Simon Mignolet made the short trip from Melwood to Anfield Sports Community Centre on Friday to meet one of the area's true unsung heroes.

Marie Rooney, who manages the community centre in L4, received a huge surprise when Premier League sponsors Barclays rewarded her ongoing dedication to the development of young people within the community of Anfield and Breckfield.

Marie has been running the Anfield Sports Community Centre for more than 30 years - and she was presented with 25 free tickets to the Liverpool v Sunderland match by Reds stopper Mignolet.


This season, Barclays is thanking community heroes, fans and players for making the game what it is, and identified Marie as one of these community heroes.

During her years of devoted service, Marie has mentored and supported thousands of youngsters, as well as their parents. She is well known for regularly going above and beyond the call of duty.

Many in the community speak with affection about the outstanding contribution Marie and the centre makes to the development of the young people of the area.

Speaking about her surprise, Marie said: "Today has been one of the most spectacular events of my life, I mean that truly.

"Some people say that I deserve this but I'm just shocked. This was a wonderful surprise from Barclays and something I won't ever forget."

Visit www.facebook.com/barclaysfootball and join the conversation to thank community heroes with #YouAreFootball.