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Liverpool Ladies endorse Discovery's Fields of Dreams scheme in South Africa

Liverpool Ladies travel to Johannesburg next month
Image: Liverpool Ladies went on pre-season to Johannesburg in February

Liverpool Ladies will be supporting Discovery’s Fields of Dreams project this month following their visit to South Africa earlier this year.

Liverpool played two friendly matches in Soweto in February after accepting an invitation to come out on tour from insurance giants Discovery, who are behind the project.

It is focused on developing a sports field and facilities in the Alexandra township in Johannesburg that can be used to host sports clinics, aimed at encouraging local youngsters to be physically active.

Two-time FA WSL 1 winners Liverpool visited Johannesburg's Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory during their February visit and are now supporting Discovery's campaign on Mandela Day on July 18.

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

On Monday, Liverpool supporters in the United Kingdom will have the chance to donate to the Fields of Dreams Project by texting and donating 'YNWA16' followed by an amount of their choice to 70070.

Supporters who make a donation will then be entered into a random prize draw to win prizes such as tickets to a first team match, tickets to a Liverpool Ladies match as well as a signed shirt from the Women's Super League side. 

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Liverpool Ladies Katie Zelem in action during the FA Women's Super League match against Sunderland Ladies.
Image: Katie Zelem was on target in 2-1 win over Yarona Ladies in Soweto

Liverpool Ladies manager Scott Rogers said: "It is brilliant for Liverpool Ladies to be able to support Discovery's Fields of Dreams project again, which we all experienced first-hand in South Africa earlier this year.

"Hopefully we are able to raise a lot of money on Mandela Day to help continue the fantastic work that Discovery carries out with the Fields of Dreams project."

Head of experiential marketing for Discovery in South Africa, Iona Maclean, said: "We believe that the Discovery Field of Dreams initiative has the power to change lives and show Discovery's commitment to transform and empower the youth through the culture of sport.

"We are excited to launch the Madiball campaign in association with Liverpool FC, in order to raise funds for the next generation of football heroes in the Alexandra community."

Gemma Bonner (r) and Alex Greenwood chose red hard hats for Anfield visit
Image: Gemma Bonner (r) and Alex Greenwood chose red hard hats for Anfield visit

Meanwhile, redevelopment work at Anfield has reached an exciting milestone after work to fit the iconic club crests to the front of the Main Stand got underway this week.

The installation of the 9m (30ft) high and 6m (20ft) wide giant emblem, which arrived in sections, is expected to take a number of days to complete.

Liverpool Ladies duo Gemma Bonner and Alex Greenwood visited Anfield last week, to see how the stadium's refurbishment was progressing and to meet some of the women helping to build the Main Stand.

Upon completion, Anfield's Main Stand will become one of the largest all-seater single stands in world football.

"It is a real privilege for myslf and Alex to be invited to be invited to look at the progression made with the expansion of the new Main Stand," Ladies skipper Bonner said.

"The Main Stand looks really impressive and supporters will be able to enjoy even more of a matchday experience once the expansion is completed."

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