Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard recorded an uplifting video message to younger gamers earlier than they took half in a match devoted to an Anfield legend.
Gerrard was available to ship his greatest needs to the younger soccer stars because the first-ever Spirit of Shankly Cup was staged at The Barony Campus, Cumnock.
Invoice Shankly, who led Liverpool to a few First Division championships, two FA Cups and UEFA Cup glory, was born within the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck and is extensively considered one of many membership's best managers.
Earlier than the match bought underway, former Liverpool skipper Gerrard, now boss at Aston Villa, recorded a brief video wishing all of the taking part groups good luck on the day.
He mentioned: “What a possibility to go and symbolize the good man’s identify, good luck to everybody!”
Underneath-13s groups from Crosshouse Boys' Membership, Cumnock Juniors, Stewarton Annick and Townhead Thistle represented East Ayrshire, whereas Liverpool was represented by Dynamo Childwall, Kingsthorne Warriors, Parkview Colts and South Liverpool.
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After the group video games and two aggressive semi-finals have been accomplished, Dynamo Childwall and Kingsthorne made the Shankly Cup Ultimate and Crosshouse and Stewarton made the Shankly Protect Ultimate.
The winners have been: (Shankly Cup) Kingsthorne, (Shankly Protect) Stewarton Annick.
East Ayrshire Depute Provost Claire Leitch was joined on the match by locally-elected members, councillors Jim McMahon, Neill Watts, Alyson Simmons and June Kyle plus Invoice Shankly’s niece, Barbara Alexander.
Councillor Leitch mentioned: “I used to be delighted to attend the inaugural Spirit of Shankly match at The Barony Campus and to fulfill pals previous and new from Liverpool.
“The Spirit of Shankly has labored carefully with the council earlier than, recognising the achievements and lifetime of the good Invoice Shankly.
“Invoice Shankly was born within the small village of Glenbuck, close to to Muirkirk, and have become one in all our best and most inspirational soccer managers, attaining success with Liverpool FC.
“We've got erected a monument in his honour inside Glenbuck however like so many issues, the pandemic meant we needed to put plans for a soccer match on maintain.
“It was extremely particular for everybody to be collectively once more and pay tribute to such a terrific man."
Earlier than the pandemic, the Spirit of Shankly, the Liverpool FC Supporters' Union, approached the council hoping to organise a cup competitors to have fun the lifetime of the good man.
And the council was solely too eager to be concerned and labored carefully with the group to make the match a actuality.
Stephen Monaghan from the Spirit of Shankly mentioned: “Shankly’s legacy has created an unbreakable bond between communities in East Ayrshire and in Liverpool. His values are as essential immediately, as they have been 60 years in the past, and this match is an incredible tribute to him.
“All of the groups performed with ardour and dedication and Kingsthorne and Stewarton Annick have been each worthy winners.
“I wish to thank East Ayrshire Council and Cumnock Juniors Neighborhood Enterprise for working with us to make the match so successful and I hope that this could turn into an annual occasion."
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