Football star Gerrard launches own charity for needy children

The aim of the Steven Gerrard Foundation (SGF) is to generate “as much money as possible” for a range of children’s charitable organisations and projects.

The England international said: “I am delighted to launch this foundation. The money raised will help give thousands of disadvantaged children a brighter future here in the UK and beyond.

“I am looking forward to working with SGF’s partners and helping make a lasting difference to children’s lives.”

Children’s charity Fairbridge and hospice Claire House – both based in Merseyside – are two of the first projects supported.

Sally Shire, chief executive of the Consortium for Street Children (CSC), which is backing the foundation, said: “It is fantastic that Steven wishes to support children’s charities in this way. SGF will benefit many children in the future and CSC is thrilled to be working with him in establishing and managing his foundation.”

A spokesman said the foundation would focus on providing relief to children and young people in need, whether through illness, family breakdown, disability, involvement in the streets, financial or educational disadvantage.

SGF will have particular focus in the England captain’s home town of Liverpool. Gerrard has famously spend his whole career at Anfield.

Relevant organisations can apply for grants through the Steven Gerrard Foundation grants board from the middle of 2011.

More details can be found at the www.stevengerrardfoundation.org website.