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LFC FoundationWelcome Reds is Bridging Communities and Celebrating Diversity in Football

Group of people with John Barnes
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Welcome Reds, a PLFans Fund project has been designed to strengthen the bonds between Liverpool FC fans, the Club, and local communities.

It is committed to diversifying the fanbase by engaging with underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity across the footballing world. This initiative is part of the wider delivery formats of Red Neighbours and was developed collaboratively with Liverpool FC (LFC) and the LFC Supporters Board.

With varied activities like the Memory Café, facilitated by Emma Case, daughter of Liverpool legend Jimmy Case, and founder of The Red Archive, Welcome Reds has quickly become a cornerstone for fans old and new to connect with the rich history of LFC. Since its inception in June, the project has welcomed over 150 fans, celebrating the club's legacy while enhancing knowledge in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I).

The Welcome Reds initiative has already hosted several memorable events that highlight its commitment to diverse representation and inclusivity:

13th August: Natasha Dowie, a former LFC Women’s striker and current advocate for women in football, joined Welcome Reds to speak on the importance of female representation in the sport. Dowie shared her personal experiences, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of women in football.

27th August: The iconic John Barnes was welcomed to speak about his illustrious footballing career and his experiences regarding race in football. Barnes provided a powerful narrative on the evolution of football and the importance of confronting and addressing racial issues within the sport.

The latest session also marked a significant milestone in Welcome Reds' mission to provide inclusive opportunities. In attendance were members of the Merseyside Society for Deaf People, supported by British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, ensuring that the event was accessible and engaging for all attendees.

By actively involving underrepresented communities, Welcome Reds is helping to shape a more inclusive and diverse fanbase that truly reflects the spirit of the club.

As the initiative continues to grow, the program aims to broaden its outreach and impact, further embedding principles of ED&I into the heart of the footballing community. With a series of engaging events and collaborations with key figures in the sport, Welcome Reds is poised to inspire the next generation of Reds fans by celebrating the club’s rich legacy.

Upcoming dates for the program are on the 10th September and 8th October. Sign up by emailing: RedNeighbours@liverpoolfc.com

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