Sir Kenny Dalglish named ambassador by tech firm behind plans to get fans back into stadiums

A cyber tech company behind a “digital health passport” designed to get fans back into stadiums has appointed Scots football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish as a global sporting ambassador.

The celebrated Scottish football player and former Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish is the latest high-profile name from the world of sport to join cyber technology outfit VST Enterprises as an ambassador. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The celebrated Scottish football player and former Liverpool manager is the latest high-profile name from the world of sport to join cyber technology outfit VST Enterprises (VSTE) as an ambassador.

He joins forces with former England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall and equestrian world champion and Olympic silver medalist Zara Tindall to pioneer a UK-wide campaign to get sports fans back into stadiums.

The Manchester-based company, which was founded by tech entrepreneur Louis-James Davis, has developed a secure digital health passport. It is said to work alongside all Covid-19 testing kits and also has its own contact tracing technology which is specifically designed for sports and football stadiums, music and theatre venues.

As VSTE’s global football ambassador, Sir Kenny will highlight the importance of using the secure digital technology behind the health passport and the importance of using the “best in class” technology alongside rapid Covid testing for sports fans and players, the firm said.

Sir Kenny said: “I was impressed to learn about what Louis-James and his team at VST Enterprises are trying to achieve with their ‘fans are back’ campaign and the V-Health Passport technology.

“Getting fans back into football stadiums safely is the number one priority for all football clubs across the UK and globally right now and for the future of the game. Without the fans there is no beautiful game, it’s a way of life to so many people, it’s tribal, it’s about a group of like-minded people who have a passion and who are proud of what they’re team represents.”

He added: “The coronavirus outbreak has impacted many people across the country, families have lost loved ones. I too myself tested positive for Covid earlier this year and the support and care I received from the NHS was outstanding, so I understand firsthand.

“Football and sport in the UK contribute massively to positive mental health and any technology that can ensure that fans safely return to the game is a winner.”

Company founder and chief executive Davis said: “We are truly honoured and delighted to have such an iconic football player and manager as Sir Kenny joining us as a global sporting ambassador for VST Enterprises and the V-Health Passport project.

“Sir Kenny’s achievements in football both as a player and manager are unsurpassed. But his relationship with the fans, in particular Liverpool FC, is what makes him stand out as a truly iconic figure in football alongside the greats of the game like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Sir Matt Busby.”

VR Sports Group chief executive Jonny Tungen added: “At VR Sports Group we are proud to partner with both Sir Kenny Dalglish and VST Enterprises. Sir Kenny is not only revered as a distinguished player and one of the greatest football managers of all time, but also for his charitable work in society and the community.”

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