Jamie Carragher memorabilia auctions to benefit sport in schools

Jul 4 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Memorabilia auctions to benefit sport in schools

LIVERPOOL FC defender Jamie Carragher is auctioning memorabilia to raise money for Liverpool schools.

Carragher met Liverpool pupils at his restaurant/bar, Cafe Sports England, yesterday to launch the scheme, which will see Adidas sports equipment given to city schools.

Building on the healthy food image of the cafe, 20,000 smoothie vouchers will be distributed for pupils to exchange for a free smoothie if a meal is purchased.

The school which exchanges the most vouchers will then receive sports goods to the value of money raised in each auction.

Carragher said: “It’s great to be involved in something which will benefit local schools.

“I’m hopeful that other footballers and sports people will donate items so we can get as much equipment as possible.

“This is not just about getting equipment into schools, but getting the kids active.

“In the restaurant, we provide meals with the right nutrition because everyone benefits from healthy eating. I hope the auctions will bring in plenty of money so we can get better sports equipment into schools.”

The launch of the auctions via www.cafesportsengland.com follow confirmation from Liverpool Trading Standards that the menu is healthy.

The first item up for auction is Carragher’s signed, framed 500th game Liverpool shirt, which is expected to raise around £5,000.

Julia Kinvig, head of PE at Auckland College, said: “It’s a great way to link healthy eating and sport. I hope we’re one of the schools to benefit.”