The Legends Of Football event held in honour of Liverpool FC icon Steven Gerrard has raised more than £435,000 for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.
A host of Premier League stars and legends, including Xabi Alonso, Gerard Houllier and Jamie Carragher, amongst others, attended last night's fundraising dinner at London's Grosvenor House Hotel to celebrate the former England captain - who received the 2017 Legend Of Football Award.
Gerrard (pictured) said: “I am both proud and thrilled to have received this singular honour - joining an amazing roll call of footballing greats that range from Sir Stanley Matthews to Pelé, as well as more recent stars of the Beautiful Game including Alan Shearer, David Beckham and, of course, Liverpool’s own Kenny Dalglish. I’m only too happy to support Legends of Football in the great work they do to raise vital finds for Nordoff Robbins.”
Sponsored by HMV, Legends Of Football has now become one of the most prestigious charity events in the football calendar. The event itself raised £435,276 through ticket sales, auctions and sponsorship for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins - which is dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people.
“A massive congratulations to Steven Gerrard," said Nordoff Robbins CEO Julie Whelan. "As a charity, we depend on fantastic events such as Legends of Football. We are appreciative of all the hard work that goes into organising such a prestigious event and are grateful for all the funds generated. Every penny raised goes towards supporting the life changing work we do.”
Musical entertainment was provided by Liverpudlian music legends The Lightning Seeds and the night also marked organiser Brian McLaughlin's last ceremony as chairman. Ex-HMV head McLaughlin has now stepped down from his role, with Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves set to replace him for 2018.
“We’re proud to have honoured Steven Gerrard on what turned out to be an unmissable event," said McLaughlin. "This has proved the perfect time to step down as chairman and I look forward to welcoming Geoff Shreeves in his new role of chairman. He is the perfect choice to continue the good work of Legends of Football supporting Nordoff Robbins in its continued commitment to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people across the country.”
Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: “Legends of Football is now a permanent fixture in the football calendar and contributes to the fantastic work of Nordoff Robbins. Every club would love to have their own Steven Gerrard. His outstanding achievements with Liverpool FC make him a worthy recipient of this year’s Legends of Football Award.”
Paul McGowan, executive chairman of Hilco Capital Ltd, which owns hmv, comments: “We’re delighted to have continued our longstanding association with this outstanding event and help support the fundamental work of Nordoff Robbins. Each year we celebrate the shared passions that exist between football and music - all for a worthy cause. We congratulate Steven Gerrard tonight for what he has accomplished in his career and celebrate amongst the football community.”
The event, which has raised more than £7 million for Nordoff Robbins since 1996, has celebrated the achievements and careers of some of the game’s greatest-ever footballers and managers. Past recipients of the Legends Of Football Award include John Charles, Sir Stanley Matthews, Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Shearer, Denis Law, Eric Cantona, Pelé, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
