Jones joins Respect 4 All session
Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones recently made a special visit to a Respect 4 All football session in the city to meet a group of visually impaired youngsters with a passion for the game.
The Respect 4 All programme, which is based at St Margaret's CE School in Aigburth and Woodchurch High School in Wirral, delivers free, impairment-specific, multi-sport classes to more than 150 children and adults every week.
Classes are held for five nights from Tuesday to Saturday during school term time and cater for children aged between eight and 16, and adults, with severe learning difficulties, visual and physical impairment and wheelchair users.
Participants from the Royal School for the Blind put Jones' skills to the test in a series of short drills, including a penalty shootout, before the Australian signed mini-footballs for those in attendance as recognition for their continued hard work and achievements.
On the Liverpool FC Foundation scheme, he commented: "It was such a pleasure to attend the Respect 4 All session and meet all of the participants.
"I was so impressed with their passion and skillset. It's great to see what the Foundation delivers on a weekly basis in the local community and it's clear that it has a big impact."
Mark Haig, head of operations at the Foundation, added: "Respect 4 All is a fantastic programme, which is well attended and supported by the local community.
"The sessions help to promote and encourage young people and adults to engage in sports and demonstrate that regardless of ability, everyone can get involved in physical activity.
"In addition to our weekly community provision our coaches also support Physical Education delivery in 15 Special Educational Needs schools in Merseyside and Cheshire."
For further information about the Liverpool FC Foundation and the programmes it offers, click here or email lfcfoundation@liverpoolfc.com.