Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has unveiled plans for a multi-million-pound investment into sport and education in the Liverpool City Region.
This major announcement confirms that he has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Knowsley Council to progress with a multi-million-pound investment into King George V playing fields in Huyton – a facility just a stone’s throw from where Steven grew up.
Current proposals include the creation of new 3G pitches on site, a Padel centre of excellence and community facilities.
Alongside the investment in Knowsley, a major partnership with Childwall Sports and Science Academy has also been announced. The plans for both sites are being brought forward in partnership with the former Liverpool and England captain, who is making a significant personal investment to help bring the developments to life.
Steven Gerrard said: “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.
“I’m investing in these projects because I believe in the difference they can make for young people. 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. 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.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and bringing it into a school setting alongside world-class football facilities will give young people even more opportunities to get active, develop new skills and discover a sport they might never otherwise have tried.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “I am so thrilled to be able to announce this partnership with Steven and to be working alongside him to bring first class sporting facilities to our communities. Steven is more than just a sportsperson here in Knowsley, he is living proof that sport not only enriches but can transform lives and create opportunities that many young people can only dream of.
As a local lad that grew up just down the road from here, it feels even more poignant that he has chosen to invest in Huyton and I cannot wait to see the plans come to life.”
Anneliese Midgley MP, Member of Parliament for Knowsley, said: “This is an exciting proposal and a significant vote of confidence in Knowsley and its young people.
“Investment in high-quality sports and community facilities makes a real difference – giving young people positive opportunities, helping people to be more active and creating places that communities can be proud of.
“As someone who grew up in Knowsley, I know how important it is that young people here have access to the very best on their doorstep and people round here deserve it.
“I’m made up to see a local lad and one of my big heroes Steven giving back to the community that made him, making King George V playing fields a really brilliant place for all of us to be proud of and use.”
Work is already underway to develop these plans and seek the necessary planning and legal permissions. The proposals are being developed through Box to Box, a venture backed by Gerrard and The Steven Gerrard Academy.
Once progressed it is hoped the new facilities will create opportunities for schools, community organisations and sports clubs to use high-quality facilities closer to home, helping to increase participation and encourage more young people to take part in physical activity.
Cllr Morgan added: “We really welcome this investment into sporting facilities in Knowsley but in particular I am really encouraged by the shared desire to ensure community participation is at the heart of these proposals.
“We have already started conversations with many of the groups and organisations that currently use the facilities on site. We will also talk to the wider community too in the coming weeks and months to ensure we maintain and enhance community access.”
Further details of the proposals, timescales and delivery programme, will be unveiled as the plans progress.