The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded a grant of £30,000 to Liverpool FC Foundation, to fund its military veterans’ project, Barracks to Boot Room.
That bring the total to £50,000 that the Veterans’ Foundation has awarded to fund football and wellbeing-related programmes at the club that help veterans keep fit, make friends and improve their mental health.
A core group of 80 veterans attend regular free physical activity and wellbeing sessions at the Premier club’s Anfield stadium in Liverpool, though the programme has engaged with more than 3,000 veterans each year, since it was launched in 2012.
Veterans and their families can play football or do boxing fitness sessions, as well as attend coffee mornings and other get togethers. There are also monthly fixtures, a community league and charity tournaments.
“If it were not for the lads on this programme and the support I received, I would not be here today,” said one veteran. “I went through Army Tours, a troubled marriage and break up. Only the thought of getting back to being with the lads and part of something got me out of a bad place.”
“It really feels like we are able to give something back to the community in an area that is well known for both football and its naval shipyards,” said Liverpool FC Foundation’s Steve Hollis.
“We’re thrilled to have this grant from the Veterans’ Foundation, to help us provide former servicemen and women a renewed sense of purpose, increased motivation and self-confidence and an opportunity for social interaction.”
The majority of Liverpool FC’s military veterans’ project beneficiaries are former servicemen, aged 34 to 67, predominantly from the Army and Navy, though Steve says they would like to attract more female personnel from any service.
Veterans’ Foundation Grants Manager, Sarah Kelling, said: “We were impressed with how this programme is specifically targeted at former servicemen and women and the positive impact it has on their wellbeing.
“It’s great that an iconic institution like a world-famous football club wants to do something so positive for veterans. Sport has long been acknowledged as healthy and beneficial, so we’re delighted to support Liverpool in it endeavours to assist veterans with their mental health.”
Some of the programmes offered by Liverpool FC Foundation are also open to the partners and children of veterans.
Our Veterans’ Lottery has helped to raise more than £23 million since we launched it in 2016 and that money helps fund hundreds of great initiatives that support those currently serving, veterans, and their families.
We increased the top prize to £75,000 in June, from the previous £50,000, and there are more prizes than ever to win each month
