Football For Change, the social mobility and charitable initiative launched by football stars Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jamie Carragher, and Conor Coady, has announced the release of its first round of funding for 2025. Organisations across the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester that support disadvantaged young people in education, training, employment, and sport have been awarded grants.
Since its inception in 2021, Football For Change, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, has raised over £1.1 million, rallying sports stars and business leaders together to empower NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people and those facing social and economic hardship.
The initiative aims to dismantle the barriers of poverty, helping young people reach their full potential and break the cycle of disadvantage. It has been announced that 14 organisations will receive a first round of 2025 funding, ranging from local community clubs to specialised youth services.
This year, the fund has already supported life-changing initiatives like Liverpool’s Roots & Wings youth engagement programme delivered by the charity Mandela8, which works with young people at risk of criminal exploitation and those disengaged from education. In addition, a donation of over £21,000 was made to support the emergency appeal of Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice.
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
Football For Change is also partnering with the Steven Gerrard Academy to support young people from low-income households in attending the prestigious Dallas Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament in the USA this summer. Additionally, match funding is being provided to Liverpool Care Leavers, with further contributions supporting a care leavers football tournament later this spring.
Jamie Carragher, Chair of Football For Change, said: “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.”
Former Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard who is an ambassador for Football For Change added: “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.”
Leicester City star Conor Coady, who helped launch Football For Change, 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.”
High-profile football stars, including Jude Bellingham, Beth Mead, and Gary Neville, have supported Football For Change from the outset, along with celebrity patron Sir Rod Stewart, who performed at the initiative’s first gala in 2021. Business leaders including Ardonagh Retail CEO Ian Donaldson and public relations executive Dan Hughes have also contributed to the organisation of the initiative. Fundraising efforts have also been bolstered by Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, and Olly Murs.