How LFC's foundation educates youngsters

The likes of Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and more will arrive in L4 for the special encounter between sides selected and captained by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

For fans, it will be a chance to watch their former heroes, as well as opposition players, current Reds not on international duty and a handful of Academy talents in action on the hallowed turf.

But the event is about more than 90 minutes of football. In the words of Gerrard: "Unbelievable charities are going to be getting support. I'm really proud and humbled to support them and so are all the other players involved."

Five local charities, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital, will benefit from the game, and we've been taking a closer look at the vital work being carried out by the organisations.

Over the next four days, we'll turn our attentions to the event organisers themselves, the Liverpool FC Foundation, looking at the aspects of their work that will be boosted by the match - and today we start with how the foundation helps to educate.

Foundation College

Liverpool FC Foundation Football College provides a full-time, unique and innovative learning experience for youngsters aged between 16 and 19, allowing them to achieve GCSE, A-Level and FA coaching qualifications.

It became the first college in Merseyside to receive Category 1 status to play in the prestigious league, giving students the chance to test their skills against the most established colleges in the country.

Based at Wyncote Sports Ground in the south of the city, the organisation is equipped with top-of-the-range facilities supplied by the University of Liverpool.

Paul Mullin, who graduated from the college, said: "It gave me the chance to gain qualifications and get my career back on track when I thought it was over. I don't know what I would be doing now if I hadn't got the opportunity."

For more information on the Foundation College, click here.

Reducate

Reducate is Liverpool FC Foundation's designated education centre, based at Anfield, providing local schools with educational programmes in a unique working environment.

Fun and enjoyment underpins every programme, with pupils from all key stages welcome and schools and colleges able to choose from a variety of subjects or request tailor-made sessions to suit the needs of their students.

Maths, English, History and Geography are the National Curriculum subjects on offer, while additional topics include Modern Foreign Languages, Football Globalisation, Healthy Living, Employability Skills, Regeneration, Recycling, Leisure and Tourism.

Alan Reeves, headteacher at Florence Melly Primary School, said: "Reducate is an exceptional educational facility which Liverpool Football Club should be proud of.

"Our kids have had a fantastic educational experience and the success of Reducate, for me, is the quality of the materials, the interpersonal skills of the staff, the informality of the centre and the style in which the materials are delivered."

On the Ball

The foundation's intensive, whole-school programme 'On the Ball' works with two local primary schools and aims to improve attendance, punctuality, physical activity levels and academic achievement.

As part of his ambassadorial role with the foundation, Reds defender Mamadou Sakho regularly visits All Saints Primary in Anfield throughout the season to assist community coaches who deliver football sessions each week, as well as helping pupils with their French Language studies.

"It's very important to me to be able to support the Liverpool FC Foundation and give something back to the local community," said Sakho. "Providing opportunities to young people is essential to help them to develop new skills and build confidence."

Youth Ambassadors

Delivered in collaboration with Liverpool City Council, the Youth Ambassadors scheme gives youngsters aged between 16 and 19 the chance to fulfil part-time work, representing the foundation at home matches and events, as well as receiving twice-weekly education sessions at Reducate.

"The training really helped me to confront my demons of leaving my comfort zone and has helped me to build my confidence," said Jamie Spellman, former Youth Ambassador.

"The sessions were relaxed and really enjoyable but so beneficial. I would recommend the Youth Ambassador Programme to everyone who is eligible to get on it." 

If you are in the UK and would like to donate to the Liverpool FC Foundation and nominated charities by text then please text YNWA15 followed by the amount you are donating to 70070. You may give £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.*

Example of text message: YNWA15 £10

You will receive a thank you text with a link to gift aid your donation. If you're not in the UK and would like to donate, please visit http://foundation.liverpoolfc.com/get-involved for information.

*Texts are free and your donation amount will be deducted from your mobile phone credit or added to your monthly phone bill. The charity will receive 100 per cent of your donation. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information, please visit www.justgiving.com/info/terms-of-service.