Brodie was nominated for the award by Premier League Primary Stars co-ordinator Annie Dunning for his fantastic commitment towards the Premier League Primary Stars Programme…

Brodie first encountered the LFC Foundation when attending a Premier League Primary Stars workshop at Anfield. The workshop was part of Anti Bullying Week - Choose Respect campaign. The Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the programme uses the appeal of football to be active and develop essential life skills.

Attending this workshop was Brodie’s first-ever experience of visiting Anfield and as a massive fan, he was very emotional and grateful for the opportunity. While he was engaged in the workshop, his confidence and low self-esteem prevented him from putting himself forward to answer questions in the group setting.

From this experience, Annie was asked by the school to continue more work with their students and a 6-week social action project was started in Brodie's class. The students decided that they wanted to improve mental health during play and lunch times. As Brodie grew in confidence through working on the social action project, he became more vocal in sharing ideas in class. Brodie presented his idea of a quiet room called 'Chilling Chambers' to his classmates and it was democratically voted upon. Brodie alongside his classmates, created fundraising opportunities to create this space for his school. His willingness to share his ideas has helped others in his classroom and in his school, as this space is now being set up for future children to use. Brodie was then selected to present his 'Chilling Chambers' idea to his entire school to set expectations, to encourage others to donate, support, and share fundraising events. Brodie has been pivotal in the social action project, as his confidence grew each week. He opened up about himself to his peers and shared ways in which he managed his own mental health, through drawing and art.

Annie spoke about his journey: ‘Brodie was a delight to work with. His engagement and ideas were integral to the social action project, and he was a true role model to his peers. He deserves this award so much and I could not be prouder of him!’

The social action project the LFC Foundation delivered at St Columba's Primary School created opportunities for the children to have a voice in making their community a better place to be. It provided each child insight into how they could make a difference in their school and local community.

The power of the badge, and being able to be given the opportunity to attend the anti-bullying event at Anfield was a crucial element in the success story of Brodie. As a LFC supporter, he was engaged from the outset and it was a pleasure to watch him grow throughout the programme.

The 'Chilling Chambers' idea successfully raised the funding and is now going to be in place each lunchtime and break time. It will be monitored and led by Year 6 children including Brodie. It will be a calm space for children to use and will support mental health across the school. Brodie's engagement and self-esteem have increased as he has made an impact on his schools for years to come.

During his all-school weekly assembly, Brodie was surprised and awarded The LFC Foundation’s Champion of the Month Award as well as a stadium tour and tickets for him and his mother.

A teacher at Brodie’s school wrote a powerful personalised message to Annie: ‘You have made Brodie's life! He screamed the place down over his trophy award, tickets and tour. He, his mother and even I were crying… we have been so lucky and blessed to have you working in our school.’

We are delighted over the positive impact The LFC Foundation through Premier League Primary Stars has made to Brodie, and proud of all his self-achievements. Congratulations Brodie!