Steven Gerrard’s Foundation, in association with Kinder + Sport, a responsible global project from Ferrero designed to get children moving, and the Hugh McAuley Football Academy, gave 100 local children the opportunity to experience top-class football training this week.
The children, aged between eight 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.
Using a broad range of activities designed to help young people to learn and develop new skills and techniques in a fun, inclusive and rewarding atmosphere, children faced a series of challenging and enjoyable skill sessions, small-sided games and tournaments.
A spokesperson from Ferrero said: “At Ferrero, we believe that active children are more likely to grow into active adults, so we are passionate about encouraging future generations to embrace physical exercise and encourage them to lead a balanced, active lifestyle. Working with football clubs throughout the UK, our Kinder + Sport programme has helped to get over 41,000 children moving. We are proud to have the opportunity to build on this success by partnering with The Steven Gerrard Foundation and work together to help inspire children to celebrate the joy of moving.”
Taking place at the Lord Derby Academy in Huyton, the camp came to a fitting close with a ceremony on Thursday when (name to be confirmed) presented certificates and medals to all participants in recognition of their achievements.
Steven added: “Giving kids the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport is so important in helping them grow into healthy and active adults. Kinder + Sport is a fantastic initiative that gets children across the whole of the UK and Ireland moving and I’m really pleased to have them on board supporting the SGF Football Camps.”
Hugh McAuley, who coached Steven during his early years at Liverpool FC, said: “This is the fourth consecutive year we have run a camp for the Foundation. It’s great to see how the annual programme has evolved since it began in 2012 and particularly this year to be working with the Kinder + Sport Programme, offering engaging opportunities to enhance these young peoples’ active lifestyles.”