When Micah Richards swaps Eastlands for Ethiopia this summer it is likely to be an experience tinged with mixed emotions.
The majority of his Manchester City and England teammates may be planning to head off to exotic destinations to recuperate after another gruelling season, but Richards will instead embark on a visit to what is widely regarded as one of the most under-developed countries in the world.
Richards is heading out to Africa as part of his extensive charity work to help out at the football orphanage he assisted his father Lincoln in setting up along with the Creative Cooperation organisation.
It promises to be an eye-opening trip for one of the Premier League’s leading young talents, who is the first to admit he has come a long way since his early days.
Richards grew up in the Chapeltown suburb of Leeds before going on to carve out his successful career, and as a result he is determined to help those less fortunate than himself.
“It’s always good to give something back,†observes the big-hearted 20-year-old. “I come from quite a rough area of Leeds, so I appreciate the things I have in life a little bit more and anything I can do to help other people I will do.
“My dad goes out to Ethiopia every year; he’s got a football team out there and so far I’ve donated shirts and equipment.
“I haven’t been out yet, but I plan to go out this summer for the first time and I’ll probably have mixed feelings when I’m out there. It’ll be good to see all the positive work being done with all the children, but obviously some of the people are living in poverty and have experienced extreme hardship in their lives.
“It’ll be a very humbling experience and hopefully I can make some sort of difference when I’m over there.â€
It is not just abroad that Richards is keen to make a difference. From sparring with world light-welterweight boxing champion and staunch City supporter Ricky Hatton as part of the Premier League’s Creating Chances initiative to making regular hospital visits to raising funds for the Education for the Children Foundation, Richards relishes the opportunity to get involved with a diverse range of community projects.
“When I was younger I wish there had been more opportunities to just go out and enjoy myself really,†Richards adds. “So now that I’m in a privileged position I want to try and be a positive influence if I can.
“I think I was pretty lucky really with the way things panned out for me. I was playing for Leeds City Boys every week and was fortunate enough to get scouted, but more and more now there are chances for young talent to come through.
“I think back to when I started playing; it was a little bit harder to make it to the top, so anything I can do to help that I will do, definitely. I want to inspire youngsters as much as I can.â€
