Future sporting stars scoop funding prize from Liverpool ONE

Aspiring netballers, junior footballers and young sea cadets are among those to have won a special £1,000 prize from Liverpool ONE, as part of its Summer of Champions event.

This summer, the retail destination is encouraging youngsters – and their families – to channel their inner champion and is giving local sports clubs and community groups the chance to win a slice of a £20,000 prize fund.

So far, 12 local sporting clubs have scooped £1,000 each to help towards their costs and nurturing young talent. And with the competition set to close at the end of August, there’s still time to submit your winning entries.

Athletes Anyika Onuora and Kelly Massey at Liverpool ONE where children got the chance to take part in fun activities with the ladies and a chance to meet a Champion.
Images by Gareth Jones

Among those to have won is the City of Liverpool Sea Cadets. Lt (SCC) Marie Pagett RNR said: “We have some of the city’s most dedicated, ambitious young people and we are thrilled to have won such a significant sum of money from Liverpool ONE.

“We are committed to helping our cadets aged 10-18 learn new skills, build their confidence and develop their talents, so this funding will play an important role in us achieving this.”

Athletes Anyika Onuora and Kelly Massey at Liverpool ONE where children got the chance to take part in fun activities with the ladies and a chance to meet a Champion.
Images by Gareth Jones

Other winners include Chinese health and wellbeing centre China UK, Wirral; girls football team Neston Nomads; Northcote Primary School, Walton; Wade Deacon High School, Widnes; cheerleading squad Prenton All Stars; and Ellesmere Port Youth Netball Club.

As part of the Summer of Champions, Chavasse Park has been transformed into a hub of sports, with free-to-play netball, athletics, rugby, tennis, boccia and football on offer, along with a special running track, winner podiums and a long jump area.

Running throughout the school summer holidays, the Summer of Champions programme of events includes meet-and-greets with some of the country’s most decorated sporting stars.

Athletes Anyika Onuora and Kelly Massey at Liverpool ONE where children got the chance to take part in fun activities with the ladies and a chance to meet a Champion.
Images by Gareth Jones

Boxer Natasha Jonas and Olympic athletes Kelly Massey and Anyika Onuora have already showcased their skills and shared their expertise, while Andy Grant, ex-marine and the world’s fastest single leg amputee, is due hold a session on Friday (16 August).

Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “Our Summer of Champions calendar of events is all about encouraging people to get outside and get active, whether that’s trying a brand new sport or honing their skills with their sporting hero.

“We’re fully committed to supporting grassroots sports and we’re thrilled to be able to give £1,000 to a number of sports clubs from across the area – we’ve had some fantastic entries showing real diversity and variety so far, but there’s still time to enter and we’d encourage sports clubs to get in touch to apply.”