LFC Academy pays tribute to Rachel Ellis
A ceremony at the Liverpool FC Academy in Kirkby on Saturday honoured the memory of loyal fan Rachel Ellis, who passed away last year at the age of 50.
Rachel was a regular visitor to the Academy to support the club's U18 and U21 youth teams from the wheelchair balcony alongside husband Andy.
The pair would also travel to many away fixtures, despite the often inclement weather, to cheer on the Reds from the touchline.
Rachel was also a huge supporter of the LFC Women's team, many of whom knew her personally, and the men's squad at Anfield.
On Saturday, Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe joined Andy to unveil a tree and plaque dedicated to Rachel.
It begins: 'In memory of Rachel Louise Ellis, who often came here to support her beloved Reds.'
Kirkby facility manager Andy Rice and his team planted the tree several months ago but it was given time to take root and bloom before the unveiling ceremony.
Liverpool U21s head coach Barry Lewtas, Rachel's dad Richard Carter, sister-in-law Clare Palmer and friend Claire Hawker also attended.
Inglethorpe explained the spot was carefully chosen at the entrance to the main pitch at Kirkby so that players would always be passing it as they went down to play, and Andy read the words to the song Days, a favourite of Rachel's that also features on the plaque.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.