Two famous Premier League football clubs. One city. One incredible Premier League community programme.
Everton and Liverpool have one of the biggest rivalries in English football. Away from the competition on the pitch, however, the two clubs are committed to providing support and opportunities for people of all ages across Merseyside.
And earlier this month, Everton in the Community and Liverpool FC Foundation joined forces to celebrate the work of the Premier League Kicks programme.
To mark the 15-year anniversary of the Premier League Foundation, Premier League Kicks participants and coaches from both clubs came together to play, talk and break down barriers.
"Football is the opportunity for young people to express themselves," said Tony Cosgrove, Youth Intervention Manager at Liverpool FC Foundation. "They feel safe. The coaches they work with are really good and make them feel engaged.
"After COVID, there are a lot of young people who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. This is a good opportunity for them to come out and to meet new friends, to be in a different environment."
Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential in some of the most high-need areas across England and Wales.
One of the young people who have taken advantage of that support is Jamie King, a youth support worker at Everton in the Community.
Now 29-years-old, Jamie's journey with Premier League Kicks began when he was a 16-year-old trainee coach with Wigan Athletic Community Trust.
"I worked on Premier League Kicks every evening, gaining lots of different experiences, meeting loads of new people," he said. "It got me to where I am now, very confident and doing sessions and creating projects. Without the Premier League Kicks programme, I wouldn't have had that chance.
"I'm a boyhood blue, obviously, so I am in my dream job now working with the Premier League and the police and other funders. It's really great to give back."
Alongside the participants and coaches in Liverpool were representatives from Merseyside Police, one of 43 police forces who are involved with Premier League Kicks.
"Premier League Kicks is a great programme," said Merseyside Police neighbourhood sergeant Ben Sherrington. "It's having this opportunity that we don't usually get on the streets.
"These sessions bring young people in, it gives them something to do. So while here they get to engage in different events and different projects It's not just getting them in and kicking balls around, it's learning skills, having positive role models and building relationships.
"It breaks down the barriers and once we do that, we're not just police officers, we all live locally ourselves, it's giving them the understanding of what the police's role is in making the community safe. By having that understanding our relationships works a lot better it reduces anti-social behaviour."
Ayaan, Premier League Kicks participant, Liverpool FC Foundation
"I've been going to Premier League Kicks for about four years. The most enjoyable part of the programme is meeting new people every single time. It keeps you away from all of the bad stuff that goes on.
"It feels good to wear the badge, you want to put in 100 per cent and win. You also want to be respectful because you are wearing the kit, you're representing the club.
"Every time I'm on the pitch, it always keeps me happy. All the negativity just goes away. I just recommend it to everyone that likes football.
"It's really good to see the police here, you're involved with them and you feel safe. It shows that they really care about you."
Max, Premier League Kicks participant, Everton in the Community
"I have been a Premier League Kicks participant for around two years. I have very bad anxiety. I overthink a lot and I wasn't doing well in school. I was always nearly getting kicked out.
"I didn't know what Premier League Kicks was but it has helped me a lot, this is genuinely one of the best things that's happened in my life.
"These sessions are very important for young people like me. This session was literally my whole life.
"It's not just about the football. You can talk to people because they are so caring, they actually care about you.
"Representing Everton means everything to me. I bleed blue! It's excellent to have Everton and Liverpool coming together for an event like this. At the end of the day we're just a big community, we're all Scousers and we stick together."