The programme, which is available at multiple venues across Sydney, has been organised in partnership with the Australian College of Physical Education, a leading specialist tertiary education institution founded in 1917.
The LFC International Academy’s mission is to provide unique coaching opportunities and ongoing training for youngsters aged five to 17 across the state of New South Wales to help them learn to play ‘The Liverpool Way’.
Year-round coaching programmes and short soccer school courses held during school holidays will develop participants both on and off the pitch, encourage them to get active and improve their football skills, while also improving their life skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership.
Local coaches will be comprehensively trained and accredited through the LFC International Academy global accreditation to deliver coaching ‘The Liverpool Way’ and to ensure authenticity in coaching to local participants.
Dan White, vice president of LFC International Academies, said: “We have a huge number of fans in Australia, so setting up a dedicated coaching programme in Australia is a great opportunity for those youngsters to learn to play ‘The Liverpool Way’ through this partnership.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Australian College of Physical Education – an institution that shares our values and our passion for football.
“Around the world, LFC International Academy projects develop players both on and off the pitch, and this will be no different. We share strong common ground in the values of LFC and ACPE and we are excited by this new partnership.”
Ian Rush, LFC ambassador and club legend, added: “This is such an exciting opportunity to be bringing the LFC International Academy to Sydney.
“The support we receive from our fans in Australia is phenomenal and it’s always a fantastic experience to visit our supporters and see just how much the club means to them.
“I have no doubt that the implementation and delivery of LFC’s unique player development programme will create memorable opportunities for these young players, and the coaches, and help to enhance their playing ability."
Newly-appointed Liverpool FC International Academy NSW general manager Scott Collis is thrilled to be launching the programme in Sydney and feels Liverpool FC and ACPE are a perfect match.
He said: “We are bringing together the proven football methodology and philosophy of the world-famous Liverpool Football Club with the expertise and teaching resources of Australia’s leading independent higher education provider for specialist degrees in sport, education, health, sport business and dance.
“This partnership will create an environment for young players and families that will improve their knowledge and skill of football but also deliver educational outcomes to participants as well.
“Through our programmes, we aim to inspire people to be the best they can be, to enable opportunity and to create an environment for success on and off the pitch.
“At the core of what we do is a belief in a holistic approach to development. Better people do truly make better players. I can’t wait to see players at all levels across Sydney benefit from our unique offering and partnership with LFC.”
Located in the heart of Sydney’s internationally renowned Sydney Olympic Park precinct, the Australian College of Physical Education attracts domestic and international students who wish to launch their careers alongside industry professionals wishing to enhance their prospects in the sport sector and its related professions.
A key part of the project is helping young people understand the range of careers available in professional sport and the skills needed to make that dream a reality.
Collis continued: “We are working with a small number of like-minded school partners to commence the Liverpool FC International Academy NSW in terms three and four this year, with the expectation that we expand our footprint, via additional schools, across NSW next year.”
To find out more information or to register interest in Liverpool FC programmes, visit www.lfcacademy.com.au.