Jamie Carragher opens up about giving back to the community as he strives to raise cash as part of his Football for Change charity
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is on a mission to raise a quarter of a million pounds in a massive charity push, saying: “I want to give something back.”
The star has set his sights on the ambitious target as chairman of charity Football for Change, which he launched in 2021 with fellow footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Coady.
They are holding a star-studded gala next weekend which aims to hit £250,000 which will be ploughed back into a number of initiatives.
Here we catch up with Jamie ahead of the event next week:
Why was it important to launch Football For Change?
Football has given me so much, and I wanted to give something back. There are talented young people who simply don’t get the same opportunities as others and so many are living in poverty. Where you come from shouldn’t dictate where you end up. We want to open doors, give young people a chance and help them fulfil their potential.
You’ve raised more than £1.5 million and supported over 400 young people. What are you most proud of?
The numbers are brilliant, but it’s the impact on individual lives that matters most. We’ve helped young people living in poverty access education and training courses, even housing in some cases. We have funded sporting retreats abroad for kids who often have never even left their own postcodes and provided laptops and other essential equipment to those who need it. If we can give someone confidence, broaden their horizons or make them believe in what’s possible, that’s a real result. Football For Change is about tackling youth poverty and giving young people skills to build better futures. We’ve done quite a bit but there is so much more to do.
Your annual gala is coming up. What can guests expect?
It’ll be a brilliant night. Gabrielle and Tom Grennan are performing. Mark Wright is on DJ duties and Paddy McGuinness will host. We’ll have some fantastic people from football, business and entertainment in the room. Micah Richards and Steven Gerrard are coming too, along with a lot of celebrity guests. There are some fantastic auction prizes up for grabs too, including a holiday donated by Destination2. But the real reason we’re there is bigger than the entertainment. We’re raising money to change young lives. Our target is £250,000 on the night – that’s what I want us all to get behind.
You’ve brought football and business together. Why does that partnership work?
Football brings attention and influence – businesses bring expertise, resources and connections. Put those together behind the right cause and you can achieve something special. It’s about turning good intentions into real opportunities for young people. I’m proud of the dedication of the footballers involved, who give their time, donate, and attend our events. People like Trent and Conor Coady who launched this with us. But also Micah Richards, Jude Bellingham, Gary Neville, Anthony Gordon, Steven Gerrard, Alex Greenwood, Andy Robertson, Toni Duggan and so many others who’ve been part of it.
How important is corporate support for Football For Change?
It’s absolutely vital. The more businesses that get involved, the more young people we can reach and the more lives we can help change. This is about investing in the next generation and strengthening communities. Football and business can achieve a huge amount when they pull in the same direction. This year I’m pleased to be working with DSV to deliver this important gala.
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