News Release: 11th September 2012
Subject: Steven Gerrard gives local children top class training opportunities.

Last month Steven Gerrard’s Foundation, in association with the Hugh McAuley Football Academy, gave over 100 local children the opportunity to experience top class football training.

The children – aged between 8 and 12 – were selected by teachers, youth leaders and social workers from a range of local schools and groups to take part in the four day camp.

Taking place at Huyton’s Arts and Sports Centre for Excellence, the camp came to a fitting close with a ceremony during which Steven presented certificates and medals to all participants in recognition of their achievements.

Hugh McAuley, who coached Steven during his early years at Liverpool FC, said: “Having worked with Steven from a very young age at LFC, I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to organise this camp which has been a huge success.”

Steven said: “A lot of people don’t realise the discipline involved with football, as well as the skills and coordination.
“To be able to hold this Football camp is fantastic, I hope it will give the kids an insight into how tough it is to make footballing a career. It’s not just a career, it’s a life choice and in order to perform and succeed, like in many other career paths, it takes, determination, dedication, focus and a strict lifestyle.”

Steven set up the Foundation in January last year, to enable him to assist in making a lasting difference to children and young people who need it the most. Having spent the majority of his life in Liverpool and witnessing many of the issues faced by children, the work of the foundation is an opportunity for Steven to give something back to the community.

Stuart Jameison, the Principal of the Centre for Learning added: “It’s been a privilege to meet Steven as well as other players and staff from Liverpool Football Club to accommodate the Soccer Camp this week. We’re delighted that Hugh McAuley and his staff have embraced the support of our young Sports Leaders who are proud to work alongside such professionals on a daily basis.

Steven is a genuine example of a global star who is living proof that he fully identifies with the aspirations of young people.”
For more information about Steven’s foundation please visit www.stevengerrardfoundation.org