Steven Gerrard honoured at Legends of Football

A host of Premier League stars and legends, including Xabi Alonso, Gerard Houllier and Jamie Carragher, amongst others, attended the 2017 Legends of Football charity event to celebrate Liverpool FC icon Steven Gerrard MBE – who received this year’s Legend of Football Award. The event itself raised £435,276 through ticket sales, auctions and sponsorship for Nordoff Robbins.

Steven Gerrard visited our Nordoff Robbins music therapy centre before the awards, where he met Romano and his family, and learned more about music therapy. 

Sponsored by hmv, Legends of Football has now become one of the most prestigious charity events in the football calendar. This year’s celebration paid tribute to the legendary Steven Gerrard – one of the finest footballers that England has ever produced. Legends of Football commended the journey Steven has taken to captain both England and leading Liverpool in the Premier League. Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Gerrard spent 17 seasons at Anfield and was instrumental in lifting a number of trophies, most notably the Champions League on that unforgettable night in Istanbul in 2005.

Of his accolade, Steve Gerrard 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 funds for Nordoff Robbins.”

On the evening, entertainment was provided by Liverpudlian music legends The Lightning Seeds and it also marked the moment current Chairman Brian McLaughlin officially stepped down from his role with Geoff Shreeves set to replace him for 2018.

Brian McLaughlin, Chairman of The Legends of Football, adds: “We’re proud to have honoured Steven Gerrard on what turned out to be an unmissable event. 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.”

Julie Whelan, CEO of Nordoff Robbins says: “A massive congratulations to Steven Gerrard! 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.”

The event has now 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 amongst others.

For more information please go to www.lofootball.co.uk