Liverpool FC hosts Liverpool Cup at Academy
St Paul's School and Farnborough Road Junior School were both celebrating after sharing the Liverpool Cup & Ian Frodsham Trophy following a 1-1 draw at the Academy on Monday June 13.
Celebrating its 38th year, the annual tournament saw eight schools go head-to-head at the Reds' Academy based in Kirkby.
In the boys' tournament, reigning champions St Paul's showed just why they weren't ready to give up their crown as they contested a hard-fought draw with Farnborough Road.
Malvern and Corinthian also competed in the tournament, with Malvern narrowly missing out on a place in the final as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Farnborough Road before exiting the competition on penalties.
The girls' tournament saw St Laurence's School lift the Jack Cross Cup after beating Florence Melly School 2-1 following extra-time, while St Paul's and St Anne's RC Primary contested the third-place play-off, with St Paul's running out 3-1 victors.
Student Harvey Farrell from St Paul's scooped the Ian McGivering Trophy and Mellisa Fagan from St Laurence's collected the David Moores Trophy following their outstanding performances throughout the championship.
Liverpool legend Ronnie Moran was joined by Liverpool Ladies duo Gemma Bonner and Martha Harris to assist with the presentation of the trophies and goodie bags to all the youngsters, as well as posing for photos with the participating teams.
The Liverpool Cup is just one part of the club's commitment to the community. The club acknowledges that it has a social responsibility to create positive change within the Liverpool city region and around the world, and has been playing its part to contribute positively to society for more than two decades through community initiatives and the work of the Liverpool FC Foundation - the club's official charity.
On attending the tournament, Liverpool Ladies skipper Bonner said: “It is a real pleasure for Martha and I to attend this tournament and meet all of the teams participating. The standard of football on show in both the boys' and girls' tournaments was fantastic and took me back to when I was a youngster competing in tournaments like these.
“Tournaments like these are really beneficial for children's development as players and provides youngsters with a brilliant opportunity to play at the state-of-the-art facilities at the Academy. It is great that the club backs initiatives like this.”
The Liverpool Cup has seen the likes of Jon Flanagan and Steve McManaman feature previously and encourages school children from the Liverpool and Merseyside area to take part in a competitive tournament.
All proceeds raised from the Liverpool Cup are being redistributed back to schools throughout Merseyside to provide more sporting opportunities for local children.