Why Scotland captain and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson named his new charity after his Anfield squad number

Scotland captain and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has established his own charity foundation helping 26 good causes across the country – to correspond with his Anfield squad number.

Andy Robertson has launched the AR26 charity - supporting 26 good causes across Scotland.

After giving the national team and Scottish sport a positive lift by leading Scotland to the first major tournament in a generation, the national team captain said his new foundation wants “to create a long-lasting positive impact on children and young people across Scotland”.

Launching this weekend – 26 days from Christmas – the AR26 charity will have a football theme to projects and give opportunities to support socially deprived and critically ill children offering access to free football training, job opportunities and memorable experiences.

But first, this year’s Christmas campaign will support 26 local charities across Scotland.

AR26 Academy coach Craig Watson speaks to young players.

The former Dundee United defender had been considering the move with partner Rachel for a while and explained: “Throughout my career, I have always tried to help support charities and good causes whenever I could, but I wanted to do more,” he said. “There are many parts of my life that make me feel blessed and privileged, but without a doubt the most significant of all is the encouragement, help and support of a loving family, amazing friends and brilliant coaches.

“Without them – and without luck – my circumstances could have been so different.

“It’s because of this that I am excited and honoured to be part of an incredible team launching a charity focused on helping young people in Scotland. AR26 will look to provide support and opportunities for those who, through no fault of their own, feel left behind and, in some cases, abandoned.

“Opportunity should be a basic human right for everyone. To deny young people in Scotland equality of opportunity is to undermine our future. My own experiences have taught me that none of us can achieve anything on our own. We all need other people, we all need help, we all need support - and more than anything - we all need a chance.”

AR26 will run football sessions as well as many other elements of charity work.

AR26 will give sick children life changing experiences with their families as well as providing children and young people free football sessions outwith school hours. The Hope for Youths branch of the charity will provide young people with access to further education, training and job opportunities.

The 26-year-old continued: “There’s an amazing team here at AR26, and I hope many more will join us in our journey. By coming together, we can make a difference to those who need it the most – especially at this time of the year.

“Christmas can be special, but for many families, the financial pressure or health uncertainties can make it a very stressful and worrying time,” he added. “Starting this weekend, we hope to provide some additional support and meaningful experiences for families this festive season by donating to some amazing charities and projects each day in the run up to December 25 . If we can bring a smile to even just one person’s face this Christmas, then it will all be worth it.”

The Christmas campaign will help 26 Scottish charities, including the Night Before Christmas, which ensures children in the Ayrshire, Arran and Dumfries and Galloway receive a Christmas present, and East Renfrewshire School Bank, which gives young people access to season appropriate clothing when attending school throughout winter.

For more information or to donate to AR26, please visit www.ar26.org.uk, or follow @AR26Charity on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.