Everton FC hit hole in one with inner-city golf project

IT’S normally football which is associated with breaking down barriers and connecting people - but now you can add golf to the list.

And a PGA professional has demonstrated the power of sport to do just that in an award-winning inner city project in Liverpool.

Craig Thomas teamed up with Everton and Liverpool City Council to deliver a community project aimed at connecting with youngsters in Norris Green.

But such has been the impact of the initial six week Swingz scheme that it has now been running for nearly a year, and earned the Golf Foundation’s prestigious MacKenzie Award at its annual awards at Wentworth, presented by Colin Montgomerie.

Paul Nagle, social inclusion manager for Everton in the community, said: “The project has been fantastic, we are working in a very difficult and challenging area of the city where many didn’t have a clue what golf was. But Craig has broken down barriers that no one else could. To get kids taking part, never mind playing, has been extraordinary.”