Liverpool City Council will work with the Foundation to identify opportunities around employment, mental health and access to sport from early 2027
Liverpool City Council is developing a new collaboration with The Kevin Campbell Foundation to explore how sport can help improve lives across the city. For the Council, the ambition is to identify opportunities that benefit Liverpool residents and support the places where communities come together.
The Kevin Campbell Foundation was set up by the Everton FC legend’s family following his untimely passing in 2024 and aims to continue his legacy and support causes close to his heart, reflecting his commitment to giving back to disadvantaged communities through football. From early 2027, the Council will work with the Foundation to identify local projects that could benefit from this support.
The Foundation’s particular interests include youth employability, personal development and empowerment – creating spaces for sport and physical activity, increasing women and girls’ football opportunities, and community initiatives such as mental health awareness and support.
One example of the Foundation’s impact was its partnership with the London Youth Games during 2024/25, which supported two flagship football events: the Girls’ Primary Skills Football Festival and the Girls’ Open Games Football tournaments. Together, these events provided hundreds of girls aged 7 to 15 with the opportunity to take part, develop their skills and enjoy competitive football in a fun, supportive environment. By creating welcoming and inclusive experiences, the partnership helped break down barriers to participation, inspire a lasting passion for the game and encourage more young people to lead active, healthy lifestyles while reducing the risk of disengagement.
The new Council collaboration builds on the Foundation’s established relationship in the city with Everton in the Community, the official charity of Kevin’s former club.
This initial phase will focus on identifying opportunities, rather than launching a confirmed programme of projects.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “For us, collaboration is about bringing together a shared ambition and different perspectives to achieve more for Liverpool residents. By working together, we can explore opportunities to help people develop skills and support mental and physical wellbeing.
“We look forward to working with The Kevin Campbell Foundation to identify local projects where, together, we could make a real difference.”
Lorna Campbell, Founder and Chair of the Kevin Campbell Foundation, said: “Kevin’s passion for football went hand-in-hand with his desire to give back to communities. He didn’t just embrace Everton Football Club; he embraced the city of Liverpool. He was always a man of the people, and I know he enjoyed giving back to Community initiatives.
“As a family, we set up the Foundation to carry that spirit forward and support causes that we believe mattered to him. Continuing his legacy means keeping that generosity at the heart of what we do and using football to help others.”
Find out information about The Kevin Campbell Foundation here: https://www.kevincampbellfoundation.com/
