PREMIER League star Ben Godfrey has been giving back to the city where it all began.

The 23-year-old got his start at York City before moving on to Norwich City, from where he was signed by Everton for the 2020/21 season.

His transfer has already furnished what may well be a substantial windfall for the Minstermen through a sell-on clause - and he has been helping out the youngsters of the Minster city too by donating money to schools.

Set to benefit from a £500 donation each are primary schools Hempland and Woodthorpe, and the secondary school Godfrey attended, Archbishop Holgate’s.

His alma mater is planning to use their share to help furnish their fitness suite with some extra equipment.

Godfrey explained: “During these tough times, it’s not ideal for kids. I don’t work in a school so it’s hard for me to say but I can’t imagine things are the same for them in terms of what they can and can’t do. When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was play sport.

“While the world’s in such a pandemic and us footballers are in a fortunate position, I just think it was the right time for me to try and help schools in York get that sporting equipment.

“I just think it’s great for kids to get outside and enjoy that.

“I don’t believe I’ve involved myself (before) in that in my home city. It felt right to help people back in my home town where I started football and where I was in their shoes from a young age.

“I’ve seen pictures of what they bought with the money and I hope the kids are enjoying themselves with it.”

On Wednesday night, Godfrey was involved in a ding-dong FA Cup fifth round tie between Everton and Tottenham. The Toffees secured a 5-4 victory after extra time to progress to the quarter-finals.

Starting the game in his preferred centre-back berth, the versatile defender had a drilled shot saved in the first half and showed his lightning pace to snuff out Spurs threats, including one important intervention on Son Heung-Min - who is no slouch himself - late on.