Liverpool FC announces International Academy with Southern Cross University

Liverpool Football Club has teamed up with Southern Cross University to launch the Club’s first full-time coaching program in Australia.

The youth coaching program will officially start in August 2016 and will provide unique opportunities for players aged 5 -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.

Programs will be delivered across New South Wales, at both the Southern Cross Football Centre, which is run by Southern Cross University in Lismore, and at other key locations in major cities across the state.

A wide range of programs 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.

Scott Collis, the general manager of the Southern Cross Football Centre, said this was a wonderful opportunity for young players across the North Coast, and would provide a major boost for Lismore.

“Southern Cross University is proud to be a Liverpool Football Club International Academy partner,” Mr Collis said.

“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 programs in New South Wales.”

Ian Rush, Liverpool Football Club Ambassador said: “We have a huge number of fans in Australia, so setting-up a full-time coaching program 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.”

Liverpool FC International Academy New South Wales will shortly commence the process of selecting a team of local coaches who work with existing Liverpool FC coaches to deliver authentic LFC programs in the second half of 2016.

SOUTHERN CROSS FOOTBALL CENTRE
The Southern Cross Football Centre is a community initiative of Southern Cross University promoting participation and education through sport. The Centre is located in Lismore and includes a state-of-the art synthetic pitch along with a range of complementary facilities onsite and at the nearby Southern Cross University Lismore campus.

LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB
• Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the world’s most historic and famous football clubs having won 18 League Titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, five European Cups, three UEFA Cups, three European Super Cups and 15 Charity Shields
• As a socially responsible business, Liverpool FC is proud of its heritage and plays a proactive role in its communities through its official charity, Liverpool FC Foundation. By delivering a range of award-winning programmes, the Foundation motivates and inspires children and adults, both at home and overseas, using football and the power of the Liverpool FC badge. Its contribution has been recognised by the award of a Community Mark from Business In The Community.
• Liverpool FC is a global brand and works with leading edge commercial partners around the world providing unparalleled commercial opportunities.

Photo: Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee (left) with Scott Collis, general manager of the Southern Cross Football Centre, Allan Morris, Executive Director of Information and Physical Resources, and Thomas George, member for Lismore.