Standard Chartered and LFC launched ‘Play On’ in May 2023 with the aim to inspire, empower and educate girls to participate in sport, after learning that twice as many girls than boys drop out of sport by age 14.
Following a successful digital awareness campaign featuring senior Reds players and Jürgen Klopp, the ‘Play On: Train the Trainer’ programme was created as practical training to be delivered in-person, on the ground in regions where Standard Chartered works with Futuremakers coaches and female participants.
When delivering his session in Pretoria, Steven Gillespie, LFC’s senior International Academy programme manager, said: “I feel honoured and privileged to deliver this ‘Play On: Train the Trainer’ programme in South Africa. Utilising LFC’s proven coaching philosophy, which puts the person above the player, adds a unique insight for the participants in this initiative.
“Through the implementation of this project, we’re working in conjunction with Standard Chartered to encourage girls to stay in sport and strive for success in all aspects of their life.”
Leah McAteer Thompson, female empowerment and allyship co-ordinator at LFC Foundation, added: “Leveraging the power of football to engage the Futuremakers coaches in Pretoria, we have provided a unique ‘The Liverpool Way’ experience that aims to leave a sustainable lasting legacy in the surrounding communities of Johannesburg for many years to come.
“Utilising a fluid approach to our content delivery, we have been able to support with live, relatable issues and barriers that persist currently in South Africa, balancing theory-based practice and ensuring a meaningful versatile curriculum is delivered to add the most value and impact in each country that it is delivered.”
To learn more about the Play On campaign, please visit https://www.sc.com/play-on.