FeatureFuturemakers: How LFC Women's Anfield games can inspire the next generation

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By Glenn Price

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After the excitement of playing at Anfield passes, Liverpool FC Women's Gemma Bonner, Jenna Clark and Lucy Parry will surely be hit by an overwhelming sense of pride at the lasting impact of those occasions.

The trio will be looking to play their part in the Reds' three Barclays Women's Super League matches at the iconic stadium in L4 this season – against Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton.

First up is Man City on Sunday (kick-off 3pm BST), a game that will see the hosts wear special-edition shirts bearing the 'Futuremakers' logo. Tickets – priced at just £10 for adults and £4 for juniors – are still available and can be purchased here.

Futuremakers is principal partner Standard Chartered's programme that supports disadvantaged young people all over the world. Fans can bid on the women's signed, match-worn shirts at CharityStars.com/SCFM, with all proceeds going to recipients of 'Futuremakers by Standard Chartered'.

Bonner, Clark and Parry have been involved in the giant strides made in the women's game in recent years.

They and their peers are continuing to inspire the next generation – whether they realise it or not.

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"I just want to inspire the younger generation to believe they can," Parry, a 20-year-old academy graduate, tells Liverpoolfc.com. "You look at women's football now and how it's going in the right direction, it's really exciting and I can't wait to be a part of it.

"Hopefully every day I can inspire someone. Just enjoy it, be free and you'll find a way."

Clark adds: "It's a nice feeling to know that you can help inspire young boys and girls to hopefully follow on our journey."

Bonner, meanwhile, is in her second spell as a Liverpool player, having in December 2022 rejoined the club she previously led to the 2013 and 2014 WSL titles.

She began her career with her hometown Leeds United well over a decade ago.

"I think playing professionally for such a long time, you probably embrace the role – in terms of being a role model and people looking up to you," the 33-year-old says.

"I know from my experiences, I probably didn't have many female role models growing up, especially in the game.

"I think it's maybe something a lot of players tend to embrace and are quite passionate about in terms of always leaving the shirt in a better place and inspiring the next generations and giving more opportunities for young girls that come after you.

"If we can use that to help give a girl or boy another opportunity or inspire them to do something, I'm proud to be in that position to be able to do that and hopefully have an effect. Even if it's just one young person or one person in their lives, I'm happy to be able to do that."

Liverpool played at Anfield last season when more than 23,000 spectators watched the Merseyside derby with Everton.

Playing at Anfield comes with its own motivation anyway – but particularly so when the game 12 months ago ended in defeat.

Bonner adds: "Having three games at Anfield this [season] is super-exciting. For me, I want to win there, I've not won a game there yet.

"I think it shows we've got an incredible fanbase at Liverpool right across the club – not just on the men's side. I think we really feel that as players.

"To be walking out at Anfield, obviously it's an incredible stadium, they will definitely be special games for us but, at the same time, we want to win those games and we want to put on a performance that we're proud of but also one the fans can be proud of as well."

Clark's dad grew up idolising Sir Kenny Dalglish as the icon graced the turf his daughter will play on once again.

"It's massive – not just for us as a club but for those watching, it shows the direction we want to go in," the Scotland international says.

"I did have a lot of family that came to the game at Anfield last season. So to know that we're getting more of them this season is great and I'm sure all my family will be down to see that one.

"There's probably not enough words to say how much it means to me, my family and also just the full club."

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This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.