Fabio attends LFC school
Fabio Aurelio dropped by to lend his support as Liverpool FC's half-term Soccer School Experience kicked off at the North Liverpool Academy on Monday afternoon.
The Brazil defender joined local youngsters at the event as the Reds' Academy coaches put them through their paces with a series of fun football drills and exercises.
The course runs for three days and also includes a behind-the-scenes stadium and museum tour at Anfield.
After his arrival caused plenty of excitement amongst the youngsters, Aurelio took the opportunity to watch some of the coaching sessions - and he was left suitably impressed, not only by the skills on show but also the work LFC are doing in the local community.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It is part of Liverpool Football Club's responsibility, especially because of the passion and the love the kids have for the club.
"As long as they are having fun that's the main thing, but if they can also develop as footballers then that is great for the club, the community and the boys involved.
"Being here brings back memories from childhood and from playing football in the streets in Brazil. These days, a lot of kids are more involved with computers and stay at home in their rooms, so it is good for them to be outside in the fresh air doing activities. It is beneficial for everyone.
"A lot of work is being done, not only in the soccer schools but also in different areas of the community and the city. It is very encouraging for everyone."
LFC's head coach for the international football academy soccer schools, Adam Flynn, believes Aurelio's appearance enhanced the experience for the youngsters taking part and reinforced the messages being delivered.
He said: "Interaction from a first-team player at any event is massive. Giving something back is very important, and we're all grateful to Fabio for his time.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for the children to enjoy some football coaching and also a great experience at Anfield, where they'll find out what goes on behind the scenes which will be good for them.
"It's important at any age to teach the Liverpool Way - and we try to get the message across to the kids to learn in the best way and to treat each other with respect on and off the pitch."
Academy coach Alex Arnold added: "The boys are all getting coached in the Liverpool Way. We're really trying to challenge the boys, but everything is centralised around fun - we want them to enjoy themselves.
"It's not just about the way we coach, we try and put it across in a manner that's easy to understand. We try to give them challenges they can work out for themselves and get them thinking on their feet.
"There are a number of things we will go through over the three days that we believe will allow them to go away better footballers, and hopefully better people as well."
Here are some photos from the day
