Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says Football For Change is making "a massive difference" to disadvantaged communities across the North West as the charitable initiative announced its first round of 2025 funding. And FFC chair Jamie Carragher believes the grants are the first significant step towards creating lasting change across the region for young people.
Since its inception in 2021, Football For Change, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, has raised over £1.1million, using sports stars and business leaders to empower NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people and those facing social and economic hardship.
As chair, Reds icon Carragher has been instrumental to the organisation's growth over the last four years and the latest round of funding will go towards helping over a dozen recipients, including Steven Gerrard Academy's Dallas Cup Initiative, which aims to take teams to the prestigious youth football cup in the United States.
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The work between FFC and the Steven Gerrard Academy aims to support those from low-income households in attending the Texas tournament. Match funding is also being provided to Liverpool Care Leavers, with further contributions supporting a care leavers football tournament later this spring.
Gerrard, who is an ambassador for Football For Change said: “This funding is providing opportunities in education and sport that some youngsters just wouldn't have. Football For Change is helping to change the lives of disadvantaged young people for the better. It is making a massive difference.”
FFC chair Carragher added: “This round of funding marks a significant step in creating lasting change in the lives of young people who face barriers to reaching their potential. Our goal is to make a tangible impact, and we are seeing that come to life through this initiative, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside.”
Leicester City star Conor Coady, who helped launch FFC, said: “Football For Change is all about providing hope and real opportunities to young people from some of the most challenged communities. It’s a project that truly makes a difference, and now more than ever, initiatives like this are crucial in helping young people turn their lives around.”
Rae Brooke, CEO of the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, which manages the fund, commented: “The impact of this funding cannot be overstated. It is a lifeline for community groups and projects that are working tirelessly to support young people and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. With every grant, we’re helping to pave a brighter future. The work Jamie, Trent, Conor and others have done with Football For Change since launching this with us has been inspiring.”
FFC holds two annual events aimed at uniting international footballers, business leaders, and celebrities in major fundraising efforts to support young people affected by social and economic disadvantages.
The initiative focuses on raising awareness and funds to help transform the lives of young people through education, mentorship, training, and sports programmes, while last November's event also helped raise funds that were distributed to Zoe's Place children's hospice.
Previous events have been supported by the likes of Gerrard, Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney and Football For Change's 2024 gala was sponsored by property developer Legacie, SHEIN and Destinology holidays. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer kicked off that event with a video talking up the importance of FFC's work before a Q&A session between Carragher and Trent Alexander-Arnold and musical performances from Texas and Paloma Faith.
Among the new 2025 recipients are:
Acronym Community Empowerment (ACE)
Barnstondale Centre
Deaf Active
Football Beyond Borders
Capoeira for All CIC
Conquer Life CIC
Digital Arts Box CIC
Girls Friendly Society
Liverpool Care Leavers Match Funding
Friends of Clare Mount Specialist Sports College
Young Adult Respite Service CIC
Sovereign House GH
Steven Gerrard Academy Dallas Cup Initiative
