Saturday, April 02, 2011

Reds Honour Local Youngsters

It's not been uncommon to see silverware dished out at Anfield over the years - and it was no different on Thursday night as 48 local kids were honoured in Liverpool Football Club's annual Young Person of the Year awards.

More than 200 guests, including first-team stars Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing, attended the special ceremony in the Shankly Suite to witness the club reward the outstanding achievements of young people in the city.

In its 10th year, the awards recognize youngsters who have excelled in the following categories -

* Courage - overcame a disadvantage, illness or produced an act of bravery.
* Compassion - displayed loving kindness towards others.
* Caring - cared for a parent, relative, neighbour or pupil.
* Community - helped out in the community.

The youngsters were nominated by schools in the Anfield/Breckfield area, the club's SweeperZone groups, local community centres and youngsters participating in LFC's range of community and family projects.

The awards handed out by Shelvey and Spearing included Schools Special achievement, Sweeper Zone, Kickz, Respect 4 All, Goals for Girls and the Jack Carley award for courage.

It was then on to Liverpool's new Managing Director Ian Ayre to announce the winners of the four Young Person of the Year awards, which went to Kayleigh Fry, Nicolas Fielding, Chelsea Inman and Karl Christopherson.

Ayre said: "These awards recognize the valuable contribution young people make to their families, communities and to society as a whole.

"The Club has hosted these worthwhile awards for the last 10 years and is delighted to be involved with exceptional local young people."

As well as being handed a photo and autograph opportunity with Liverpool players, those in attendance were treated to a slap-up meal, live music and dancing.

Local Councillor Brian Dowling added: "I am delighted to support these achievements by our young people who are so critical to society's future success be it in business, community, sport or politics."

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