Liverpool footballer Thiago Alcantara and his wife Julia opened a new play area in Toxteth.
The new playground at the Greenhouse Project Early Years Education Centre in Toxteth (GHP) was installed by ESP Play after the Alcantara Foundation teamed up with the LFC Foundation and raised the money. The existing playground was replaced with a wide range of playground equipment for children aged three to five and ESP Play also donated a large outdoor shelter worth £10,000.
The GHP is a charity founded in 1997 in the heart of Toxteth. It's designed to give disadvantaged children and young people the opportunity to increase their creative potential and grow their life chances.
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Thiago told the ECHO: "As we have always said our foundations work, we have to be part of and involved in the cities where we live. Liverpool was a choice, we want to leave a piece of our body, our soul here as well.
"We’re always trying to help children and give them the best chances and atmosphere so they can develop themself. It's about creating chances for them to grow up and be the best that they can".
Managing director of ESP Play Andrew Wood said: "The design includes an outdoor shelter, physical development equipment, mud kitchens, a roadway, and much more. As playground specialists ESP Play are proud to be involved with this great community scheme.”
The afternoon began with an introduction by Matt Parish the chief executive officer at the LFC Foundation welcoming everyone and thanking the many contributors. A ribbon was cut by Thiago's wife, Julia to officially open the play area.
About the former play area, chair of the GHP Paul Khan said: "It was a bomdie to be honest. Lucky enough Thiago took an interest while he was doing a photoshoot, he must have asked what was going on here and we said it was an education centre.
“He said I will do a fundraiser to make this place fit for purpose for the kids. A fundraiser at the Hope Street Hotel raised £37,500, which is incredible.
“Using a quote from Gil Scott-Heron, 'Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something'. If we all come together as one we can make a real difference to children's lives and that's why all these people have come”.
Chief executive officer of the LFC Foundation, Matt Parish added: “This is a grassroots community project. The play centre here needed a bit of support and help.
“We were doing a lot of work on the football pitches (at Tiber) and Thiago and Julia reached out to us through their Alcantara Foundation. As soon as they came down they were sold.
“The fundraiser, lots of groups supported us; giving labour, parts and time for free. For kids to be able to play safely and have fun is massive to their development and it's super important to us.
“It's a starting point not the end point”.
Director of the Greenhouse Jacqueline Benoni said: “All we need to do now to complete the garden is to have the artificial grass laid. As you can see, it turned out amazing and everybody has come together really well”.
Fort information visit Greenhouse Project HERE
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