Football superstars raised more than £350,000 for Football For Change at a star-studded gala in Manchester on Thursday after a headline performance from Oasis legend Noel Gallagher.
Football for Change was launched last year by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Everton defender Conor Coady and Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher alongside a host of business leaders and leading PR firm ThisGeneration Communications (TGC).The gala at Emirates Old Trafford also saw celebrities including Melanie C perform for the charitable initiative. Guests included an array of big name footballers as well as TV personalities such as Vernon Kay, Jason Manford and Coleen Rooney.Jamie Carragher, the chairman of Football for Change, spoke to the room about his ambitions for the charity and the pride he has in seeing the movement develop at a rapid pace.Football for Change has already sent 40 disadvantaged young people to the United States of America for a sports and education visit and is building an education hub in Bootle. It has also helped homeless youngsters back into work and accommodation.
Speaking at the event, Jamie Carragher said: “I am thrilled at the amount raised in just one evening for Football for Change. This money will help change the lives of so many disadvantaged young people. £350,000 is an unbelievable amount!
“It was brilliant of Noel to come and perform for us, as well as Melanie C and Vernon Kay. They were incredible. It really was an unbelievable night and the people who attended are helping make such a change.
“I am also proud of the work ThisGeneration put into organising the event and grateful to the support of businesses like Swinton Insurance. It was a success from start to finish and it does not stop here. Football for Change is growing stronger and will continue to help those who need it most.”