!
Register for Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter and receive it in your email inbox at no cost!
Join Miguel Delaney’s weekly newsletter for free.
On Saturday, as Swansea raises awareness for cancer, Carl Rushworth will have a special moment wearing the names of his grandparents, Francis and Isobelle, on his warm-up T-shirt.
Rushworth, the goalkeeper on loan from Brighton who was a member of England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning team last summer, tragically lost two grandparents to cancer. For the 22-year-old, Plymouth’s upcoming match in South Wales holds extra significance.
Swansea has partnered with the charity Maggie’s for a campaign called “Tackling Cancer Together.” During the Sky Bet Championship match, players will wear shirts with the names of their loved ones affected by cancer printed on them during warm-up.
The English Football League has granted permission for Swansea to display the Maggie’s logo on their jersey for a single game. Fans have also been sharing personal accounts of a disease that affects half of all individuals at some point in their lifetime.
“Most individuals are aware of someone who has been impacted by cancer or has tragically lost their life to it,” stated Rushworth in a statement to PA news agency.
”
“Wearing shirts with the names of their loved ones on the back is a significant moment for both the players and the fans, as it unites the community.”
This demonstrates that we are all experiencing the same struggles and cancer impacts everyone. I have witnessed fans sharing their personal experiences on social media and the Plymouth game will deeply resonate with the players.
Rushworth’s own story is a common tale of loss and tears that devastates families: his grandmother Isobelle died when he was a few months old, his grandfather Francis when he was 12.
Rushworth shared, “My grandad was a big part of my life. He was always there in our home, spoiling me and my sister even when my parents may not have approved.”
Although his main sport was rugby, he was always present at the park when I was practicing my diving skills. It’s possible that he influenced me to become a goalkeeper.
“He played a significant role in my upbringing and I was deeply shocked when he passed away. As I got older, I realized the impact of his absence even more.”
Swansea’s top performer this season has been Rushworth, who has spent time on loan at Worthing, Walsall, and Lincoln before returning to the Seagulls.
At the age of 15, Huddersfield let him go. He describes it as a difficult experience because he was expecting to receive a new contract and was taken aback by the rejection. However, he was able to revive his career at his hometown club Halifax before eventually signing with Brighton in 2019.
I had a strong bond with my grandfather, who most likely influenced my decision to become a goalkeeper.
Since then, he has participated in more than 100 matches in the EFL, earned his first U21 international appearance, and continued to improve at Swansea while collaborating with former goalkeeping coaches from England and Wales, Martyn Margetson.
Each time I have been with England, it has been a joy to be in the company of such talented players,” stated Rushworth.
I would like to assess my current level and determine if I am at the standard of the Premier League or Championship, and where I belong within those leagues.
If I perform well, I may have the opportunity to be considered for the English team in a few years.
“My ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of my career by playing at an international level. It would be unwise not to strive for this achievement. My dream is to compete in the Premier League and represent England.”
Source: independent.co.uk
