Thiago and Fowler join Football For Change initiative

Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara and legend Robbie Fowler have joined an initiative called Football For Change, which is aiming to provide opportunities for the most disadvantaged young people in the UK.

Midfielder Thiago, who is set to miss out when the Reds travel to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night through injury, said he was “proud to join forces with the initiative” which has similar aims to his Alcantara Family Foundation set up in Spain.

Former striker Fowler, affectionately known as God by the adoring Kop, also explained his pride around supporting Football For Change and believes “it’s time to level the playing field for everyone, regardless of the postcode you were born into” with his Fowler Education and Football Academy working towards providing opportunities for young people too.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, André Gomes and Anthony Gordon launched Football For Change earlier this year, while legends like Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Neville Southall have also thrown their support behind the initiative as have Gary Neville and Gary Lineker.

The social mobility movement is bringing together football stars and business leaders to help young people get into education or find employment opportunities, as well as helping others from challenged communities who face barriers unlocking their full potential.

“Football For Change will transform the lives of young people by providing them with opportunities in education and employment,” Fowler said.

“I know that it’s needed now more than ever – particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic – and it’s about time we levelled the playing field for everyone regardless of the postcode you were born in.

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“Everyone at the Fowler Education and Football Academy are proud to support it.”

Football For Change, which is being sponsored by Swinton Insurance and chaired by its CEO Ian Donaldson, was set up in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic due to the rising number of young people losing opportunities in education and employment, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds being disproportionately affected.

The charity will distribute grants to organisations supporting young people, in the most deprived areas of the country, with a focus on helping them into education, employment and training.

Thiago added:

“Everyone at the Alcantara Family Foundation is proud to join forces in support of Football For Change. Together we will change young lives.”

Football For Change has set an ambitious target of raising a £250,000 fund at a star-studded gala dinner at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel on 13 November.

Much-loved TV personality Matt Lucas is involved in the charitable initiative as are Mark Wright and Russell Howard who will host the fundraiser together.