Huge moment for grass-roots football - and for the pathway that leads to the top for the most talented kids. As it did for Harry Kane. Government announces it is strengthening organisations that protect playing fields from developers. Vital for kids’ physical and mental health and also this potential pathway. Aged eight, Kane's footballing journey really kicked off at the Peter May Sports Centre in Walthamstow, London. There’s a statue of the England captain there now. Kane played football and cricket there on pitches belonging to London Playing Fields Foundation, which has been protecting pitches from developers in the capital since 1890. LPFF, and all involved in grass-roots football, currently celebrating news from Government that Sport England will retain its “statutory consultee status”, offering vital protection for playing fields across the country. Its focus of influence is slightly narrowed but it will keep providing expert judgement on the importance of a playing field when planning applications are submitted. Its role is vital in protecting these for the nation's health. According to Sport England, more than 20% of children leave primary school obese. Playing fields help offer an antidote to that. So don't let them disappear under concrete. “This momentous decision has hugely positive implications for our schools, universities, clubs and community groups who depend on organisations like LPFF to provide them with somewhere to play and practise,” says Alex Welsh, chief executive @TheLPFF. Charity has saved more than “20 threatened sites for current and future generations of Londoners”. As once a playing field is lost, it is lost forever. And where will the Kanes of the future play then?

Oasis and football transforming lives? Definitely, not maybe. Oasis are celebrating the work of London Playing Fields Foundation during their run at Wembley. The seven shows of Oasis Live ‘25 will highlight seven centres run by LPFF that give kids a place to let off steam, learn the game and develop skills. Harry Kane started out on an LPFF pitch in Walthamstow. These vital venues also focus on everything from mental health recovery via Coping Through Football to empowering young girls through the LPFF Girls’ Football Hub. LPFF has helped to save 20 playing fields from development threats in the past two decades. Oasis’ brilliant support will raise awareness and funds to help that through this charitable partnership. #7Shows7Fields @TheLPFF @Oasis. Fans can enter a prize draw for the chance to win Wembley Oasis Live ‘25 tickets at lpff.org.uk/7shows7fields

Harry Kane and many others took their early sporting steps on pitches funded by London Playing Fields Foundation. @TheLPFF continues to provide vital homes for 680 football teams and 65 cricket teams (Kane also batted and bowled at the Peter May Sports Centre in Walthamstow).

What Kane’s achieved is fantastic, obviously testament to his #THFC team-mates’ support, but also his dedication, endless finishing sessions, focus on diet, marginal gains etc. Supreme professional, role model and fitting that Kane equals Greaves’ record on London soil @TheLPFF