A rising business star, whose football potential was cut short by repeated injuries, is investing some of his money to prevent other young players from suffering the same fate.
Curtis Webster, 23, and a director in his family’s successful property company – The 79th Group – recently quit the game he loves completely after yet another knock.
The one time Liverpool Juniors player is convinced the rigorous schedule he was put through as a young player and the condition of many pitches contributed to his injury woes.
So, as the Southport based family business thrives, he is paying £2,500 to National League North club, Southport, as a donation for the junior and youth set ups. He said: “I was shattered when my opportunity with Liverpool was ended by a ligament injury and after that, although I played at a reasonable level for several more years, my fitness was always an issue.
“Over the past couple of years, I have focused increasingly on the business and recently decided to stop playing altogether. However, I always hoped I could do something to improve the prospects of young footballers and so I am delighted that we have this opportunity to team up with our local club to do just that.”
Steven Brown, The Clubs Head of Commercial added: “It’s great to link up with Curtis and the rest of the team at The 79th Group. They have recently had a 40ft board fitted at the stadium and we thank them very much for their donation at this difficult time for football.
“We look forward to a long and successful relationship with them and particularly in developing the opportunities for younger players connected to the club.”
The 79th Group began as a property redevelopment operation, established by Curtis’ father David – who also played amateur football – in the mid 1990s. It now has three divisions: 79th Luxury Living, which focuses on the development and sale of high end homes; 79th Homes, specialising in residential and commercial lettings and Lusso Tesoro, which is in the process of acquiring a gold mine in West Africa.
The Webster family has already donated to Guinea’s National Football Academy to help give players the best chance possible of making it in the game.
