Hundreds of children with disabilities across Merseyside are now playing regular football thanks to Liverpool FC Foundation, the club’s official charity.
The Foundation’s Football for All programme has several schemes to help people with disabilities engage in activities across the city.
Local children take part in weekly programmes in the three Football for All centres in Aigburth, Wirral and at the North Liverpool Academy.
Mark Haig, Liverpool FC Foundation’s head of operations, told JMU Journalism: “The Liverpool FC Foundation aims to improve people’s lives by providing a range of football-related programmes and initiatives that inspire positive change, both locally and internationally.
“With the Football for All disability programme, the majority of participants have never been involved in any sport before.
“The sessions are about giving young people a chance to get involved, socialise and enjoy their sport.
“It’s great to see kids benefit from this type of activity.”
The newest centre, Woodchurch High School, in Wirral, was opened by Foundation ambassador Lucas Leiva last year.
The Brazilian has thrown himself into his ambassadorial role and enjoyed a kick-about with the children at the centre – and some of the youngsters had another treat just last week.
During the Grand National, the Foundation sent two LFC legends down to Aintree to demonstrate the disability programmes to thousands of race-goers.
European Cup heroes Alan Kennedy and Phil Neal took part in a deaf awareness football session on the first day of this year’s Grand National Festival alongside some Football for All children.
Phil Neal told JMU Journalism: “It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the great work being done by Liverpool FC Foundation.
“I was lucky enough to have a successful career for Liverpool FC’s first team, but, when I was younger, there were no courses like this available.”
The Foundation’s Youth Ambassadors were also on hand to help visitors on the day and support the Club’s activities.