Meet LFC's new ambassadors
Ian Ayre and Charlie Adam were amongst the special guests as Liverpool FC this week launched an exciting new community initiative that will provide opportunities for local youngsters and showcase the best of what the city has to offer to visitors.
Created in conjunction with Liverpool City Council, the LFC Youth Ambassadors scheme has offered 25 youngsters aged 16-19 part-time employment with the club following a selection process.
As well as helping with the numerous award-winning community projects already being undertaken by the club, the Youth Ambassadors' main task will be to serve as representatives of the city and greet travelling fans upon their arrival in Liverpool on matchdays.
They'll be positioned at Lime Street train station and the waterfront ferry terminal sporting official LFC training gear and distribute handy brochures with information on some of the sights to take in across the city and details of where fans can grab a bite to eat.
In return, the youths will receive a level one qualification with the LFC Foundation, and thus bolster their future employment prospects.
The Reds' managing director Ayre and midfielder Adam joined officials from the club and city council, including leader Joe Anderson, for the launch of the LFC Youth Ambassador scheme at Anfield's Reduc@te suit on Wednesday - and they were all left excited by the benefits the project will offer all involved.
Ayre told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a fantastic opportunity and it's a special project because it's really focused around our city and our football club.
"It gives a confidence to the young people through interfacing with the general public, and provides them with lots of life skills which will hopefully stand them in good stead for the future.
"With the city council involved, it's been a fantastic success already and it's a great gateway to our city. People coming here from all over the country and the world will be given a fantastic welcome, and that's what Liverpool and its people have always been known for."
Ayre's sentiments were echoed by Adam, who was impressed by a presentation given by the youngsters involved in the scheme.
And the Scotland international admitted he's fallen in love with the city since moving to Liverpool last summer.
Adam: "It's a fantastic thing for the club to be involved in and a great opportunity for the youngsters.
"When you get an opportunity, you have to take it and hopefully they'll get something from it - if they work hard, you never know where it could take them.
"It's a great way to show what Liverpool has to offer. It's a fantastic city and I love living here. Ask probably the majority of the foreign lads we have at the club and they'll tell you when they come here, they don't want to leave.
"The people of Liverpool are so welcoming and they make it so easy for you to settle. They are just great people."
Here are some photos from the launch
