U21s host football clinic for youths on USA tour
Liverpool U21s hosted a football clinic for underprivileged youths with Street Soccer USA as they continued on their post-season tour of the United States.
A whole host of players from Michael Beale’s squad joined forces with Sacramento Republic FC for the coaching session alongside Street Soccer USA, which helps with a number of issues such as homelessness, alcohol addiction and mental illness.
The project uses football to create social impact in local communities and beyond, with Sacramento recently becoming an established chapter for the national organisation.
Reds youngsters Jake Brimmer, Shamal George, Toni Gomes, Herbie Kane, Conor Masterson, Adam Phillips, Brooks Lennon and Corey Whelan all attended the session – participating in some coaching before taking part in a Q&A.
Phillips said: “It is fantastic to be able to visit those in the local community and work alongside Sacramento Republic FC to coach the children. The trip over to the United States is a great experience for the lads and community events like this are just as important as football.”
Lisa Wrightsman, director of Street Soccer USA, added: “It is fantastic to see the smiles on the children’s faces. The kids were so excited to wear their signed shirts to school the next day and share with their peers who they were playing soccer with over the weekend.
“It was a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local children to play soccer with some of the U21s team from Liverpool FC, one of the largest football clubs in the world. It really gave a lot perspective to the kids of how big and global the game is.
“Despite soccer’s vastness, the support, love, passion and connectivity received from playing the game feels the same around the world, and they have access to it right here in Sacramento.”