LFC Foundation champions social action as it celebrates #iwill week

This #iwill week – November 16-20 – children, young people and partners will host an interactive, digital #PowerOfYouth Festival.

The #iwill campaign aims to make participation in social action the norm for young people under 20. Currently, only four in 10 young people participate in meaningful social action. Those from less affluent communities are much less likely to take part than their wealthier peers.

LFC Foundation is passionate about changing this and believes that every young person has the potential to make a positive difference in their local communities, help to build a better future and be the leaders of tomorrow. As a partner of #iwill, LFC Foundation embeds support for youth social action into its programmes, culture and practice.

LFC Foundation’s #iwill programme is a 12-week, youth-led campaign designed to empower children and young people to identify, prioritise and tackle issues within their communities. The #iwill programme gradually empowers young people to tackle societal issues or support good causes by campaigning for change, volunteering, peer educating and mentoring, or via fundraising for charity.

Highlights this week will include the #iwillLFC pledge campaign, which will encourage the LFC family to get involved in social action by pledging their own act of kindness no matter how big or small (and in line with their local COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines). This will be amplified by support from the wider LFC family, including Reds players and legends. Case study videos following the experiences of #iwill participants will also feature and first-team players will surprise #iwill participants with video messages during their #iwill sessions.

Alex Jones, #iwill social action programme manager, said: “The LFC Foundation’s #iwill programme team have worked closely with young people, educational and community partners to create an inclusive, youth-led social action programme that we are all very proud of.

“Young people are making a significant difference to their communities whilst developing positive lifelong habits through their involvement within youth social action.

“As we transition through the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever youth social action can play an active role in reconnecting and supporting people across our communities and young people can play a significant role within this process.”

Matt Parish, LFC Foundation director, added: “We are proud to be the only football club foundation partner of the #iwill campaign. Their aims align with ours and social action is at the heart of the Foundation and is embedded across all our programmes.

“We couldn’t do this without the fantastic support of our funders, the National Lottery, and our amazing LFC family, whose fundraising enables us to contribute resources to this innovative and exciting programme.

“I am looking forward to seeing some of the amazing actions, activities and highlights from the #iwill programme throughout #iwill week. I hope it raises awareness of social action and its importance as well as inspiring Reds young and old to make their #iwillLFC pledge.”

During this #iwill week and beyond, LFC Foundation’s inspiring youngsters are finding their voice and making a difference and they are encouraging the LFC family to do the same by making the #iwillLFC pledge.

The #iwillLFC pledge asks Reds around the world to initiate their own act of kindness, however big or small (following local COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines) to make a difference. I will, will you? Fans can upload their videos and images on social media using #iwillLFC and tag LFC Foundation.