Jamie Carragher has restated his desire to help youngsters achieve their dreams after collecting an award for his charity work on Tuesday night.
The former England and Liverpool defender was given the Beacon Award for his community work on Merseyside, where his 23 Foundation Soccer School has ploughed £1 million into eight schools in deprived areas.
Carragher told the Telegraph: "I hope that I can give youngsters a lift and that extra push to realise their goals.
“Liverpool is a place that likes to see its own do well. It is a tight-knit community and growing up I got a lot of help and encouragement from people around me.
"I’m from an under-privileged area – Bootle in Liverpool. If I ever got the chance to help that area and the wider community I’ve always felt I would.
“There are plenty of philanthropists around the world who do great work and I am one of the many trying to do my little bit that will hopefully help people in my area.
Jamie Carragher during his playing days
"It’s a great feeling to be able to help people who aren’t as fortunate as yourself. I think you have a duty to help others as you or your family or friends may need help from someone in the future.
"Philanthropy has always been important but more so now with the cuts the government are imposing and it looks like there may be more to come. So it’s important we do as much as we can."
Carragher was presented with his award by St. George’s Park chairman David Sheepshanks and John Hudson from the PFA.
The biennial Beacon Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and families who have brought about lasting social change.
The awards celebrate their exploits with the hope of inspiring others to want to follow suit.
Sheepshanks said: "I think what Jamie Carragher has done in setting up this £1 million fund with his local Community Foundation to help people in the communities where he grew up is both amazing and humbling.
"He is a true role model who is inspiring less fortunate young men and women to aspire, to dream and to achieve.”
