St Joeys signs with Premier League giants

A TRAINING academy associated with powerhouse Premier League soccer club Liverpool has revealed Geelong will be only the third place in Australia to host its youth training program.

Today (Monday, March 6), Liverpool FC International Academy Australia visited St Joseph’s College Edmund Rice Campus in Geelong to announce the college would be the latest partners in its high-performance soccer school academy, which will begin this year.

In Australia, LFC International Academy is a partnership project between the global soccer giant and the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Australia’s leading independent higher education provider for specialist degrees in sport, education, health, sport business, dance and football.

The vision for the new high-performance soccer program at St Joseph’s is to use the combined resources to create an environment that mirrors the one experienced by players on a high-performance pathway to play in the top flight in the UK.

This means not only a high quality and authentic LFC football program developing players technically, tactically and physically, but also input into social and mental development, career pathways and life skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership.

The partnership will also see the school host a range of Liverpool FC community training and holiday programs available to all aspiring players in the region.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with St Joseph’s College and our expansion to become Liverpool FC International Academy Australia,” Liverpool FC International Academy Australia head of football operations Scott Collis said.

“St Joseph’s has a long and exceptional history but also an innovative vision for the future.

“There was a clear alignment of values throughout our discussions and everyone here at Liverpool FC International Academy Australia is excited about what this new partnership can bring to students at the school along with players and coaches in the local community,”

St Joseph’s principal Tony Paatsch said it was exciting to be the first school in the Greater Geelong region to partner with Liverpool FC International Academy Australia.

“We are thrilled that our students will have access to a world-class curriculum via this world-class soccer program,” he said.

St Joseph’s College 2006 alumni Matthew Spiranovic played for Australia at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup, said he was proud and excited about the announcement.

“Throughout my college days, St Joseph’s was able to provide me with great support and balance in both my curriculum activities and sporting endeavours.

“The new partnership will only improve and elevate this already fantastic College to greater heights. I look forward to what the future holds and can’t wait to see more future Socceroos come through the College.

“The Liverpool FC program aligns with the innovative curriculum and exceptional sporting opportunities we offer our Joeys boys throughout their secondary school journey.”

St Joseph’s College Westcourt campus head of learning Paul Hood, said the partnership would further enhance the school’s physical education programs at the college.

“In selected year levels all students will be take part in the Liverpool International Academy Australia program and use the world game as a vehicle to participate in coaching sessions that work on the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social aspects of football, following the LFC development model.

“The Liverpool Football Club brand is known worldwide as a leader in sporting excellence and community involvement.

“The opportunity for our students to partner with a club that provides a program of skill and fitness development centred around values of ambition, commitment, dignity and unity will support students in their sporting endeavours and complement the values of the college inside and outside of the classroom.

“With first-class coach education and equipment provided by the academy, our students will get the opportunity to develop in an innovative program.

“Our college staff are excited to be involved in helping being part of a program which helps our students strive for the highest, while of course being a Joeys boy and a Liverpool International Academy member means that they will never walk alone.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan welcomed the arrival of Liverpool Football Club’s International Academy to the region.

“The Liverpool Football Club is one of the most well-known and highly regarded sporting clubs in the world,” he said.

“It is synonymous with high performance, the development of talent and the pursuit of success, and I applaud St Joseph’s College for its work in securing this substantial partnership.”

The academy also has partnerships with Assumption College in Kilmore and Salesian College in Chadstone.

ACPE chief executive officer Debbie Le Roux said a belief in a holistic approach to development was at the core of her organisation.

“Both ACPE and the Liverpool FC International Academy are passionate about the transformational power of sport and education.

“This relationship delivers on that commitment – creating opportunities for young people to be the best they can be in the sport but also providing pathways to exciting careers in the sport – be it on or off the field. ACPE has just launched Australia’s first ever Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) creating tomorrow’s workforce in football.”

To find out more information or to register interest in Liverpool FC programs, head to lfcacademy.com.au