DUBAI: Liverpool Football Club (Liverpool FC) has signed a new long-term agreement that will launch a new LFC International Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Beginning in September, the Reds will deliver a year-round development program, providing unique opportunities for young players aged four to 16 years old to learn to play ‘The Liverpool Way’.
Unique Coaching
Under the tutelage of Liverpool FC coaches, players will improve their football skills and progress their technical, tactical, physical, social and mental abilities through age-specific coaching sessions to help aid the growing football market in the UAE and complement the current youth football structure.
Through the unique coaching methods of LFC, players will also learn key life skills centered on the four values of ‘The Liverpool Way’: ambition, commitment, dignity and unity.
The implementation and development of the coaching program will be overseen by LFC coaching staff, learned in the principles and methodologies that are at the center of what’s taught at LFC’s world-famous training Academy in Liverpool. These coaches will be based in Dubai to oversee the project. Local coaches will also be involved and will benefit from a comprehensive coach education scheme to deliver coaching ‘The Liverpool Way’.
Skill Development
Ian Rush, club legend and LFC International Academy ambassador, stated that “We’re excited to bring LFC International Academy to the UAE, a region of tremendous opportunity and growth for football. The expert LFC coaching provided in our programs will be a huge benefit to young players in the UAE. Not only will it help them to become more technically proficient by working on a wide range of footballing skills, but it will also offer them the opportunity to develop other transferable life skills, like confidence and working as part of a team.”
“The development opportunities from the LFC International Academy program will also extend to the coaches. They will benefit from a comprehensive coach education scheme, which includes the LFC International Academy Global Coach Accreditation and allows them to deliver coaching ‘The Liverpool Way’,” Ian Rush added.
Dr. Ihab Salama, chairman of Genesis Elite Sports, said that, “Exciting times ahead! We’re proud to partner with Liverpool FC to bring the most authentic football program to the UAE, empowering young athletes to embrace the club’s legendary philosophy and tradition.”
Mostafa Youssef, COO of Genesis Elite Sports, commented that, “We are passionate about creating the best environment for developing young footballers on and off the pitch. That’s why we’re thrilled to represent LFC in the UAE and be part of the world’s greatest football family.”
LFC International Academy UAE will initially be offered at two venues in Dubai, Deira International School and MVP Lab Dubai.