Liverpool star and Scotland captain Andy Robertson has detailed the ambition behind his latest career move.
Robertson has not been shy in throwing himself into charitable projects, working with Glasgow foodbanks and Street Soccer Scotland amongst other organisations. Now the Liverpool star has launched a project of his own.
He and his partner Rachel have set-up the AR26 Charity. It’s aim is to support young children from all walks of life by granting equal access to free football training and further education.
On top of this, seriously unwell children will be able to access once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Robertson’s hoping to give a lift to those less fortunate than others.
“Christmas should be a happy time to celebrate with your family and loved ones but we know that not every kid wakes up on Christmas day with a present,” he said. “As footballers you always get the pleasure of going to hospitals just before Christmas time and trying to put smiles on the faces of sick kids and their families.
“I started to realise just how much of a lift we give some people – whether it’s just a small thing like sitting with them for five minutes and talking then it can maybe help them for a week or two weeks.
“It can give them a lift to fight whatever disease they are fighting. That’s why it’s so important for me to do life changing things because I have come across some amazing kids going through tough times and I just want to help them as much as I can and put a smile on their faces.
“It’s to try to help under-privileged kids in Scotland. We believe in trying to give everyone a fair chance in life. My partner Rachel and I know we were very fortunate in our upbringings and the upbringing we can give our kids. But we know not everyone is so lucky.
“We looked at it and tried to see a way we could help. To level the playing field a little bit.”