Reds honoured in Switzerland

[MrsB]

James Carroll in Switzerland, 6th Aug 2011 - Latest News
LiverpoolFC.tv

Ian Ayre used an international conference to speak of his admiration for several members of Liverpool's Ability Counts squad earlier this week - but how did the lads react when they saw what he had to say?

Speaking at the Football Is More forum in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, Ayre explained why good role models are vital to the Reds.

But it was not only the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush mentioned by the Managing Director as he took the opportunity to praise the Ability Counts team.

Ahead of the European disabled football tournament, the squad watched Ayre's speech at their team hotel in Switzerland - and our cameras were on hand to capture their reaction.

Click here to watch the video clip, it's free and awesome!

[Vermilion]

To them all.

Ian Ayre, what a find he looks to be.

[Tee]

To them all.

Ian Ayre, what a find he looks to be.

[Reece]

That was awesome, and really touching.

Loved the "attack attack attack" bit

And did anyone notice Ayre say the now infamous line - "top, top player"

[sambirken]

That was nice to watch. That's the club I love. Ian Ayre's a ledge.

Some of the comments were hilarious. 'Dont count your chickens'

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

I'm going to stick that on my facebook.

[CJ]

its good to see the good football can do

[Mostar]

Absolutely loved it.

Very touching I must say and I thoroughly enjoyed it watching it.

[Vermilion]

That was nice to watch. That's the club I love. Ian Ayre's a ledge.

Some of the comments were hilarious. 'Dont count your chickens'

He'll be the one in the group that keeps their feet firmly on the ground.

A great bunch of guys.

[MrsB]

'They did LFC proud'

James Carroll in Ruggell, 8th Aug 2011 - LiverpoolFC.tv

Liechtenstein Prime Minister Dr. Klaus Tschutscher has hailed Liverpool's Ability Counts team and believes they have done the club proud during their week-long stay in Switzerland.



Although they were beaten in the final of the European Disabled football tournament by FC Zurich in Ruggell on Saturday, the Reds made a big impression on everybody they encountered.

Indeed, following the final whistle, Dr. Tschutscher made his way onto the pitch to speak to the Liverpool players and enjoy a kick about with them.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "As a former sports minister, I was very proud to be able to meet them and it was a very important moment.

"They have done the club proud. I think they have made us proud as well and I hope they will go back home with good memories.

"Sport is a good way of opening doors and building bridges between non-disabled and disabled people. It's been good to see the players integrating and when you see that, you see the real use of sport in learning fairness and togetherness."

Dr. Tschutscher also revealed his fondness for Liverpool and admitted he'd love to take in a game at Anfield sometime in the near future.

He said: "My first shirt I had was a Liverpool shirt. That was some years ago, but I have never been to Anfield. I hope I will have the chance to see a game in that important stadium."

His sentiments were echoed by Swiss politician Hildegard Fassler, who believes the Ability Counts squad are an example to everyone.

She said: "Unfortunately I did not see them play, but I was very impressed with the manner in which they and the U16s have been mixing together. It's been very good for them (Ability Counts squad) to come here.

"They have done Liverpool proud with the way they have behaved, laughed, played and integrated.

"The club can be very proud they have such a team and that they have taken them abroad. They are an example for everyone."

[Pablo]

I was welling up watching that video at times. Touching stuff. Some proper Reds there