Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has announced a multi-million-pound investment to deliver cutting-edge sports and educational facilities across his hometown and Knowsley.
The scheme is set to be carried out alongside the Lydiate Learning Trust and Knowsley Council, and includes a landmark development at Childwall Sports and Science Academy. As well as this, brand new sports facilities are expected to be built in Huyton, resulting in six new 3G football pitches and 16 padel courts across both sites.
Gerrard on giving back to his hometown
Speaking on the announcement that he is set to invest into facilities in the Merseyside region, ex-Reds captain Gerrard said: "Liverpool gave me so much growing up, and I've always wanted to give something back to the city where I was born and the place I'm proud to call home.
"I'm investing in these projects because I believe in the difference they can make for young people. The ambitions for Childwall Sports and Science Academy are incredibly exciting, and it's been great to work with the Lydiate Learning Trust on this.
"It is also fantastic to announce the plan for Huyton because this is not too far away from where I grew up. The facilities will be world-class.
"Sport has the power to change lives. It builds confidence, creates opportunity and opens pathways into education, training and employment. We've seen that through the Steven Gerrard Academy already."
UK's first school padel academy
According to the Liverpool Echo, the partnership will create the UK's first school padel academy, introducing one of the world's fastest-growing sports into a mainstream educational environment.
Speaking about the padel academy, Gerrard said: "Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and bringing it into a school setting alongside world-class football facilities will give young people even more opportunities to get active, develop new skills and discover a sport they might never otherwise have tried."
Local leaders welcome the investment
Also present at the announcement was Deputy Leader of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, who spoke of the significance of the partnership and the pledge to deliver top-class sporting facilities to the region.
Cllr Morgan said: "Steven is more than just a sportsperson here in Knowsley, he is living proof that sport not only enriches but can transform lives and create opportunities that many young people can only dream of.
"As a local lad that grew up just down the road from here, it feels even more poignant that he has chosen to invest in Huyton and I cannot wait to see the plans come to life."
These views were echoed by Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley, who described the project as a "significant vote of confidence" in Knowsley and its young people. Ms Midgley added: "As someone who grew up in Knowsley, I know how important it is that young people here have access to the very best on their doorstep and people round here deserve it.
"I'm made up to see a local lad and one of my big heroes Steven giving back to the community that made him, making King George V Playing Fields a really brilliant place for all of us to be proud of and use."
Funding for Childwall Sports and Science Academy
The proposal would also bring substantial funding to Childwall Sports and Science Academy, opening doors for pupils from diverse backgrounds to access top-quality sporting facilities, discover new activities, and build skills that bolster their physical, social and personal growth, according to the plans.
Brand new 3G pitches at the school will also deliver world-class football facilities for students and the broader community alike. It is anticipated that the investment will hand young people greater chances to take part in sport, develop fresh skills, and unlock pathways into further education, training and employment.
Ann Stahler, CEO of Lydiate Learning Trust, which runs Childwall Sports and Science Academy, said the school is "delighted" to partner with Steven Gerrard and his team, adding: "Our central location means all of Liverpool will be able to benefit from this exciting venture."
