By Sherry Cheung, Principal of Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) Liverpool Football Club is recognised around the world as one of an elite group of clubs with a true worldwide reputation, proudly creating the best environment for the development of young players, both as footballers and as people. LFC have a very special philosophy which is well known by the players, staff and fans, is recognised all over the world and sets it aside from other football clubs. The characteristics of playing 'The Liverpool Way' were no more evident than during the 2005 Champions League final. Team spirit, hard work, determination and the ability to overcome any obstacles in life and above all play with dignity and fair play.... these are all the values and characteristics the club look for from our players. For the last 50 years the club has been at the forefront of British and European football, winning numerous championships and European club tournaments. During this time, there has been a consistent tradition of developing top class players, particularly from the Liverpool Academy; Steven Gerrard is the ultimate example of a home grown talent who ranks at the very top of the worldwide game. To nurture the talent of the current and future, the academy of Liverpool FC scouts all around the world to search for the next superstar on the pitch. Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) is proud to support LFC in achieving this goal. Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) has a clearly established structure and dedicated training program. The courses are designed by the technical director stationed in HK from Liverpool FC in the UK. This is to make sure the academy are able to adapt the tactics and tempo of games like the first team does. Performance of players are evaluated and reported to Liverpool FC regularly so that the club does not miss out any chances to secure a future academy prospect. “From a fan perspective, it would be the most fabulous moment that a player spends his or her youth time in the academy, trying hard to improve and to impress the club in order to finally play for the first team.” Entering the Elite Team of LFCIAHK is the first step for the local youths to fight for their place on the big stage. Elite Team offers a more comprehensive program to the player, helping them to gear up themselves and be ready for future challenges ahead. Not only technically, but mentally prepared to be an “elite”, to lead and to play as a team. As one of the academies around the world, LFCIAHK connects to other LFC academy in the UK, Japan, Korean, Australia and many others over the world to stimulate the experience between youth players of LFC by holding overseas training camps. Players experience different cultures and football atmosphere which helps the player to develop their global understanding, which is vital for everyone who wants to play at the highest level. From a parent perspective, Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) does not triumph only for its opportunities provided to its players, but also the philosophy behind it. It is understood that not necessarily every child who plays football has a dream to be a professional player. Most of our players are looking for an outdoor activity for their leisure time, in which they meet new friends and learn something fun and exciting. As an education institution, LFCIAHK works closely with different schools by offering them the school team training program. The football teams of primary and secondary school benefit by adopting the “Liverpool Way” training, on one hand learning how to win competition and on the other, developing their player’s personality and people skills. Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) has its core values which differentiates them from other football academies. “Ambition”, Commitment”, “Dignity” and “Unity” is the philosophy which drives the players and the fans to always progress forward. Students will learn football skills and build their strength on the pitch, and carry out these qualities off the pitch. There is always a hope for the students who can aim for the highest heights and strive for their goals. To show the current skill level and support others as much as they can, to do the right thing in any circumstance and be together as one. “In the modern society, there are too much temptations. But at the same time, there can be great opportunities for education. A good football player and a good person share a lot of attributes in common, for example, punctuality, hardworking, honesty, loyalty, team spirit and more. During the course of football training, it is so important that our students are not only a good player but also a good human being. We can teach them to be a better person for the world.”
