Sir Rod Stewart has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jamie Carragher and Conor Coady as role models for launching a social mobility initiative called Football For Change.

The global music icon was announced as the charity’s patron today (13 May) and outlined why the enterprise is needed now more than ever.

Sir Rod said: “The power of football to break down barriers and bring people together is exemplified through Football For Change.

“This initiative has united some of the world’s biggest football names, celebrities and business leaders into a unique and powerful collaboration to change lives.

“Everyone involved, including myself, is bound together by a collective goal to give young people from communities affected by poverty and deprivation, the chance to build brighter futures. I am proud to be its patron.

“Massive credit to Jamie Carragher, Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold for launching this. What fantastic role models.”

Carragher, Alexander-Arnold and Coady launched Football For Change in 2020. It has since been backed by Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard and a string of other big football names including Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, Tottenham striker Lucas Moura, Leeds United midfielder Jack Harrison, Everton talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin plus Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.

Last year, the charity held its inaugural gala dinner – attended by Sir Rod and a host of other stars including Pixie Lott – which raised £250,000 to support disadvantaged young people in our communities who face barriers to unlocking their full potential.

In March 2022, the Football For Change Chairman’s Lunch, hosted by Alistair Campbell, raised a further £100,000 for the charity.

Carragher, a co-chair of the initiative, says: “To have Sir Rod Stewart involved in Football For Change is absolutely incredible. He already does amazing work with the Celtic Foundation and I have no doubt that will only continue with our charity to support disadvantaged young people across the UK.

“I am honoured he is our patron. It will help us drive Football For Change to new levels and help even more youngsters who face serious barriers to unlocking their full potential.”

Sponsored by Swinton Insurance, Football For Change will distribute grants to organisations supporting young people in the most deprived areas of the country, focusing on helping them get into education, employment, and training.

Ian Donaldson, Swinton CEO and co-chair, adds: “What a privilege it is to have a legend like Sir Rod Stewart involved with our incredible charity, which is already doing phenomenal work with young people across the country – most recently having sent 40 young people for a life-changing and month-long educational and sports trip to Dallas, many of whom had never been out of their own communities before let alone the country.

“The music maestro that is Sir Rod, who entertained us spectacularly at our inaugural gala dinner in Liverpool last year, is an absolute star and genuinely wants to help these young people who need it most. We are all very grateful.”

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