Childwall Sports and Science Academy has announced ambitious proposals for a major new sports development at the school, in partnership with former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard.

The proposals would see significant investment in the Academy’s sporting facilities, including three new 3G football pitches and 8 padel courts creating exciting opportunities for students and the wider community.

A key part of the vision is the creation of what is believed to be the UK’s first school padel academy, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports into a mainstream educational setting.

Alongside the proposed padel facilities, the development would provide high-quality football facilities for students, schools, community organisations and sports clubs, supporting greater participation in sport and giving young people opportunities to try new activities and develop skills beyond the classroom.

The proposals form part of a partnership between Childwall Sports and Science Academy and Steven Gerrard, who is making a significant personal investment to help bring the plans forward.

Steven Gerrard said: “The ambitions for Childwall Sports and Science Academy are incredibly exciting, and it’s been great to work with the Lydiate Learning Trust on this. Sport has the power to change lives. It builds confidence, creates opportunity and opens pathways into education, training and employment. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and bringing it into a school setting alongside world-class football facilities will give young people even more opportunities to get active, develop new skills and discover a sport they might never otherwise have tried.”

Ann Stahler, CEO of Lydiate Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted to partner with Steven Gerrard and his team to create an exceptional new facility for our students and the wider community. Pupils attending Childwall Sports and Science Academy will benefit from state-of-the-art sports and learning facilities. Our central location means all of Liverpool will be able to benefit from this exciting venture.”

Dr. Thomas, Head of School at Childwall Sports and Science Academy, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Childwall and our students. These proposed facilities will give our young people access to a wider range of high-quality sporting opportunities, both during the school day and through enrichment activities. “Bringing new sports such as padel into the school alongside outstanding football facilities will help inspire students to be active, develop new skills and discover interests that could stay with them well beyond their time at Childwall. We’re also excited about the opportunities the development could create for our wider community.”

A pre-application for planning is currently being prepared for submission to Liverpool City Council, with the proposals expected to progress through the planning process as the plans develop.

Subject to planning and the necessary approvals, the development would create high-quality facilities for students and the wider community, helping to increase participation and provide more opportunities for young people to get involved in sport.

Further details, including anticipated timescales and the delivery programme, will be announced as the plans progress.