Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has launched an independent charity that seeks to deliver sporting opportunities to children and teenagers in and around North London at a ceremony at Downing Street yesterday (29 January).

The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation – which will receive £4.5m from the club – is looking to provide 500,000 sporting opportunities for young people, including visually-impaired and autistic children.

Tottenham established its Community Department eight years ago, which is seen as the catalyst for the foundation.

Spurs’ chair, Daniel Levy, said: “The foundation is a tangible and important demonstration of our commitment to communities. To be awarded charitable status is an indication of the high calibre programming we offer and the role we play in the local area.”

Ledley King, the team’s captain, added: “I never need any convincing about the value of this work to kids of all ages and walks of life in our community. Every time I attend an event I can’t help thinking how great it would have been to have something like this when I was growing up.

“The whole squad is fully committed to giving time and effort to the programmes and it is a fantastic way to put our money to good use.”