Former Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard has announced a multi-million-pound investment to develop state-of-the-art sports and educational facilities in Liverpool and Knowsley, describing the region as a place he is "proud to call home."
The plan, unveiled at the Steven Gerrard Academy complex, will be delivered in partnership with the Lydiate Learning Trust and Knowsley Council. It includes a landmark development at Childwall Sports and Science Academy and new sports amenities in Huyton, resulting in six new 3G football pitches and approximately 16 padel courts across the two sites.
Gerrard's commitment to giving back
Speaking at the announcement, 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."
He added: "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."
Gerrard also highlighted the Huyton development, noting: "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."
UK's first school padel academy
The Liverpool ECHO understands the partnership will establish the UK’s first school padel academy, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports into a mainstream educational setting.
Referring to 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
Deputy Leader of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, attended the announcement and commented on the partnership's importance. He 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."
He added: "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."
Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley described the project as a "significant vote of confidence" in Knowsley and its young people. She said: "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."
She added: "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."
Ann Stahler, CEO of Lydiate Learning Trust, which operates Childwall Sports and Science Academy, said the school is "delighted" to partner with Gerrard and his team, adding: "Our central location means all of Liverpool will be able to benefit from this exciting venture."
