Liverpool launches International Academy in New South Wales, Australia
Liverpool Football Club has today announced the launch of the club’s first full-time coaching program in Australia.
Together with partner Southern Cross University, the Reds will deliver ongoing player development programmes to youngsters across New South Wales.
The youth coaching program will officially start in August 2016 and will provide unique opportunities for players aged between five and 17 to learn to play the Liverpool Way.
Players will improve their football skills and develop in the technical, tactical, physical and social aspects of the game through age-specific coaching sessions.
Programmes will be delivered across New South Wales, at both the Southern Cross Football Centre in Lismore and other key locations in major cities across the state.
A wide range of programmes are planned, including ongoing player development sessions, coaching within local communities, soccer schools in the holiday season, residential courses, youth tournaments, coach education and a football-specific diploma delivered in conjunction with Southern Cross University.
Reflecting on the launch, club ambassador Ian Rush said: “We have a huge number of fans in Australia, so setting-up a full-time coaching programme in the country is a great opportunity for those youngsters to learn to play the Liverpool way through this partnership.
"The enthusiasm and passion for LFC in the country is amazing, so I’m sure this initiative will be a huge success.
"On all the LFC International Academy projects around the world, we aim to develop players both on and off the pitch and this will be no different.”
Scott Collis, general manager of the Southern Cross football centre, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young players across the North Coast, and will provide a major boost for Lismore.
"Southern Cross University is proud to be partnering with one of the most recognised and prestigious names in world sport. Liverpool Football Club has a glorious footballing tradition and an exciting future.
"We are enthusiastic about being part of that future. Our recognised expertise across the health and sports disciplines, both in research and teaching, will complement the delivery of Liverpool Football Club International Academy programmes in New South Wales.”
Dan White, head of LFC’s International Academies added: “We are delighted to be bringing the LFC International Academy to New South Wales.
"Having worked closely with Scott and the team at Southern Cross University, I am delighted that they are our partner of choice. I have no doubt that the implementation and delivery of LFC’s unique player development programme in New South Wales will serve to enhance local players and coaches alike.”
Liverpool FC International Academy New South Wales will shortly commence the process of selecting a team of local coaches who work with existing coaches to deliver authentic LFC programmes in the second half of 2016.
Click here to read more about the New South Wales International Academy.