EIGHT St Helens youngsters got to put on the famous shirt of Liverpool FC to represent the club’s Community Foundation in a five- a-side match.

After volunteering to take part in a litter picking operation outside Anfield, the group were invited to attend Liverpool’s Premier League home game against Southampton last October.

And they were given another treat as they were given the chance to emulate their footballing heroes, after being selected to take on Blackburn Rovers in the match on St Augustine’s astroturf.

And to top it off, the team went on to win 22-3.

In partnership with the council Sports Development Youth Sports Programme and other organisations, the LFC Foundation runs the Premier League and police-led programme, ‘Kicks’ which strives to use football to engage with young people and bring communities together.

Cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Cllr Jeanie Bell, said: “The lads should be very proud of themselves.

"Not only have they been great ambassadors for the town and the LFC Foundation, they are also proof of what community projects like this can achieve, and I hope it paves the way for more young people to get involved.”

For more information on the council's Youth Sports Programme, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/5092.aspx or contact Mark Jennings by calling 01744 675405 or email markjennings@sthelens.gov.uk