The Pools has formally launched its new charitable arm, The Pools Foundation, marking the occasion with a £100,000 inaugural donation to Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Foundation has established the next charter of The Pools and its “century-long philanthropic heritage” in support of diverse charities across the UK. Its launch was celebrated in Liverpool city centre, where Pools Panel members and former England and Liverpool stars Rachel Brown-Finnis and Ian Callaghan met representatives from Teenage Cancer Trust, including Emma Cross and Robert Sefton.

The first grant will help fund the charity’s specialised emotional and practical support for young people during and after cancer treatment. Teenage Cancer Trust remains the only UK organisation dedicated to delivering specialist nursing care and youth services for young cancer patients, supporting around 2,200 newly diagnosed young people each year.

James Arnold, CEO of The Pools, said: “The Pools has a long and rich tradition of philanthropy at its core, which is why we’re delighted to announce the launch of The Pools Foundation and our first charitable grant to Teenage Cancer Trust. Our donation will help more young people get the cancer care and support they deserve, and we look forward to supporting Teenage Cancer Trust through 2026.”

The donation extends a legacy of charitable work dating back to founder Sir John Moores, whose establishment of The Pools in 1923 paved the way for decades of community investment — including millions contributed to football safety improvements via the Football Trust.

2025 has been a transformative year for The Pools, which saw the heritage firm relaunch its new identity from The Football Pools to The Pools — an initiative backed by a nationwide campaign aimed at attracting a new generation of audiences.

Vikki Calcutt, Associate Director of Fundraising at Teenage Cancer Trust, welcomed the support: “We are extremely grateful to The Pools Foundation for this wonderful contribution. Thanks to them, we can continue helping young people receive the sensitive, individual care they need at such a critical stage in their lives.”