Thereโs something magical about a surpriseโespecially when it involves a couple of Liverpool FCโs rising stars dropping in on an unsuspecting crowd.
This week, the Anfield Sports and Community Centre played host to a moment that left everyone grinning from ear to ear as Stefan Bajcetic and Vitezslav Jaros took time out from their busy schedules to make a difference at the LFC Foundation Inclusion Camp.
For those not in the know, the LFC Foundation Inclusion Camp is a fantastic initiative, supported by the Premier League and the Steve Morgan Foundation, that offers free sports activities throughout the year for folks across the Liverpool City Region.
But this isnโt just your run-of-the-mill sports campโitโs designed specifically for children, young people, and adults who have additional learning, behavioural, physical, and sensory needs. We’re talking about a camp that truly lives up to the spirit of inclusion.
Now, imagine youโre there, working on your football drills, when suddenly you look up, and thereโs Stefan Bajcetic and Vitezslav Jaros, two players who are normally seen on TV, strolling towards you with smiles on their faces.
Thatโs exactly what happened to the participants at the camp this week. They didnโt just swing by for a quick helloโthey got stuck in, watching the sessions, sharing footballing tips, signing autographs, and even posing for a few photos. Talk about a dream come true!
Jaros, clearly moved by the experience, said, “Itโs great to see everyone here and for them all to be able to be involved and put the shirt on and play football.
Itโs always good to come down and see the guys get excited so itโs brilliant for us as well as them.
Thereโs a big age range here and itโs brilliant to see, football is for everyone and thatโs the way it should be, and the LFC Foundation is helping do that.”
Bajcetic was equally enthusiastic, adding, “Itโs great, obviously Liverpool is a big club on the field and off the field as well with things like this.
Itโs been great to come here and see everyone and lots of little fans who were really excited so itโs great.
The LFC Foundation are always doing work to help people with disabilities and itโs really good, coming to stuff like this itโs amazing to see what the LFC Foundation does to help people off the pitch as well.”
Itโs clear that the LFC Foundation isnโt just paying lip service when it comes to inclusion. This camp, along with their other programs, isn’t just about footballโitโs about giving everyone a chance to enjoy the game, regardless of their background or abilities.
Whether itโs for those with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers, or members of the LGBT+ community, the foundation is knocking it out of the park when it comes to making sure everyone has a place on the pitch.
Karl Carney, the man in charge of Sport and Physical Activity at LFC Foundation, summed it up perfectly: โWe have a number of inclusive programs based around sport and physical activity, and we pride ourselves on ensuring we provide opportunities for all regardless of characteristic or background, aligned to our Red Together strategy.
This is our commitment to embedding and championing equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
Inclusivity in sport is really important because we feel that football is an activity for all. We believe itโs really good for mental and physical health and provides social interaction for all those that take part.”
And if that doesnโt make you feel good about the beautiful game, I donโt know what will. Seeing Bajcetic and Jaros stepping off the pitch to make a real difference in their community shows that football is about more than just what happens during 90 minutes.
Itโs about bringing people together, no matter who they are, and giving them something to smile about.