More than 150 children from across Knowsley took part in a free day of golf, fun, and community connection at Bowring Park & Golf Course, joined by former Liverpool FC players Stephen Warnock and Chris Kirkland – and marking the launch of the Golf Foundation’s ‘Unleash Your Drive’ programme.
Held during the Easter holidays, the Get In Golf Day gave local children the chance to try golf in a relaxed, inclusive environment – many for the first time – with coaching stations, educational activities, nature traills refreshments and inspiring guests.
“It was one of those days the kids will remember for a long time,” said Helen Paton, Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at Oneday, the organisation managing Bowring Park.
“To see over 100 children taking part in sport for free during the holidays is amazing. The Unleash Your Drive programme is all about building mental resilience in young people, and the skills they’re learning at events like this, in such a fun and welcoming environment, are things they can carry into everyday life.”
Unleash Your Drive, led by the Golf Foundation, is a nationwide campaign that uses golf to help young people develop life skills like confidence, focus, and emotional regulation – all while having fun in green spaces close to home.
The event was delivered in collaboration with Apollo Active, England Golf, The Golf Foundation, and Evolving Mindset, all working to break down traditional barriers to the sport and promote physical and mental wellbeing in children.
“Knowsley is one of the most deprived areas in the UK,” said Joey Stocks, Director of Apollo Active. “So we know that for many kids, turning up at a golf course and paying to play simply isn’t an option. That’s why these free Get Into Golf events are so important, they’re about opening the door to every child.
“It’s not just about golf either, it’s about showing how sport builds friendships, social skills, and real confidence.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, who grew up nearby, praised the transformation of Bowring Park and shared his own connection to it:
“The change at Bowring Park over the last few years has been brilliant. The new Coach House has brought in so many new people from the local community – and that’s half the battle when it comes to getting more people into golf.
“I actually used to bunk on at Bowring during Covid – which you can’t do anymore of course! But that’s where it all started for me after I’d retired from football. I was playing with a few mates, caught the golf bug, and I’ve played regularly ever since.
"It’s not just about golf, it’s about showing how sport builds friendships, social skills, and real confidence."
