Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni surprise local pupils at LFC Foundation 'Onside' session

The Reds players joined a classroom session delivered through the programme, which helps young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop life skills.

Participants were delighted to meet Koumas and Nyoni, who spent time chatting with those involved and joined in classroom activities.

The visit was part of LFC Foundation's work across the Liverpool City Region, using sport and the LFC badge to inspire young people and create lasting positive change.

Reflecting on the impact of the visit and the importance of positive role models, Nyoni said: "It's always good to see the reaction of the kids.

"They probably see us as role models so for us to be here makes them happy and made them want to engage with the lesson and the teacher, so that can only be a good thing.

"I think the LFC Foundation do a top job in supporting kids like this and them coming here for sessions like this makes the kids realise how important school is and it's a good way to get them involved more and for them to enjoy school."

Koumas highlighted the players' role in encouraging young people to attend and enjoy school, which is a key aim of 'Onside'.

The Wales international said: "Things like this might help turn some of them around and make them want to come in to school a bit more, and that's always a nice feeling for us to be able to make a difference."

Reflecting on his own school experiences, he continued: "How I was in school is something I look back on now and regret, and so if there is any way I can change the mentality of kids now to encourage them to be better and want to come in and keep improving then I will do that, as it's massively important.

"The work the LFC Foundation does is massive, they are all great at what they do and it's top for the community and the city to have these people doing what they do and we are really grateful to have them."

Find out more about LFC Foundation's 'Onside' programme.

The scale of LFC Foundation's work is reflected in its latest impact report, where it supported 239,421 people – an increase of 65 per cent more people helped than the previous year. This included more than 50,000 additional participants internationally.

Across its programmes, LFC Foundation delivered 14,546 sessions and 629,104 hours of contact with participants, generating an estimated £54.2 million in healthcare savings.