Reds' college set for Dallas Cup return
The Liverpool FC Foundation Football College will once again take part in one of the biggest youth tournaments in the world next year, when they return to the prestigious Dr Pepper Dallas Cup.
Following on from a successful 2014 debut, the college are putting plans in place for another visit to the United States in March 2015 - only this time, they'll be taking two squads to compete.
A total of 36 players will journey over for the 36th instalment of the esteemed week-long competition to vie in the U17 and U19 categories.
Earlier this year, the college embarked on their maiden trip to the tournament, where they turned in a string of fine displays before losing out in the final to Costa Rica U19s at the Cotton Bowl.
Head coaches Tom Culshaw and Carl Macauley announced this week the provisional squads for next year's trip - when the travelling Reds will hope to go one better and return with silverware.
College director, David MacDiarmid, said: "The 2014 experience was incredible and for the lads to reach the final in our first year was fantastic.
"The home-stay arrangements with American families, the Dallas Cup organisation and facilities were all first-class.
"Joe Brooks, our left-back, described the tour as the 'best two weeks of his life' and you can see how much the squad gained from the whole experience.
"From the moment they set foot onto the plane they are starting an unforgettable journey. It is a truly life-changing experience that plays a massive part in shaping their futures."
The college, which is open to boys and girls aged between 16 and 19, provides coaching alongside a suite of academic qualifications, including BTEC Levels 2 and 3 and GCSEs in Maths and English.
Based at Wyncote Sports Ground in the south of the city, the organisation is equipped with top-of-the-range facilities supplied by the University of Liverpool.
Last year's trip to Dallas helped supplement the youngsters' studies and staff believe their pupils were inspired by the visit as six progressed to university and one secured a USA scholarship.
Furthermore, three students earned trials at Brentford FC and two put pen to paper on contracts at Evostik Premier League club Marine FC.
The college are hosting opening evenings for fresh current Year 11 students on November 24 this year as well as January 26, March 16, May 18 and July 6, 2015.
Those wishing to attend should arrive at 4pm in football kit, as the college will be holding a training session. Shin-pads and boots with short moulded studs or AstroTurf boots will be required.
The college's address and the venue for the open evenings is Wyncote Sports Grounds, University of Liverpool, Mather Avenue, Allerton, Liverpool, L18 6HF.
For more information on the college, click here. Follow them on Twitter @LFCFootyCollege, get in touch by emailing enquiries to info@lfcfoundationcollege.com or calling 0151 724 4983.