Former Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard to make a ‘significant personal investment’ in a multi-million-pound plan for new sports and education hubs across Liverpool city region. Tony McDonough reports
Former Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard was one of the best football players in the world at his peak and now looking to “give back” to Liverpool city region with a new venture.
Huyton-born Steven, who also played 114 times for England and was manager of Rangers and Aston Villa, is to make a “significant personal investment” in a multi-million-pound plan for new sports and education hubs across Merseyside.
These plans include the UK’s first padel academy for young people and new 3G pitches at sports hubs in Liverpool and Knowsley and a development at Childwall Sports and Science Academy.
“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,” said Steven. “I’m investing in these projects because I believe in the difference they can make for young people.”
Plans for Childwall would see major investment in the school, creating opportunities for pupils from a wide range of backgrounds to access high-quality sporting facilities, experience new activities, and develop skills that support their physical, social and personal development.
It includes an ambition to establish what is believed to be the UK’s first school padel academy, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports into a mainstream educational setting.
New 3G pitches at the school will also provide world-class football facilities for students and the wider community. It is hoped the investment will give young people greater opportunities to participate in sport, develop new skills, and access pathways into further education, training and employment.
Steven is also announcing a simultaneous multi-million-pound investment in Knowsley. He established the Steven Gerrard Academy more than a decade ago and is working in partnership with Knowsley Council to transform King George V Playing Fields in Huyton with three new 3G football pitches and a padel centre of excellence.
He added: “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.
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“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.”