Footballing youngsters received an early Christmas present this week, when Everton in the Community (EitC) helped to deliver hundreds of pounds’ worth of new boots.
Working with the Club’s official charity, Liverpool Citizens Ltd donated the funds to a new girls’ team on County Road, which was formed to help engage females through football as part of EitC’s Premier League for Girls programme.
On hand to surprise the group at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi was Everton Ladies player, Claudia Walker, who posed for photos before getting stuck-in for a kick-a-bout.
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Commenting on the visit, she said: “It’s been great to meet the young ladies today and I’m sure that they’ll be making use of their new boots very soon!
“Growing up, football had a hugely positive influence on my life and I’m proud to know that EitC had a role in making this kind gesture take place – it could be the beginning of an incredible journey for this new team.”
EitC’s Neighbourhood project, which was launched in Autumn 2015, works to support and engage local residents through a range of positive activities and, in this instance, was able to help secure vital funding for the session.
Last season, EitC’s engagement levels in the Premier League for Girls programme increased by 300% – giving females the opportunity to represent Everton Football Club in competitive fixtures against other Premier League and Football League clubs.
The initiative also created pathways for females by linking in with local grass root teams and offered the participants the chance to play for a grass clubs on a regular basis.
Lynn McCann, Liverpool Citizens Ltd Director, says she is delighted to encourage involvement of sports in the local area. Commenting at the event, she said: “I’ve always been a mad Evertonian and have a strong belief in girls’ football.
“Football boots aren’t a priority for a lot of families who need to get food on the table, so I’ve always been passionate about helping to give youngsters a chance to play. Football plays an important role in supporting physical and mental health, within an enjoyable setting. This is something EitC has always done well.
“The girls are already putting the new boots to good use and I hope they inspire many more games to come!”
Sarah Atherton, Neighbourhood Manager, who has headed up the project from the beginning, said: “Everton are very much part of the fabric of this community and we’re working tirelessly to ensure that we’re a supportive and friendly neighbour – today was a great example of seeing that hard work come to fruition.
“Whether it’s local football teams, charity groups or families, we want to ensure that everyone is proud of our neighbourhood. It’s been great fun bringing Claudia along to meet the team today and we hope that she has inspired the group to kick-start their new venture!”
