United Nations praises LFC
The United Nations has praised Liverpool Football Club for its involvement in a training camp for young Africans and Palestinians which took place earlier this week.
The Reds sent coaches to the Youth Leadership Camp after being selected by the UN to represent the Premier League.
For the last few days they - along with counterparts from other sporting organisations - have been coaching 30 youngsters who work as sports volunteers in their various countries.
At the end of the camp the volunteers will take back and apply the things they have learnt in their homeland.
Wilfried Lemke (pictured), the special advisor to the UN Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace, told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We are very proud that Liverpool is supporting us as the first European football club to get involved in this way. I hope this will be a role model for other big clubs to follow.
"It is a great, great club. Everyone in the world, especially if they're interested in football, knows Liverpool.
"I follow the work at Liverpool and what they do in different fields of social responsibility.
"It's not only about them sending money and coaches and people - it's that they have a brand that is quality, history, tradition and pure football life.
"We need other brands now and if you have Liverpool on board it makes things easier."
It is hoped the camp will be repeated four times a year in future.
The participants were selected not because of wealth or academic achievement but due to the outstanding work they have done in the voluntary sector.
Mr Lemke added: "This is an extraordinary experience. We have 30 role models from 11 different countries who work voluntarily in the field of sport. This is additional training to make better the work they've already started. They come from very poor areas - from slums, townships and refugee camps.
"We believe in these types of people and we want them to become real role models and leaders for their countries.
"This has never happened before anywhere in the world - a concept like this for very poor people working in sport to get a chance like this. We've changed the lives of these people - we've changed 30 lives, definitely. We're giving them chances for the future."
The camp has been organised by the UN, Right to Play and the hosts, Aspire Academy. The academy was the brainchild of the Qatar royal family, who wanted a school for young athletes.
The man in charge is Ivan Bravo - and he too has been thankful for Liverpool's involvement.
"We say here that our boys will become champions in sport but, most importantly, champions in life," he said. "That is about being a leader and contributing to society through sport. And that's exactly what this initiative is doing for young leaders from Africa and Palestine.
"Liverpool brings an amazing history and true global footprint. It brings a passion for what football can do for society and for youngsters. Liverpool being with us gives us the inspirational component.
"We can provide resources and the vision, but Liverpool provides something that these young people can look to and see what they can achieve.
"When you think about sport it's the only activity around the world that can bring together people from different countries, religions and ethnic groups."