England captain Steven Gerrard leads football boot camp

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Education, Housing

The England football team captain Steven Gerrard has been sharing his talents with children in Knowsley, with the help of Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT).

The Steven Gerrard Foundation - which was created by the Liverpool midfielder to help struggling youngsters - is being sponsored by KHT. The Foundation's first camp was held in Gerrard's home town of Huyton this summer.

The star - who will tonight lead the England team out against Moldova in a World Cup qualifier - teamed up with his old coach Hugh McAuley to deliver the camp. He thanked KHT for its support.

Gerrard said: “To be able to hold this football camp is fantastic. I hope it will give the kids an insight into how tough it is to make footballing a career.

“Having been brought up round here I have seen first hand the ups and downs, and how easy it could be to go the wrong way in life and make the wrong choices.

“Football gave me a focus, and with the help of my family, friends, teachers and coaches I was able to make the right choices and I’ve been very lucky to get to where I am today.

“I hope it gives all the children involved and many more beyond some confidence in their abilities and decisions.”

The children at the camp were chosen by their teachers, youth leaders or social workers and were from a range of different schools, groups, backgrounds and abilities.

Sheila Tolley, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at KHT, said: “We’re delighted to support this fantastic project that will hopefully help the next generation of Merseyside footballing stars on their way.

“As Steven has shown, sport can be incredibly rewarding and could even become a successful career. For KHT we’re pleased to be able to provide any activity that gives young people a focus and a possible pathway for the future.”