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Alan Bleasdale Our Patron
Peter Reid & Martyn Campbell
Our Ambassadors

Team '71
A Community Interest Company

Philosophy of Purpose: Inspiring Through Sport, Story, and Heritage We believe every child carries within them the spark of possibility - a potential not yet defined, but waiting to be ignited. Through the power of sport and knowledge of heritage, we aim to light that spark, offering not just games and goals, but moments of courage, teamwork, and self-discovery. Our mission is to help children see opportunity not as something distant or abstract, but as something tangible - something they can reach for, grasp, and grow into. We do this by sharing the real stories of local heroes: athletes, artists, and change makers who once stood where they stand now, who once sat where they sit now. Their journeys remind us that greatness begins in ordinary places - with a first kick, a first sketch, a first leap of faith. We honour the heritage that surrounds us - not as a relic of the past, but as a living foundation for pride and identity. Whether it’s the roar of a local football crowd, the rhythm of a community celebration, or the echoes of historic streets, we invite children to see themselves as part of a larger story - one that they can shape and continue. Health, in our eyes, is not just physical - it’s emotional, social, and cultural. We promote active lifestyles not as a duty, but as a celebration of movement, joy, and connection. When children run, play, and create, they’re not just building strong bodies - they’re building resilient spirits. In every session, every story, and every shared moment, we strive to plant seeds of confidence, curiosity, and care. Because when children believe in themselves, embrace their roots, and move with purpose, they don’t just play the game - they change it.

Fifty years after Huyton Boys' won the ESFA Cup in 1971, two friends, bonded by their passion for football (and the fact they both had brothers in the team), decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this achievement. By chance, they became acquainted with an author who was in the process of including the Huyton Boys' victory in his upcoming book, "Huyton's Titans." The collective efforts of the three friends led to Team 71being involved in a of a number of very special occasions: ​ The Huyton’s Titans book launch, which formed an integral part of the Borough of Culture celebrations. ⁠Production of 8 minute film which has received in excess of 30,000 YouTube views ⁠Reunited team, staff and family members with some travelling from Australia, USA, and all over the UK. ⁠Official Recognition from Lord Mayor of Knowsley for the team’s contribution to the Borough ⁠Exhibition touring the boroughs sports centres and libraries  ⁠Formed a CIC with Alan Bleasdale as Patron and Peter Reid as Official Ambassador  ⁠Devised a  3-day inspirational programme of activities, "Spirit of 71 - Why Not You?" to remind Huyton school pupils of their rich heritage and to urge them to believe that they too can achieve success which was  piloted at St Joseph’s RC Junior School ⁠Nominations for Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards 2024 & 2025 Extensive media coverage including all social media platforms, Radio Merseyside and Granada Reports Developed excellent working relationships with KMBC and NHLF The 50th (51st because of Covid19) anniversary of the cup win which was celebrated with a reunion at Goodison Park, the site of their cup final victory.

Team 71 is thrilled to announce the creation of a Community Interest Company to honour the 50th Anniversary of Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council! We are delighted to have Alan Bleasdale as our Patron and Peter Reid and Martyn Campbell as our Ambassadors, all of whom bring exceptional passion and dedication to our cause. To kick off our program, we collaborated with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School for an exciting three-day pilot, made possible by the generous support of headteacher Pauline McIlroy. Our connection to ‘The Joeys’ runs deep, as one of our team members is an alumnus from its early days, and three of the Huyton Boys team proudly share the experience of being former students. We curated a range of engaging activities that celebrated local history, promoted healthy eating and lifestyles, and highlighted the value of teamwork over joining gangs, all while encouraging creative writing. With the spirit of the Huyton Boys rekindled, we hope to ignite inspiration among the youth of Huyton which is driven by an appreciation of their Huyton heritage.. The pilot was a resounding success! The children absolutely loved the experience, especially the daily football coaching sessions led by Kenny. Each child walked away with certificates, medals, and special awards to commemorate their participation. We also introduced the 'JJ Shields' Shield, awarded to a student who truly embodies the spirit of our beloved team member, James (JJ) Shields. This shield will be presented annually, reminding everyone of JJ’s legacy and dedication. With such a fantastic start, we successfully expanded our program to more schools. Together, let's keep the flame of inspiration alive in Huyton!

©Team712025

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