LIVERPOOL FOOTBALLClub’s official charity, LFC Foundation, has announced that it will be joining forces with British record holder and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, reports www.britishathletics.org.uk.

The Liverpool-born Olympian, who has a special connection to the Reds, will become an official Ambassador for the LFC Foundation, a unique role that she will share with fellow Ambassador, Jurgen Klopp.

Alongside the new Ambassadorial role, Johnson-Thompson will be launching the KJT Academy which will work in partnership with the LFC Foundation to help develop a new community talent development programme targeting under served young athletes from across the Liverpool city region.

I was born and raised in Liverpool and know the challenges that young people of all backgrounds face.

KJT

The new partnership with the KJT Academy, will also see the LFC Foundation deliver an accessible community sports programme that will encourage children and young people from disadvantaged areas to get involved in fun, physical activities and explore the world of Olympic sports, such as athletics.

Opportunities

The KJT Academy will focus on providing opportunities to participate in sport for young, under served Liverpudlians while also offering scholarship opportunities for state schooled, BAME athletes pursuing their Olympic dreams, something that Johnson-Thompson has lived and is very passionate about.

Johnson-Thompson said: “I am so proud to launch the KJT Academy and become an official Ambassador of the LFC Foundation. With the Olympics being postponed for a year and the world going through unprecedented times, I’ve had an opportunity to put energy into something that could really help open up opportunities to those who may have their paths restricted.

Access

“I was born and raised in Liverpool and know the challenges that young people of all backgrounds face. The KJT Academy, alongside the LFC Foundation will help provide more opportunities to access sport for the youth of Merseyside that need it most. The aim is to not only provide better access but to specifically support talented BAME athletes on the cusp of fulfilling their potential.

“Sport is and always has been a huge part of my life and I am passionate about nurturing and developing future talent to help others achieve their dreams as I have been fortunate enough to do. The LFC Foundation share the same values and ideals which is why the KJT Academy and LFC Foundation is a perfect match.

“Just when I didn’t think it was possible to be prouder to be a part of Liverpool FC, the club that I love are helping me to give young people in Liverpool opportunities to fulfil their potential and hopefully produce the next generation of Olympians.”

National hero

Matt Parish, LFC Foundation director, said: “It’s an honour to welcome Katarina to the LFC Foundation family, she is a source of inspiration for so many and a national hero.

“We are really excited to be working with the KJT Academy team to establish this new and innovative programme that will look to provide a wealth of opportunities to budding young athletes across the Liverpool City Region.”