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Hundreds of Liverpool youngsters will benefit from free coaching following the launch of the Jamie Carragher Soccer School.

The sessions for half a dozen primary schools in the Bootle area will be financed by the Anfield legend’s charity, the 23 Foundation.

Carragher, who retired in May after a 16-year first-team career with the Reds, believes it’s a golden opportunity for him to give something back to the community where he grew up.

“With myself finishing playing, we decided this was a great way for me to stay involved on the football side of it,” Carragher said.

“I’m in a lucky position where I’m able to do something to help. I can because of the Foundation and the money we have been able to raise.

“This was a no-brainer really as it’s a great thing for everyone. We have a number of coaches with real expertise who will be working under the umbrella of the Jamie Carragher Soccer School.

“We can provide funds through the charity which means the schools and the kids get this for nothing. I’m sure we’ll help find a few stars of the future as there are always players to be found on Marsh Lane.

“But it’s not just about the football side of it, we’re hoping it will push them on with their education as well.

“Who gets the coaching is probably going to be done on a reward basis as there are only a select number of places. Hopefully that will act as an incentive for kids to attend school and behave themselves in lessons.”

The soccer schools will be run by James Olsen closely followed by Neil Prince. The pair, who are PFA Level Two qualified coaches, are business partners and directors of Community Soccer Coaching.

Olsen, who is manager of Bootle Boys District Under-11s, has eight years coaching experience and has worked for the Liverpool Academy and the TSF Academy in New York.

From September, Olsen and Prince will take sessions at Thomas Gray, All Saints, Netherton Moss, Lander Road, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Bedford primary schools.

Olsen said: “I had a sit down with Jamie and we came up with the idea of his own soccer school. We contacted Adidas and they were quick to sponsor us with kit.

“The response from the schools has been fantastic. Each week we will do an hour-long session with the six schools. We’ll be able to take 20 kids at a time and it’s for both boys and girls aged from five to 11.

“Neil and I have a great working relationship and we can’t wait for this new adventure to start.

“Hopefully we’ll build a link with the schools and in the community and the Jamie Carragher Soccer School will expand over the years to come across Sefton and into Liverpool.”

The launch took place at Carragher’s former school All Saints (which was St James’ during his time there). Sporting achievement at the Chesnut Grove-based school has blossomed over the past two years following the appointment of permanent PE co-ordinator Chris Tyson with the Year 6 football team celebrating the league and cup double this season.

Headteacher Angela Holleran believes the Jamie Carragher Soccer School will help All Saints improve further both inside and outside the classrooms.

She said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as one of the six local schools to benefit from a year’s free football coaching.

“It is a pleasure to be associated with Jamie. He is not only a Liverpool legend and model professional but an ex-pupil of the school who is giving back so much to the community in which he grew up.

“Jamie is a fantastic role model to all our children and a huge inspiration. He has already done so much for us. Only last year he donated a new football kit to All Saints through the PFA Players’ Kit Scheme. That was an unbelievable gesture.

“Participating in this project will give our pupils a fantastic opportunity to build on existing skills learned through our PE curriculum. We are very lucky to be associated with the 23 Foundation.

“The coaching sessions will be used as an incentive to improve attendance. The message to the parents will be: you don’t want your children to miss school as they’ll also miss out on these additional things.”