Steven Gerrard has unveiled multi-million-pound plans to create major new sports and educational facilities across Merseyside, including developments in Childwall and Huyton.

The former Liverpool and England captain is making a significant personal investment in the proposals, which would deliver six new 3G football pitches and up to 16 padel courts across two sites.

One of the developments is planned for Childwall Sports and Science Academy, where the proposals would bring major investment into sporting facilities available to pupils and the wider community.

Plans include an ambition to establish what is believed to be the UK’s first school padel academy, introducing the rapidly growing sport into a mainstream educational setting.

New 3G football pitches are also proposed for the school, giving pupils greater opportunities to take part in sport while providing facilities that could also be used by the wider community.

The project aims to create more opportunities for young people from a range of backgrounds to experience different sports, develop skills and access potential pathways into further education, training and employment.

Gerrard has also revealed plans for a separate multi-million-pound investment in Knowsley.

Working in partnership with Knowsley Council, the Steven Gerrard Academy plans to transform King George V Playing Fields in Huyton with three new 3G football pitches and a new padel centre of excellence.

The facilities would be open to the community, with the site particularly significant to Gerrard as it is located just yards from where he was born.

The proposals are being developed through Box to Box, a venture backed by Gerrard and the Steven Gerrard Academy.

Steven Gerrard said: 

“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.

“I’m investing in these projects because I believe in the difference they can make for young people. The ambitions for Childwall Sports and Science Academy are incredibly exciting, and it’s been great to work with the Lydiate Learning Trust on this. It is also fantastic to announce the plan for Huyton because this is not too far away from where I grew up. The facilities will be world-class. 

“Sport has the power to change lives. It builds confidence, creates opportunity and opens pathways into education, training and employment. We’ve seen that through the Steven Gerrard Academy already. 

“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and 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.”

Ann Stahler, CEO of Lydiate Learning Trust which operates Childwall Sports and Science Academy, said: 

“We are delighted to partner with Steven Gerrard and his team to create an exceptional new facility for our students and the wider community. Pupils attending Childwall Sports and Science Academy will benefit from state-of-the-art sports and learning facilities. Our central location means all of Liverpool will be able to benefit from this exciting venture.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Deputy Leader of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Leader of Knowsley Council, said:

“I am so thrilled to be able to announce this partnership with Steven and to be working alongside him to bring first class sporting facilities to our communities. Steven is more than just a sportsperson here in Knowsley, he is living proof that sport not only enriches but can transform lives and create opportunities that many young people can only dream of. 

As a local lad that grew up just down the road from here, it feels even more poignant that he has chosen to invest in Huyton and I cannot wait to see the plans come to life.” 

Anneliese Midgley MP, Member of Parliament for Knowsley, said: 

“This is an exciting proposal and a significant vote of confidence in Knowsley and its young people.

“Investment in high-quality sports and community facilities makes a real difference –  giving young people positive opportunities, helping people to be more active and creating places that communities can be proud of.

“As someone who grew up in Knowsley, I know how important it is that young people here have access to the very best on their doorstep and people round here deserve it.

“I’m made up to see a local lad and one of my big heroes Steven giving back to the community that made him, making King George V Playing Fields a really brilliant place for all of us to be proud of and use.”

Preparations are underway ahead of pre-application submissions to Liverpool City Council, Knowsley Council and the Department for Education.

If approved, the two schemes would provide schools, sports clubs and community organisations with access to new facilities closer to home, while encouraging more young people to become involved in physical activity.

The projects would represent a significant investment in sporting infrastructure across the Liverpool City Region.

Further information on the total investment, timescales and proposed delivery programme is expected to be announced as the plans progress.