Young people from disadvantaged communities on Merseyside can benefit from grants of up to £10,000 as applications for Football For Change funding open.

Launched in 2021 by footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Cody, Toni Duggan and Jamie Carragher alongside business leaders including the CEO of Ardonagh Retail Ian Donaldson and public relations leader Dan Hughes, Football For Change aims to help NEET (not in education, employment or training) young people get into education or find employment opportunities, as well as helping others from social and economically communities who face barriers achieving their full potential.

Football For Change has already sent 40 disadvantaged young people from Liverpool to the United States of America for a month-long sports and education retreat and has contributed to the building of a new education hub in Bootle. It has also helped young people into jobs by partnering with Local Solutions and assisted homeless youngsters back into work and accommodation in Glasgow.

Now, the fund, managed by the Communities Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, is encouraging young people and community projects in the North West who support young people to apply for grants.

Funding will primarily focus on projects that provide life-changing opportunities in education and social mobility initiatives in education, employment and sport, and will target those who have experienced poverty and economic challenges.

Applications can be made via the Communities Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside at www.cfmerseyside.org.uk until 20 February 2023.

Jamie Carragher, co-chair of Football For Change, says: “Football For Change is investing in young people who have experienced tough starts in life.

“This fund is about giving them the tools to build better futures whether that be by providing opportunities in education, employment, training or sport.

“It is already making a huge difference and I cannot wait to see just how much this round of funding helps others.”

Football For Change has the backing of football superstars including Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Lioness Beth Mead. Sir Rod Stewart is patron of the initiative and it has had major support from business leaders including founding sponsor Swinton Insurance. The CEO of Ardonagh Retail, which incorporates Swinton Insurance, is co-chair of the initiative.

Ian Donaldson, CEO of Ardonagh Retail, adds: “With the current cost of living challenges, initiatives like Football For Change, which provide investment for young NEET people, are needed now more than ever.

“This vital funding will give access to life-changing opportunities to those in some of our toughest communities. I’d encourage everyone to apply, and I can’t wait to see the projects we’ll be funding to help young people reach their potential and build better futures.”

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