Football for Change was launched by Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wolves captain Conor Coady and will reach out to young people in disadvantaged communities
Business leaders are backing a new social mobility charitable initiative launched by Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady.
Football For Change has held its official launch when the England teammates were joined by Anfield legend Jamie Carragher and a host of business leaders from the region.
The initiative, which is also supported by Gary Lineker and Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, is bringing together sports stars and business leaders to help NEET young people in disadvantaged communities get into education or find employment opportunities.
North West businesses including MJ Quinn, Everkool, Carpenters Group, Sedulo and Dental Cafe have signed up to the initiative as founding partners. As well as providing sponsorship, representatives from the companies will act as role models with the football stars to encourage young people to aim higher in education and training.
The chief executive of the Manchester-based Atlanta Group, Ian Donaldson, is chairing Football for Change and has delivered founding sponsorship from Swinton Insurance.
The players and business leaders have set an ambitious target of raising a £250,000 fund to fund programmes to help young people in target areas. A star-studded gala dinner including the players involved will take place in Liverpool this November.
Trent Alexander-Arnold said: “Football For Change is about giving everyone opportunities they deserve from a young age. Cities such as Liverpool are more deprived than other areas and so it’s important for us to come together to support this.
“Everyone that has given it their backing so far is massive for us and this is only going to help improve young people’s lives by showing them a more positive path. I always thought growing up, if I was to ever have the opportunity to help others and give to others as much as I could then that would be amazing.”
Alan O’Prey, managing director at Knowsley-based MJ Quinn, added: “We are delighted to be part of Football for Change and are committed to giving young people who’ve grown up facing various social and economic obstacles the tools to succeed. This is about levelling the playing field to give them a fair chance in life.”