The deep ties between football and the city of Liverpool were in the spotlight at this year’s Heseltine Institute Annual Lecture, held at the newly refurbished Victoria Gallery & Museum.
A sold-out audience filled the Leggate Theatre to hear from an expert panel featuring some of the biggest names in football administration and finance, urban regeneration and local economies and football in the community, including:
- Dr Simon Bowers, GP and Trustee of the LFC Foundation
- Nuala Gallagher, Corporate Director City Development, Liverpool City Council
- Sue Gregory, Chief Executive, Everton in the Community
- Kieran Maguire, Associate Professor in Football Finance, University of Liverpool
- Rick Parry, Chair of the English Football League and former Chief Executive of Liverpool FC and Chair of the University of Liverpool Management School Advisory Board
In a wide-ranging discussion chaired by BBC journalist and University of Liverpool alumna Mairead Smyth, the panellists reflected on the development of Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and its potential to spark regeneration in North Liverpool, Liverpool FC’s recent success and the effect of its global brand the city’s economy, and the importance of football as a force for supporting health and wellbeing.
The event was opened by University of Liverpool Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Jones, who spoke about the significant economic contribution of football to Liverpool City Region’s economy, and the power of sport to bring social change – as seen in the recent introduction to Parliament of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, a major victory for Hillsborough campaigners.
The Vice Chancellor also praised the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Sports Business, which delivers an innovative range of programmes for students seeking opportunities in the football industry and across other sports.
To accompany the event, the Heseltine Institute published a policy briefing titled Football and the city exploring the economic impact of Liverpool and Everton on local communities, and their role in contributing to regeneration.
Now in its fourth year, the Heseltine Institute Annual Lecture is established as a highly anticipated event in the university calendar, demonstrating the Institute’s important role in bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners together to inform policy debate.
Professor Catherine Durose, Co-Director of the Heseltine Institute said: “Football is at the centre of Liverpool’s identity as a city and now is such an exciting time for football in Liverpool. I am delighted that the Heseltine Institute has been able to convene this important discussion about the significance of football for the city beyond the pitch and as part of its ambitious future.”
Sue Jarvis, Co-Director of the Heseltine Institute said: “The development of the Hill Dickinson Stadium demonstrates the impact football has on the local economy and its potential to spark regeneration. It was great to hear from our panel of experts – including representatives from LFC and EFC – on how football can continue to play a key role in supporting local communities.”