Football stars and business leaders will come together next month in a bid to raise £250,000 in one night for a good cause.
Football For Change is a social mobility movement that has brought together top names from the world of sport and business to support disadvantaged school leavers by funding projects to help them into education and employment.
The high-profile initiative has won the backing of some of the biggest names in football - and was launched by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Jamie Carragher and Andre Gomes. Gary Lineker, Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville have also since pledged their support.
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Football For Change has also secured backing from some of the North West's top names in business, led by Swinton Insurance chief Ian Donaldson.
On Saturday, November 13, they will come together for a major fundraising dinner in Liverpool hosted by TV personality Mark Wright and comedian Russell Howard with an aim to raise £250,000.
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As well as Mr Donaldson, other business leaders backing the initiative are:
- Donna Scully, co-founder of insurance firm Carpenters Group
- Legacie Developments' founder John Morley
- Paul Cheetham-Karcz, founder of accountancy and financial advisory firm Sedulo
- Dr Claire Robinson, founder of Liverpool-based dentistry boutique The Dental Cafe
- Prof Frank Joseph, director of private health care company DAM Health
- Dan Hughes, founder of ThisGeneration PR
- Karl Monaghan, MD of telecommunications agency MJ Quinn
- Craig Greenwood, founder of heating and air conditioning firm Everkool
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Mr Donaldson said: "Football For Change is a powerful partnership between football superstars and business leaders. I am proud to lead it. The initiative is gaining real momentum as we head towards the inaugural gala fundraising dinner in November.
"Young people are facing greater challenges than ever before particularly as we come out of the Covid-19 pandmeic. They need support more than ever before."
Ms Scully is one of the founding sponsors of Football for Change, and said: "All too often, too many young people on Merseyside and the wider North West, face challenges like no other.
"Achieving success in education and employment can be a postcode lottery. It is something we are aiming to change."
Mr Morley said: "Giving young people the tools to build better futures is vital, especially as we come out of the pandemic.
"Education and upskilling can transform lives and that's what this is all about. We're pleased to back this initiative which will help fund projects in the communities that are most in need."
Mr Cheetham-Karcz added: "We have a duty to help improve the life chances of the next generation.
"Football For Change is a brilliant initiative, backed by some of the biggest names in football. It can drive social mobility and make a real difference. Sedulo is proud to be part of it."