Gallery: Reds quartet try management in LFC x NB Tournament
Lucas Leiva, Georginio Wijnaldum and Academy duo Yan Dhanda and Bobby Adekanye swapped the pitch for the touchline recently as they tried their hands at management in the LFC x NB Sportswear Collection five-a-side final.
The competition, held to celebrate the launch of LFC and New Balance’s new range, saw 10 squads battle it out in November for a place in the last two at the Reds’ youth complex earlier this month.
It was ‘Be Strong’ and ‘Rua’s V’ that successfully claimed the berths in the showpiece event – and they were given professional instruction throughout from the quartet of Liverpool players as they went head-to-head in search of winners' medals.
Ultimately, it was Be Strong who clinched victory and won £500 to donate to a charity of their choosing, as well as £500 to donate to a LFC nominated charity of their choice, including Liverpool FC Foundation, Anfield Sports & Community Centre, Anfield Children’s Centre and Positive Futures North Liverpool.
The Anfield Children’s Centre (anfieldchildrenscentre.org.uk) and Be Strong (Be-Strong.org.uk) were the beneficiaries of the prize money following a presentation at the official LFC club store in Liverpool One by Anfield legend Ian Rush, who handed over the cheques.
The triumphant Be Strong squad also won a hospitality experience at our game with Swansea City at Anfield on January 21, as well as clothing from the exclusive LFC x NB Sportswear range and a New Balance team kit and football boots.