NewsCeri Holland and Rachael Laws help launch new LFC Foundation partnership in St Helens

The launch of the partnership was marked at St Helens Stadium, the new home of Liverpool FC Women, with a group of young girls taking part in a rugby-based skills session alongside Reds duo Ceri Holland and Rachael Laws and St Helens Women rugby players Leah Burke, Jodie Cunningham and Beri Salihi.

The players were on hand to answer questions from the girls before taking part in some of the drills and spending time speaking to the families and getting photographs with the children.

LFC Women midfielder Holland said: “It’s fantastic to see these two organisations come together, they are both doing incredible work already but for them to join forces will only benefit the community here.

“St Helens is our home as a team now and we want to really be a part of this community. This partnership will only help strengthen that going forward.”

As part of the new partnership, LFC Foundation has launched its latest community hub based at St Helens Stadium, which will be led by the SCDF team and help provide more opportunities for people of all ages in St Helens.

LFC Foundation’s hubs programme, which is funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, provides safe spaces for people to come together and helps improve the general health and wellbeing of the local community. The hub in St Helens is one of eight that LFC Foundation works in partnership with across the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas.

By combining the resources, knowledge and passion of both foundations, the partnership aims to work collaboratively in an area of high need and enhance the other’s work in the community for even greater impact.

Matt Parish, CEO of LFC Foundation, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Saints Community Development Foundation to amplify the impact of community programmes.

“Their knowledge and deep connection with the area will be invaluable in ensuring that our work is directed into the right areas and we look forward to seeing the potential of this partnership come to life.”

Ben Hardman, business manager at SCDF, added: “The partnership with LFC Foundation is a fantastic opportunity for us to bring together two of the region’s most well-respected community-focused organisations.

“Together we will be able to enhance our collective efforts to create positive change and inspire people to reach their full potential.”