Gerrard commits multi-million-pound investment to build world-class sports facilities in his hometown

Steven Gerrard has unveiled a multi-million-pound investment to build cutting-edge sports and educational facilities across Liverpool and Knowsley, the Merseyside communities where the former England captain grew up.

The scheme, developed in partnership with the Lydiate Learning Trust and Knowsley Council, centres on a landmark development at Childwall Sports and Science Academy and a brand-new complex in Huyton. Between the two sites, the plans include six new 3G football pitches and 16 padel courts — the latter forming what is set to become the UK’s first school padel academy.

“Liverpool gave me so much growing up, and I’ve always wanted to give something back to the city where I was born and the place I’m proud to call home,” Gerrard said at the announcement. “I’m investing in these projects because I believe in the difference they can make for young people.”

Gerrard, who grew up close to the Huyton site, described the facilities as “world-class” and highlighted padel — one of the fastest-growing sports globally — as a way to broaden young people’s access to sport. “Bringing it into a school setting alongside world-class football facilities will give young people even more opportunities to get active, develop new skills and discover a sport they might never otherwise have tried,” he said.

Deputy Leader of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, said Gerrard was “living proof that sport not only enriches but can transform lives.” He added that the former Liverpool captain’s decision to invest specifically in Huyton made the announcement “even more poignant.”

Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley described the project as a “significant vote of confidence” in Knowsley and its young people.

Gerrard pointed to the existing Steven Gerrard Academy as evidence of sport’s capacity to create pathways into education, training, and employment — framing the new investment as a natural extension of that work rather than a one-off gesture.