October 20th 2024.
After a thrilling Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea, fans may have noticed a slight difference in the Liverpool team's jerseys. But don't worry, it was all for a good cause. The club's retro strip for the 2024/25 season features a special design with the iconic You'll Never Walk Alone motto woven into the fabric. And instead of the usual sponsor, Standard Chartered, fans were surprised to see the logo of the bank's community engagement program, Futuremakers. But what's the story behind this change?
Futuremakers is a charity initiative by Standard Chartered that aims to support young people around the world in achieving a better future. Their goal is to provide resources and opportunities for the next generation to learn, grow, and make a positive contribution to society. As their website states, "Young people need to be equipped with the skills to succeed in this new economy, yet there is a widening gap in access to resources. This is where we come in." By partnering with Liverpool, Futuremakers hopes to break down these barriers and empower young people to reach their full potential.
To raise awareness and funds for this great cause, the limited-edition jerseys worn by the Liverpool players during the match will be auctioned off on CharityStars.com/SCFM. All proceeds will go towards the Futuremakers initiative, making a real difference in the lives of young people. The auction for the men's jerseys opened today, while the auction for the jerseys worn by Liverpool Women's team started last weekend.
In an interview with Liverpool's website, local star Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke about the privilege and pressure of representing his boyhood team and the importance of supporting the next generation. He explained how he was initially intimidated by the spotlight and expectations, but has since embraced it and used it as motivation. Alexander-Arnold credits his idols, such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who also came through the club's academy, for showing him that anything is possible with hard work and talent.
The Liverpool players, including Alexander-Arnold, have proudly worn the Futuremakers logo on their jerseys in previous matches, and the right-back believes it has become a lucky charm for the team. He stated, "Thinking back to the games that we have worn them in the past, they've always been good ones for us, so yeah, I like it." He also emphasized the impact that small gestures, like changing a sponsor for one game a season, can have on people's lives.
21-year-old Conor Bradley, who is also a part of Liverpool's team, echoed Alexander-Arnold's sentiments about being role models for young people. He believes it is crucial for the players to set a good example and inspire the next generation to reach their full potential. And with the support of initiatives like Futuremakers, these players are making a positive impact both on and off the field.
In the end, it's not just about the game, but also about using their platform and influence to make a difference in the world. As Liverpool continues to partner with Futuremakers and other charitable organizations, they are showing that football can be more than just a sport – it can be a force for good. And as Alexander-Arnold said, "It's special, it's motivating, and it's inspiring for us all. It's a reminder of how big of an impact we can have on people's lives and how even the smallest actions can make a huge difference."
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