teenager while trying to kick off his football career and worked as a chef until signing his first professional contract with Stoke City.

The Eat Well, Play Well campaign will continue to roll out in partnership with grassroots clubs over the coming months, with a content series hosted on M&S social channels. The visit comes as Wrexham A.F.C. prepare for their next Championship fixture.

First reported at Retail Gazette