Liverpool Academy players this week visited pupils at Kensington Primary School in Liverpool, in a bid to encourage students to read more.

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On Tuesday, six U18 players took a small group of reception children each and read to them some of their favourite stories, including Shark in the Dark and Tapperty Tap on That. Setting a great example to the kids, it's hoped that this will help students see that reading can be a fun and rewarding activity.

Conor Randall, captain of the U18s squad, commented: "We've loved coming down to the primary school to read to all of the kids today. I think it sets a great example to them that reading is such an important part of their education and that they should have fun whilst doing it.

"For us as players, it's great to have the opportunity to build our skills too, and to come out into the local community, volunteering our time, is a really important part of our development as players on and off the pitch."

Frank McParland, Academy director, added: "Academy players no longer clean boots and baths of the senior team. Instead we work hard to instil a sense of responsibility in them through community work. This includes monthly visits to Alder Hey Hospital, Claire House Children's Hospice and the homeless shelter in Liverpool city centre."