Liverpool FC To Launch International Academies

Liverpool FC has announced plans to launch International Football Academies across the world.

The groundbreaking move will give football-mad youngsters the chance to learn more about the game under the watchful eye of qualified coaches.

Plans are already in place for the first three academies to open in Northern Ireland, Norway and Greece in early 2011, with the aim being to give budding young stars the best environment in which to hone and develop their skills in fun but carefully structured coaching sessions.

Liverpool Commercial Director Ian Ayre said: “What’s most important is that anywhere you go in the world, whether you’re in Hong Kong, the US or elsewhere, if you’re a kid and you’re attending one of our soccer schools, you should get exactly the same experience wherever you go. It should be consistent, it should be something that’s fitting with spending a day - or several days - with Liverpool Football Club.

"So whether you’re attending our actual Academy here in Liverpool or whether you’re attending one of our soccer Academies on the road, then you should get the same experience. That’s ultimately what we’re trying to aim for and it’s all about professionalism, quality and consistency.”

Soccer Schools Ambassador Ian Rush said: “I am very excited about the International Football Academies and can’t wait for them to get started. We want to do something different to other soccer schools because I believe Liverpool Football Club is something different and something special.

“When you put on the kit, you’re putting on Liverpool Football Club’s kit and although it’s not the same as playing, it’s one of the next best things. When you put your kit on, you feel tall and proud that you’re representing the club. The kids will be getting the sort of coaching they’d get at the Academy. We are one big family club and that’s the way we have to look at it. We’ve always been known as a family club and we share everything we have - and now we’re going to be sharing football skills all over the world.”