Bob Wilson talks about the London Football Awards and Chelsea’s involvement
By George Perry
Chelsea have seven nominees for next week’s London Football Awards. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson talked about the awards and how it benefits the charity he co-founded, the Willow Foundation.
N’Golo Kante, Karen Carney and Antonio Conte are among Chelsea’s nominees for the London Football Awards. The third annual ceremony takes place on 2 March. Last year, John Terry won the award for Outstanding Contribution to London Football. He will present the same award at this year’s edition.
The London Football Awards benefit the Willow Foundation, a charity co-founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and Scotland international Bob Wilson. The foundation creates special days and experiences for seriously ill people ages 16-40.
Wilson talked to The Blue Lions podcast about how this unique age group has a special impact on the footballers who are part of the foundation’s work. “The meet and greet moment is incredible,” Wilson said.
"Without any doubt the players say ‘sometimes we live in this world, it’s almost a cocooned world of ours.’ They are very well-paid in the Premier League with huge salaries. I think it makes them realize how just fortunate they are as individuals to not only not have a life-threatening or life-limiting illness, but to be able to appreciate just how fortunate they are. They are talented, they are maximizing their talent, but they are being shown life is not all roses and it can be incredibly cruel."
Wilson has nothing but praise for the footballers that take part in the Foundation’s events. The players’ involvement is a refreshing departure from the usual headlines of absurd transfer fees and the occasional dust-up. They recognize the importance of what they do and who they are, beyond the pressures of the pitch.
"The players understand exactly why those individuals are there. I can never remember a player who has not been able to look at that individual, to return the smile and to have the arms around the shoulder. They take the selfie photograph or special photographs, then take the time talking and sign the garments."
Wilson noted the draw of London’s bigger clubs to the London Football Awards and the Willow Foundation. Chelsea has increased their participation in the ceremony each year, in addition to garnering more nominations.
John Terry came in for special recognition for his work on and off the pitch. Wilson talked about Terry’s role in the London Football Awards before listing Terry as one of the defenders he would want in front of him as a goalkeeper.
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N’Golo Kante and Diego Costa are up for Premier League Player of the Year. Eni Aluko, Karen Carney and Katie Chapman received nominations for Women’s Players of Year. Antonio Conte and Thibaut Courtois round out the Blues’ nominations.