CommunityGemma Bonner makes special visit to celebrate International Women's Day

Alongside coaches from the club's official charity LFC Foundation and mascot Mighty Red, Bonner led an inclusive football experience for people with learning disabilities and autism from across the Liverpool City Region, giving local Reds the chance to play alongside one of their heroes.

Community Integrated Care and LFC Women's record appearance holder joined forces to mark this year's International Women's Day, to celebrate and recognise the achievements and dedication of a majority-female workforce in the social care sector.

Bonner said: "I have so much respect for the social care workers. I'm truly inspired by what they do and their commitment to supporting others.

"A lot of their work goes unnoticed but they are hugely important to our society and make people's lives better. It's hard work that takes a lot of patience and compassion for others.

"Meeting the people supported by the charity in person was a truly special experience – I loved getting involved in the football and helping players score goals for the first time!

"Seeing the pride on the faces, which were at first low on confidence and were now celebrating with new friends, just shows you how much this experience meant to everyone.

"I'm so proud to become an ambassador of a special charity like Community Integrated Care, who truly support people to live their best lives possible."

Sophie Mahar, regional support manager at Community Integrated Care, commented: "Social care doesn't often get the recognition it deserves, and there are millions of people out there looking for hope. Having the support of Gemma lets them know that they are valued and seen.

"Social care needs all the support it can get, so to get the backing of such an inspiring role model in Gemma ahead of International Women's Day is an amazing feeling. We'd like to thank Gemma and the club for making this happen for the people we support. They will remember this forever."

Lifelong Liverpool fan Nathan, who is supported by the charity, was delighted to meet Bonner.

"I was really excited to speak with Gemma as I've supported Liverpool all my life," he said. "I got to ask her some questions about her football career. Gemma said we can go and watch her play one day to support the Reds in person, so that's something I can't wait to do."

Community Integrated Care delivers life-enhancing support to more than 3,000 people with a diverse range of care needs. Learn more at www.communityintegratedcare.co.uk.