Southern Cross University player to train with Liverpool FC
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Southern Cross University Football Club has scored a major goal with one of its players being chosen to train with a Liverpool FC side.
Jamilla Rankin, who plays for Southern Cross University in the Football Gold Coast Junior Premier League competition, will join the Liverpool FC Ladies under 15s team in the UK for two weeks in December.
The opportunity came about due to unique collaboration between Southern Cross University and the world famous Liverpool Football Club which created Australia’s first full time Liverpool International Academy program based out of the University’s Southern Cross Football Centre at Lismore.
Last season the talented Northern NSW junior player was a part of Southern Cross University 14s, who won the Gold Coast Junior Premier League minor premiership.
Liverpool FC International Academy General Manager Scott Collis said: “We hope this sends a strong signal of how we provide our players with the best possible opportunities to develop, just as Southern Cross University offers to all its students.”
Just 14-years-old, Jamilla said this was the kind of opportunity she had only dreamed of until now.
“It’s a real honour to be able to fulfil my dream of training with a Liverpool Club side, and I can’t wait to test my skills and learn as much as I can experiencing a full-time professional football club's program.
“I play in Centre and Defence and I’m excited to be on a pathway towards playing at an elite level.”
James Gow, Liverpool FC International Academy Technical Director, facilitated the opportunity for Jamilla to test herself alongside girls in the UK, who are also on a pathway towards elite professional football.
“Jamilla is a great role model for all young female players in the region,” Gow said. “I am extremely proud that we are able to send Jamilla to the UK to train in the club’s female set up. Jamilla has demonstrated real commitment ever since joining our program in Australia. She has excelled and developed exponentially in that time.
“Jamilla is extremely ambitious and has set a wonderful benchmark for all of our Academy players. The whole of the Academy is delighted that she is getting such an opportunity and wish her well. We know this will be a wonderful experience for her and are sure she will do us proud whilst representing the Academy in the UK.”
Next year, Jamilla will move to Brisbane to play for the Roar.