Football icon Robbie Fowler will headline the inaugural Sailors’ Children’s Society Sports Lunch in Liverpool, bringing one of the city’s most famous sporting figures to a major new fundraiser for seafaring families.
The event will take place on May 5 at the Rum Warehouse in the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, bringing together business leaders, football fans and supporters from across the region for an afternoon of sport, networking and fundraising.
Tables for ten are now available, with proceeds helping Sailors’ Children’s Society continue its vital work supporting maritime families facing hardship.
The Sports Lunch has become one of the most successful charity business events in Hull, raising more than £100,000 after costs in each of the last two years.
Now the charity is taking the concept to Liverpool for the first time, responding to strong demand from businesses across the region and recognising the city’s deep maritime heritage and connection to seafaring communities.
Born in Toxteth, Fowler is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most popular players in the history of Liverpool FC and one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League era.
Affectionately known as “God” by the Kop, Fowler scored 183 goals for Liverpool over two spells with the club. He also played for Leeds United and Manchester City and earned 26 caps for England during his illustrious career.
Fowler said he was delighted to support the charity event in his home city.
“Liverpool has always been a city that looks after its own, and I’m really proud to be part of this event supporting Sailors’ Children’s Society,” he said.
“The city’s connection with the sea goes back generations, so it’s great to see businesses coming together to help families who might be going through tough times.
“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the day and helping raise as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause.”
Since retiring from professional football, Fowler has become a respected TV pundit and a popular after-dinner speaker, sharing stories from a remarkable career at the highest level of the game.
The Sports Lunch has become a flagship fundraiser for the charity in Hull, regularly attracting hundreds of business leaders and supporters.
Last year’s Hull event featured another Liverpool football legend and former teammate of Fowler, John Barnes, who entertained guests with stories from his own time with the club.
Organisers are hoping the Liverpool event will build on that success and establish itself as a key event in the region’s business calendar.
Sailors’ Children’s Society has a long-standing connection with maritime communities across the UK.
Founded in Hull in 1821, it provides financial, practical and emotional support to children whose parents have worked at sea, including those in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing fleets, ferries and offshore industries.
Today, the organisation supports hundreds of children whose families are facing challenges such as bereavement, serious illness, family breakdown or severe financial hardship.
Liverpool was chosen as the location for the new event due to its historic port links and the number of seafaring families living in the region.
Funds raised through the lunch will help ensure the charity can extend its support to families locally as well as across the UK.
The Liverpool Sports Lunch has already attracted strong backing from the business community.
URG is the headline sponsor for the event, while Beerhouse and Corendon are supporting as main sponsors.
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said the charity was excited to bring the event to Liverpool for the first time.
“We’ve seen incredible support from businesses through our Sports Lunch in Hull, and we’re now hoping to replicate that in Liverpool,” she said.
“It is a city with a proud maritime history and a strong sense of community. We know there are many seafaring families here who may need our help, so bringing this event to Liverpool felt like a natural step.
“To have someone of Robbie Fowler’s stature join us as our guest speaker is absolutely fantastic. He is a true Liverpool legend and we know he will make the event a memorable occasion while helping us raise vital funds for those who need our support.”
Alongside Fowler’s headline appearance, the event will feature networking opportunities, fundraising activities and the chance for businesses to support the work of the charity while enjoying a unique sporting occasion.
With strong early interest already being shown, organisers are encouraging companies to secure their places as soon as possible.
Tables of ten are priced at £995, with funds raised helping the charity continue to provide grants, practical help and emotional support to children from seafaring backgrounds who are experiencing crisis.
- Businesses and individuals can book tables online at
https://sailorschildren.org.uk/product/sports-lunch-liverpool-table-of-10/ or email events@sailorschildren.org.uk
