LFC Foundation volunteer wins Premier League award
An LFC Foundation volunteer has been named the Premier League BT Volunteer of the month for April 2019.
Gareth Arnold, who began helping out with the club’s official charity last summer, has been recognised for his hard work and commitment to the Respect 4 All disability programme.
Gareth first became involved with LFC Foundation in August 2018 during Respect 4 All’s summer event at the club's Academy. He is now a regular volunteer at the Ability Counts/PAN Disability sessions every Monday evening.
Terri Ritchie, LFC Foundation inclusion lead, said: “Gareth volunteered at our summer disability event last year and from then he asked to help out at our Monday night sessions, which he has done regularly ever since.
“He’s a great addition to the team – he’s brilliant with the youngsters and works very well with the other coaches too. In particular, Gareth has really helped one of our visually impaired participants to the point where her father has said he is one of the main reasons she returns to the sessions week in, week out.”
Gareth added: “Working with LFC Foundation’s disability programme on a regular basis has been hugely beneficial and rewarding for me.
“To see the progress the children make, whilst also gaining great coaching experience in an inclusive environment, has been amazing. I love what I do and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Part-funded by the Premier League and BT Disability Fund, Respect 4 All provides free weekly multi-sports and activity sessions for children and young people with complex and additional needs.
Sessions are run by FA-qualified coaches and take place six days a week in four locations across the Liverpool City Region: Anfield, Aintree, Wirral and Prescot.
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