Raheem Sterling has arranged for 550 kids from his old school to watch Manchester City play at Wembley on Saturday.
The Blues star has worked with the club to ensure that pupils of his old school, Ark Elvin Academy, which is within sight of the Arch, will be at the game when City take on Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final.
The 24-year-old England star has stumped up from his own pocket, and is helping sort out transport for the children.
The idea was Sterling 's own initiative, and after approaching City, he and the club worked out a plan between them.
Sterling grew up close to Wembley Stadium, living in a house on Neeld Crescent from where the stadium – which was being rebuilt during his school days – is visible.
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Sterling spoke about his London childhood last year, saying:
“I was from Wembley. I lived in Wembley. I lived on an estate for a month until my mum got the place in Wembley. From eight to 14, I lived in Wembley.
“It's not the poshest area but for me it was an unbelievable area. It was lovely growing up there. I had a great green where there were trees and I used to eat apples there. It was called Neeld Crescent.
“My school was five minutes walk away. I had no problems. School finished at 3.15pm and I had to be home at 3.30pm so my mum knew I was safe.
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“There were naughty kids at school but I didn't live in a rough, rough area. People say it so often I'm tempted just to leave it and say: "OK, I lived there then".”
A party of children from the school are expected at City’s academy today to meet Sterling and collect the tickets.
One source said: “Raheem asked for 550 tickets for the game, which he paid for himself. It must have cost a fair bit. He wanted to do something for the kids from his old school and he is also laying on transport for them.
“It pretty much sums up the kind of guy he is. He hasn't made a fuss over it and he doesn't really want attention. It's just a decent thing to do.”
