NewsLegends match fundraising already helping young people into work via LFC Foundation mentorship programme

The annual fixture in March saw Liverpool FC Legends face Borussia Dortmund Legends in front of a record crowd of more than 60,000 supporters, raising more than £1.1 million.

This takes the total amount raised from all legends games held at Anfield to more than £10 million.

This money is now being used to support young people across the Liverpool City Region into work. The mentorship programme connects participants aged 16 to 25 with experienced professionals from a range of industries, offering tailored one-to-one support across virtual and face-to-face sessions.

Mentees gain insight into career pathways, expand their networks and develop the new skills and confidence needed to help them to take the next steps into work.

One participant to benefit is Rayhan, a final-year sports journalism student who joined the programme to build his confidence and gain industry insight. Paired with a mentor working in the editorial team at LFC, Rayhan received guidance on developing his ideas, refining his writing and navigating the demands of working in sports media.

A highlight of the programme saw Rayhan given the opportunity to write an article for the official club website, working closely with his mentor to develop the piece from an initial idea through to publication.

“It meant a lot to me,” he said. “It helped me build my confidence and gave me the chance to connect with the club. Writing something for LFC was a proud moment, and the advice and support I received will stay with me.”

LFC Foundation employability programmes are also supporting young people like Alfie, who was initially unsure of what he wanted to do for a career and felt that his social anxiety was holding him back from securing a job.

Alfie completed the pathway to works programme, which uses sport as the main driver in helping to build confidence, raise aspirations and develop key employability skills.

Following this, he progressed onto the mentorship programme, where he developed his confidence and communication skills further, while gaining an understanding of what employers are looking for.

Through his continued engagement with LFC Foundation, Alfie went on to secure a role in the insurance sector, a position he didn’t feel ready for before completing the programme.

LFC Foundation chief executive Matt Parish said: “The legends match is always a special occasion, but what makes it truly meaningful is the impact it has off the pitch.

“The funds raised this year allow us to deliver programmes like our mentorship programme, which make a real difference to young people across the local community, helping them to build confidence, develop new skills and access opportunities.

“Stories like Rayhan’s and Alfie’s show how important this work is, and we’re grateful to everyone who supports the legends games and helps to make that impact possible.”

LFC Foundation supported 145,617 people last season alone, with more than half of the participants from the top 20 per cent most-deprived areas in the country, reflecting the Foundation’s focus on communities with the greatest need.

Through Red Neighbours, LFC Foundation also donated more than £500,000 worth of essential food hampers, stadium tours and matchday experiences last season and supported the delivery of 1,000 free meals per week, prepared by the LFC kitchens, to community members.

To find out more about LFC Foundation’s employability programmes, go here.