Liverpool Soccer Players Have a Ball with Perkins Students

A group of students at Perkins School for the Blind got soccer lessons from some of the best teachers in the world – former Liverpool Football Club stars Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler. 

The soccer legends stopped by while the soccer club is in town for a tour of the United States, including a game next Wednesday at Fenway Park.

Rush, who played for Liverpool in the 1980s and '90s, told the students he wanted them to have fun out there.

"I scored 346 goals for Liverpool, but those days are gone," Rush said. "Now I am a coach, and I tell the other coaches is the most important thing for the kids is to train and play with smiles on their faces."

See photos from Liverpool FC's visit to Perkins School for the Blind above.

The students played with regular soccer balls as well as ones which rattle so they can be used by those who are visually impaired. 

Liverpool is owned by Boston Red Sox co-owner John Henry, and one of his Red Sox colleagues, Tom Werner (who is chairman of both teams), stopped by the event.

"This is a great way for Liverpool to show they care about the community, whether it is Liverpool, London or Boston," Werner said. 

The program was sponsored by the LFC Foundation, which is committed to raising awareness of blindness issues worldwide and bringing the sport of soccer to everyone, regardless of physical abilities.

The students paired up with the Liverpool legends and members of the Liverpool coaching staff. They dribbled and kicked the ball and ran some drill in the hot summer heat. 

Fowler, who played for the team in the in the 1990s, thanked the students after the practice session.

"Well done everyone," Fowler said. "I enjoyed myself, and I hope you did. Thank you - especially to my partner, Jake."