Scotland hero Andy Robertson has joined the fight to boot child poverty into touch by setting up his own charity.
The Liverpool star - who is set to captain Scotland to their first major finals in 23 years at next summer’s European Championships - will launch the AR26 Charity this weekend.
And he says if he can help bring just one smile to a young face then it will make it all worthwhile.
The organisation aims to give young people across the country an equal start in life through football-themed projects and opportunities to support socially deprived and critically ill children.
It will provide children with equal access to free football training, support and job opportunities to ensure kids and youngsters starting out in life have an equal playing field, regardless of their gender, race or background.
His charitable efforts follow those of fellow English Premier League star Marcus Rashford, who met Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss his campaign to provide free school meals to children.
While Robertson is open to speaking with the Scottish Government about support, he said he is not expecting to sit down with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon anytime soon.
The footballer said: “Marcus has been an incredible inspiration for everyone.
“Especially to footballers, of course, being involved in the same sport he’s been an inspiration and what he’s done is phenomenal.
“He’s got a very targeted market - he’s trying to feed every child in England, which is great because I believe that, never mind kids, nobody should go a day without a meal.
“And that’s why I’ve always donated to food banks.”
He added: “Over the years I’ve tried to make donations to charity but now it’s hopefully time to make a bigger difference - and be able to have my own and hopefully make a wider difference and make it nationwide and really help the underprivileged kids in Scotland.”
And the 26-year-old star at the helm said: “Throughout my career, I have always tried to help support charities and good causes whenever I could, but I wanted to do more.
“There are many parts of my life that make me feel blessed and privileged, but without a doubt the most significant of all is the encouragement, help and support of a loving family, amazing friends and brilliant coaches.
“Without them – and without luck – my circumstances could have been so different.
“Opportunity should be a basic human right for everyone. To deny young people in Scotland equality of opportunity is to undermine our future.
“My own experiences have taught me that none of us can achieve anything on our own.
“I am extremely proud to be Scottish because of the values our country is built on. At our best, we are about solidarity, fighting for what’s right and looking after each other.
“AR26 has been set-up based on those ideals - we want nothing more than to create a long-lasting positive impact on children and young people across Scotland.”
The charity plans to help make Christmas a little bit more special for underprivileged or sick youngsters by donating to charities and projects each day in the run up to December 25.
And Robertson, who set up the charity with his partner Rachel, added: “If we can bring a smile to even just one person’s face this Christmas, then it will all be worth it.”
To donate to the charity, visit ar26.org.uk.
