From March 22nd to the 26th, our coaches Dave, Francis, James, and Tim visited Liverpool headquarters for the annual International Academy Coaches Convention with more than 30 senior coaches worldwide. On this trip, they learned from many guest speakers and saw the Liverpool grounds. They toured the Anfield Stadium, The Academy, and the AXA Training Center. As well as visited Goodison Park to watch Everton Women vs. LFC Women and attended the LFC Legends vs. Celtic Legends game at Anfield Stadium.
Day 1
Arriving at Anfield Stadium, all coaches were welcomed with food and a speech. From then, the convention officially started. Throughout the day, the coaches attended multiple sessions—delivered by LFC IA Ambassador Ian Rush and LFC Academy coaches—where they learned about coaching culture and participated in group activities. At the end of the day, the coaches toured Anfield Stadium and enjoyed a social event in the stadium lounge.
“AS A COACH OBSESSED WITH DEVELOPING MY ABILITY TO TEACH PLAYERS, THIS TRIP WAS INVALUABLE TO ME. TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH OTHER COACHES FROM THE LFC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY AND OBSERVE SESSIONS WITH THE OFFICIAL LFC TEAMS WAS AN UNBELIEVABLE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR ME. THE LIVERPOOL WAY WAS CLEAR TO ME IN EVERYTHING WE SAW, HEARD, AND DID FOR THE WEEK. THE EXPERIENCE WILL STAY WITH ME FOR A LONG TIME.”
Francis Davin, Academy Coach and Assistant Technical Director
Day 2
On Day 2, the coaches traveled to The Academy, participated in an on-pitch session delivery, attended more guest speaker presentations—delivered by John Barnes and LFC Academy Coaches—and observed an LFC Academy training.
“ATTENDING THE LIVERPOOL FC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY COACHES CONVENTION HAS REALLY BROUGHT THE AUTHENTICITY OF OUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PROGRAM TO LIFE. I GAINED LOTS OF KNOWLEDGE BY SPEAKING TO THE COACHES AND DIRECTORS AT LIVERPOOL ABOUT HOW I CAN IMPLEMENT THEIR METHODOLOGIES IN MY PRACTICE. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE.”
James Curry, Head Coach and Camp Director
Day 3
At The Academy, coaches toured the AXA Training Center, delivered their Group Task Session, which they had been working on during day 2, and then wrapped up the convention. They also attended the Everton Women vs. LFC Women game at Goodison Park.
“Once again, it was great to spend time with Senior Liverpool Football Club staff and learn more about how they are developing their people both on and off the field. The shared insights will be invaluable in creating the best environment in SoCal for our players, families, and staff.”
Dave Brown, COO
Days 4 & 5
With the convention officially done, days 4 and 5 were strictly for enjoying the city and soccer! On Saturday, the coaches were invited to attend the LFC Legends vs. Celtic FC Legends game at Anfield Stadium in the Carlsberg Dugout Lounge. On Sunday, they were invited to observe LFC Academy Fixtures.
“We had another amazing experience at the Liverpool FC International Academy Coaches Convention last week. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this fantastic club, which has such a rich history and tradition. It was incredible to meet and talk with such great legends, LFC ambassadors John Barnes and Ian Rush, and full access to the Academy facilities and the AXA training center. The trip was capped off with an amazing Women’s derby game against Everton at Goodison Park and the Legends game at Anfield Stadium.”
Tim Woodcock, CEO
