Former England striker Peter Crouch visited Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club as part of a nationwide campaign to bring elite-level nutrition into the grassroots game.
Former England international Peter Crouch talks to some of Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club’s players during his visit to the Camella Stadium
Crouch, who played for a host of clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur and won 42 caps for his country, is backing a new initiative – Eat Well, Play Well: Grassroots Edition – with M&S Food aimed at closing the gap in nutritional understanding.
During his time at the Camella Stadium, the 45-year-old joined a training session before hosting a Q&A during which youngsters asked him about the standout moments of his career.
He said that scoring with a bicycle kick for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League was one of his favourite memories – and he named Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard among his top players.
Peter Crouch, who scored 22 goals for England, shakes hands with a Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club player
Crouch, who stands 6ft 7in tall, visited the Larks’ Snack Shack to show how simple nutrition can support young players. He helped prepare a high-protein smoothie designed to aid post-match recovery.
His time at Plain Ham also celebrated the people behind grassroots football, including Larkhall volunteer Doreen Gilbert, who has been involved with the club for more than 20 years.
She said: “The club has been here for as long as I can remember. It’s a wonderful community in a lovely village.”
Peter Crouch in the Snack Shack at the Camella Stadium with Larkhall volunteer Doreen Gilbert, left, and M&S senior nutritionist Sophia Thistlethwaite
In the Snack Shack, she typically serves matchday favourites such as burgers, hot dogs and cheesy chips.
But during Crouch’s visit, she worked alongside him and M&S senior nutritionist Sophia Thistlethwaite to explore simple ways to introduce healthier options, showing how small changes can support players without losing the traditional spirit of matchdays.
M&S Food is developing practical, affordable recipe ideas for clubs.
Recipes are available to download here.
A video showing some of the highlights of Crouch’s visit to the Larks can be viewed below.
