The official charity of Liverpool Football Club is building on the club’s values, working to tackle social inequalities in its communities, with youth work at the heart of its mission. The LFC Foundation delivers a range of programmes aligned to three key pillars: Health, Education and Employment. Last season they supported over 145,000 participants with over 58% from the top 20% most deprived areas of the country.

The LFC Foundation, which already provides Level 3 apprenticeships, is now extending options for our staff to upskill to degree level through this collaboration with Liverpool Hope University. By enrolling staff on Liverpool Hope University’s Youth Worker Degree Apprenticeships, the Foundation is ensuring its workforce is equipped with the advanced skills needed to deliver sustainable, long-term change for communities.

Youth work provision is a key tool for tackling complex issues across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. The Foundation’s programmes aim to reduce antisocial behaviour by giving young people a sense of purpose, helping to create safer and more harmonious communities for everyone.

The Youth Worker apprenticeship programme at Liverpool Hope University has been designed to offer a structured pathway for those already engaged in the profession to gain a nationally recognised, degree-level qualification while continuing to work. This approach ensures that learning is immediately applied in practical settings, enabling a direct and measurable impact on local communities.

The Youth Worker apprenticeship programme at Liverpool Hope University has been designed to offer a structured pathway for those already engaged in the profession to gain a nationally recognised, degree-level qualification while continuing to work. This approach ensures that learning is immediately applied in practical settings, enabling a direct and measurable impact on local communities.

A key marker of the University programme's quality is its accreditation by the National Youth Agency (NYA), the professional body for Youth Work in England. The programme is also JNC integrated, ensuring apprentices graduate with a nationally recognised professional status that enhances both their career prospects and the quality of their work.

"We chose to collaborate with Liverpool Hope University because of their reputation for high-quality academic support and the accredited Youth Work provision," says Stephen Piscopo, LFC Foundation's Employment and Training Manager. "It’s reassuring to know our staff are on the most robust and professionally recognised pathway, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to deliver truly impactful support."

As a local institution, Liverpool Hope University is committed to providing tangible solutions to regional needs. The apprenticeship programmes are designed to close skills gaps and provide clear pathways to high-quality professional training. By enriching the local workforce and creating opportunities to upskill, Liverpool Hope University is actively supporting the development of a stronger, highly skilled workforce for the next generation.