The Liverpool FC duo dropped in on a showcase player development football camp in Aintree, where boys and girls across a range of age groups were taking part in a day of football training during the school holidays.

The players spent time joining coaching activities, chatting with participants and learning more about the PDP programme, while sharing advice and encouragement with the aspiring young footballers.

Joe Gomez said: “It’s amazing to get involved, I think sometimes you’re in a little bubble at the club but I think it’s nice to see all of the stuff that the LFC Foundation does in the community and just being able to see it first hand and see the kids.

“I’ve been there myself through it at Development centres and things like this, the LFC Foundation, I know how much of a pathway it can be. As a parent I also see how much of an outlet it can be for the kids and how important it is for them to have a structured scheme like this.”

Karl Carney, department manager of sport and physical activity at LFC Foundation, added: “It’s fantastic for us to see the players here in the community and you can just see the reaction from the children which shows how much this means to them. It’s a real inspiration for these young footballers to get the opportunity to meet their heroes and get some important advice around working hard and believing in themselves.”

The football camp forms part of the LFC Foundation’s Player Development Programme, which provides a structured, player-centred experience for girls and boys aged four to 14.

The programme is designed to support players at every stage of their football journey, and delivers a unique curriculum built around ‘The Liverpool Way’, helping young people develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game in an inclusive environment.

The next Player Development Programme block begins in September, parents and players interested in taking part can register their interest by completing the online Expression of Interest form here.