Sir Rod Stewart, Pixie Lott, Jamie Carragher and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were amongst a host of stars who turned out for the Football For Change fundraiser in Liverpool on Saturday night.

The charitable movement was launched in May this year by Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher – alongside a number of the North West’s top business leaders.

The foundation, sponsored by Swinton Insurance, held its inaugural gala dinner at the Titanic Hotel on Saturday (13 November) to raise funds for disadvantaged young people who find themselves devoid of opportunities in education and employment.

Westlife star Nicky Byrne played host for the evening, while Pixie Lott and M People’s Heather Small entertained guests in a star-studded room alongside the likes of Everton FC’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Celtic devotee Sir Rod Stewart and Reds legend Jamie Carragher – who all took part in a hugely engaging ‘in conversation’ hosted by the comedian Russell Howard.

Sir Rod Stewart treated guests to an acoustic version of ‘Have I Told You Lately’ and serenaded a member of the audience with a rendition of ‘Maggie May’ after she bid £19,000 for a private meeting with him at a show next year.

Guests in the room included Carol Vorderman, Jim White, Sammy Lee and Sue Johnson while TV favourite Matt Lucas hosted a poignant video with disadvantaged young people from across Merseyside speaking about their hardship as Football For Change gets set to change lives.

More than £250,000 was raised on the night to aid community organisations supporting school leavers who are struggling for employment and education opportunities by giving them training and funding chances to continue their academic journey.

Dua Lipa, Daniel Craig, Conor McGregor and Ed Sheeran were just four of the global superstars who came together in support of Football For Change – donating exclusive ‘money-can’t-buy’ items which were auctioned off in order to raise funds.

Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, Westlife and Ronnie O’Sullivan also donated incredible prizes alongside Carragher, Alexander-Arnold, Lucas Moura, Fabinho, Carragher and Robbie Fowler – all of whom are involved in the charitable initiative.

Ian Donaldson, who helped found Football For Change, says: “This has been a truly remarkable evening involving some of the biggest names in sports and show business and we’ve raised a serious amount of money to help change the lives of young people affected by social and economic disadvantage.”

Public relations executive, Dan Hughes, who helped pull the event together, adds: “I am massively proud of what we achieved at the first Football For Change gala.

“Bringing Sir Rod Stewart to Liverpool to support this initiative has been mindblowing. It is something we’ve kept under wraps for a very long time and only told Jamie the other players at the very last minute! The reaction in the room was fantastic.

“Pixie Lott, Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, Russell Howard, Heather Small, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and of course Jamie Carragher played a huge part in making the night a success. The support from people like Matt Lucas and Carol Voderman has been great too.

“Trent, who is away on England duty, did a lot to make his event happen in his home city too. Everyone involved could not be more proud.”

Businesses including Liverpool’s DAM Health, Legacie Developments, MJ Quinn, Sedulo, Carpenters, Dental Cafe and Everkool were sponsors of the event.

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