LFC legend Steven Gerrard has unveiled multi-million-pound plans for new sports and education facilities across Liverpool and Knowsley.

The proposals include new 3G football pitches and padel courts at Childwall Sports and Science Academy and King George V Playing Fields in Huyton.

Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England captain, is making a significant personal investment in the projects, which are being brought forward alongside Childwall Sports and Science Academy, Lydiate Learning Trust and Knowsley Council.

Plans for the Childwall site include three new 3G football pitches and an ambition to establish what is believed to be the UK’s first school-based padel academy.

The development would give pupils and members of the wider community access to new sporting facilities, while also creating opportunities linked to education, training and employment.

In Huyton, Gerrard is working with Knowsley Council on plans to transform King George V Playing Fields with three new 3G football pitches and a padel centre of excellence.

The site is just yards from where Gerrard was born and would be open to the wider community.

Across the two proposed developments, the plans could deliver six new 3G football pitches and up to 16 padel courts.

Steven Gerrard says: “Liverpool gave me so much growing up, and I’ve always wanted to give something back to the city where I was born and the place I’m proud to call home.

“I’m investing in these projects because I believe in the difference they can make for young people. The ambitions for Childwall Sports and Science Academy are incredibly exciting, and it’s been great to work with the Lydiate Learning Trust on this.

“It is also fantastic to announce the plan for Huyton because this is not too far away from where I grew up. The facilities will be world-class.

“Sport has the power to change lives. It builds confidence, creates opportunity and opens pathways into education, training and employment. We’ve seen that through the Steven Gerrard Academy already.

“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and bringing it into a school setting alongside world-class football facilities will give young people even more opportunities to get active, develop new skills and discover a sport they might never otherwise have tried.”

Ann Stahler, CEO of Lydiate Learning Trust which operates Childwall Sports and Science Academy, adds: “We are delighted to partner with Steven Gerrard and his team to create an exceptional new facility for our students and the wider community.

“Pupils attending Childwall Sports and Science Academy will benefit from state-of-the-art sports and learning facilities. Our central location means all of Liverpool will be able to benefit from this exciting venture.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Deputy Leader of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Leader of Knowsley Council, adds: “I am so thrilled to be able to announce this partnership with Steven and to be working alongside him to bring first class sporting facilities to our communities.

“Steven is more than just a sportsperson here in Knowsley, he is living proof that sport not only enriches but can transform lives and create opportunities that many young people can only dream of.

“As a local lad that grew up just down the road from here, it feels even more poignant that he has chosen to invest in Huyton and I cannot wait to see the plans come to life.”

Anneliese Midgley MP, Member of Parliament for Knowsley, adds: “This is an exciting proposal and a significant vote of confidence in Knowsley and its young people.

“Investment in high-quality sports and community facilities makes a real difference – giving young people positive opportunities, helping people to be more active and creating places that communities can be proud of.

“As someone who grew up in Knowsley, I know how important it is that young people here have access to the very best on their doorstep and people round here deserve it.

“I’m made up to see a local lad and one of my big heroes Steven giving back to the community that made him, making King George V Playing Fields a really brilliant place for all of us to be proud of and use.”

Preparations for a pre-application for planning to Liverpool City Council, Knowsley Council and the Department for Education are underway and will be submitted imminently. The proposals are being developed through Box to Box, a venture backed by Gerrard and The Steven Gerrard Academy.

The proposed facilities would be available to schools, community organisations and sports clubs, as well as local residents.

Subject to planning and the necessary approvals, further details on the level of investment, timescales and delivery of the two schemes are expected to be announced as the plans progress.

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