FORMER footballer Tony Grant has launched a new community hub in Birkenhead.
The A&K Community Hub has opened at the former Our Lady’s Parish Centre on Park Road North in Birkenhead and provides advice on issues such as fuel poverty, dueby and benefits as well as hosting social activities.
The hub is the latest initiative by Tony and his business partners Kevin Kirby and Laura Newcombe, following the launch of their A&K Football & Education venture in 2023.
Tony played for clubs including Everton, Manchester City and Burnley during his career as a midfielder before retiring in 2008, then went on to work as a coach at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Forest Green Rovers and in Australia, India and Saudi Arabia.
A&K Football & Education provides courses based on football and physical activity, as well as wellness and skills workshops, to help young people who have fallen out of mainstream education get back on track.
Tony said: “The new hub is another way of giving back and making a difference to the community.
“There’s a big need for a facility of this kind in the area, which is evident by the number of people who are already coming along during the daytime and in the evenings to take advantage of the variety of clubs, activities and sessions on offer.
“It’s a great space where people can socialise and enjoy activities with others, learn and get help and advice, and we are looking at further enhancements, including a community launderette.
“We’ve had tremendous support from Cadent through its Centres for Warmth programme, and would welcome support and donations from other local businesses to assist with our plans to expand our offering.”
He added: “I’ve been in football all my life and it’s what I understand best, but I’m always keen to support vulnerable people and families. We are living in a time of fuel poverty, a cost-of-living crisis, and issues around loneliness and inclusion in general.
“Hopefully the hub will be recognised as a great asset to the community. My vision is to grow our offer throughout Wirral and maybe beyond.”
The two-storey building is already welcoming around 500 local people each week for a wide range of activities after undergoing an extensive refurbishment.
Activities include clubs for mums and toddlers and people with autism and Alzheimer’s, quiz evenings, knit-and-natter and bingo sessions, a job club and courses in English for speakers of other languages, as well as the advice sessions.
The building has a function hall with a capacity of 150, a community room and an IT suite to help local people improve their computer skills so they can better navigate the internet for online banking, making medical appointments and performing other tasks.
