Yannick Bolasie displayed his martial arts skills as he saw how Everton in the Community's Premier League Kicks programme engages young people across Merseyside.
The Toffees winger visited the Firefit sporting hub and took part in a football skills session before joining young people in Karate Kicks, delivered by Hisham Saif, World European and British Shotokan Karate Champion.
"Whilst these kids are here with us they are safe and keeping out of trouble," PL Kicks development coach Lee McArdle told evertonfc.com. "We work with young people from many different backgrounds and help them stay fit and active as well as encouraging them to make positive and impactful life choices."
The visit helped mark the 10-year anniversary of the PL Kicks project, which is joint-funded by Sport England and engages young people at risk of involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour in some of the most high-need areas of the country.
"It's been an honour to come down here and spend some time with these kids," Bolasie said. "Football is a sport that everyone enjoys and it is great way to bring local youngsters in to engage with them and keep them off the streets and out of trouble."
Over the last 10 years, Everton in the Community have made a significant impact through PL Kicks. They run 20 PL Kicks sessions a week and have engaged more than 6,000 young people over the last decade.
Last year in Merseyside, anti-social behaviour was reduced by 73% and crime rates by 75% during session times.