LFC International Academy to Launch in Southern California
The world of youth soccer is always changing, and this is a landmark announcement of an MLS affiliate joining the Champions of Europe … LA Galaxy OC is now becoming part of the international Liverpool FC organization.
LA Galaxy OC becomes Liverpool’s LFC International Academy in 2020
Tim Woodcock, Director of Operations, LA Galaxy Orange County is very excited. While proud of the affiliation with the prestigious MLS club, the LA Galaxy, Woodcock is not only thrilled with his club’s new partnership with one of the world’s greatest clubs ever but incredibly impressed with their coaching tools. “You should see the materials they have provided us. The Liverpool coaching documentation is incredible and our kids will be the real winners in this.”
“I am amazed at what Liverpool has provided us and we are only just beginning.”
Tim Woodcock, CEO – Liverpool FC International Academy SoCal
Considered by many as one of England’s most successful football clubs, Liverpool FC has millions of fans, more than 200 official supporters clubs across 65 countries and an average of nearly 6 million visitors monthly to their official website.
“This is an authentic academy experience,” said Woodcock. “It has always been my dream to have teams play in a structured environment that does not stifle player creativity. Liverpool FC shows us what the first team looks like and beaks it down so a ten-year-old can learn the skills.”
Woodcock is also very pleased to announce the new Director of Coaching, Garreth Barker who holds a UEFA Pro License and will be working directly with the club’s coaches.
With 32+ million Facebook fans and over 10.5 million Twitter followers, the club that first kicked the ball in 1892 and competes in the top tier of English football is a historic champion unlike any in the USA.
LA Galaxy OC joined the Liverpool FC family after MLS’ LA Galaxy decided to restructure the youth club alliance program and dissolve it in 2020.
The younger LA Galaxy OC teams, 2006 and younger, will start wearing the LFC International Academy jersey first — as soon as State Cup is finished. High school age players will play as LA Galaxy OC in their State Cup competitions and then switch over and the entire club will have completed the change by July 2020 after coming back from the June break.
The Liverpool FC player development style is known for its imaginative, skillful and entertaining approach to football.
According to Liverpool’s website, “We take time to develop and nurture our younger players to ensure they reach their full potential. By guiding players through our extensive training programs, we have produced many world-class players over the years, something which we are very proud of.”
Liverpool FC understands that not all players want to or have the skills to make it to the top level of the game.
It is wonderful that a club ranked by Forbes as one of the world’s most valuable teams is keen to ensure that players all abilities are given the chance to experience expert coaching and ‘The Liverpool Way’.
The world-renowned professional Liverpool FC is at the top of the Premier League table and their head coach/manager Jürgen Klopp is very pleased with his team’s recent victory over Manchester City.
The new Southern California LFC International Academy joins those around the world providing young players with an opportunity to develop new techniques and skills, all under the guidance of Liverpool’s philosophy.
LFC International Academies focus on developing players both on and off the pitch, educating them through experiences that will shape their progression into young adults and giving them skills that can be used throughout their lives.
According to Klopp, the overall aim is to bring LFC to our young fans around the world and to demonstrate just how special our football club is — and to enjoy learning how to play ‘The Liverpool Way’.
Woodcock, who first joined the organization in 2000 when there were only six teams, made the announcement to the LA Galaxy Orange County over 90 teams at the Awards Night — the club’s special event honoring the accomplishments of their players and coaches and this amazing new transition.
“We’re honored to partner with the current European Champions, Liverpool FC.”
Tim Woodcock, CEO LFC International Academy SoCal
“We believe Liverpool offers the very best solution in elite European professional soccer and it’s exciting to be able to bring that to our players here in Southern California,” said Woodcock. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the world’s greatest football family.”
Woodcock’s mantra, regardless of the name of the club, has always been pure and simple:
- Be the Best
- Respect All
- Advance the Game
- Nurture Others
- Do What You Say
This vision is in sync with Liverpool FC’s core values of ambition, commitment, dignity, and unity.
More than just talking the talk, Woodcock and his staff believe in walking the walk. “Because this is a unique transition and because LA Galaxy OC players and their families had recently purchased new uniforms, the club has made a commitment to cover the costs of new uniforms for all returning players,” said Woodcock.
“We found our champion and are thrilled to be a part of Liverpool. Now we are looking for players who want to join this prestigious international soccer organization,” said Woodcock.
“Our tryouts begin next month, so that is the first opportunity for young players in the Southern California to join this illustrious football club.”
Tim Woodcock, CEO LFC International Academy SoCal
While the player pathway to the MLS LA Galaxy club still exists, now their opportunities broaden to include potential overseas training at the Liverpool Academy in England. In addition, the girls’ side will now have a pathway that includes access to the LFC Women’s Team, formerly known as Liverpool Ladies Football Club.
Liverpool FC released an announcement last week in England that they had reached a new long-term agreement for the operation of LFC International Academy SoCal.
“The project will initially focus on delivering programs in Orange County, with plans for future expansion across additional counties in Southern California. The long-term contract will give players the ability to train under the tutelage of LFC International Academy coaches learned in the principles and methodologies that are at the center of what is taught at LFC’s Academy in Liverpool.”
Through the unique coaching methods of Liverpool FC, players will learn to improve technical and tactical aspects of their game whilst learning key life skills centered on the four values of the Liverpool way: Ambition, Commitment, Dignity, and Unity.
The new youth program will include diet and nutrition information for players and parents as well as a focus on mental preparation.
“It’s great that we’re now able to offer our international youth coaching program in Southern California.”
Dan White, Head of Liverpool FC’s International Academy program globally
“We’re confident that this will be successfully implemented and are excited to give young players the opportunity to learn to play the Liverpool way in the area,” said Dan White, Head of Liverpool FC’s International Academy program globally.
“This is a long-term plan and we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the coaches to ensure the coaching delivered on the project is market-leading,” said White. “Our aim is to deliver an authentic experience at all LFC International Academies with players learning how to play the Liverpool way.”
“As is the case with all our projects, we are aiming to have a positive impact on the development of youth soccer in the region. The starting point for this is the opportunity and insight that we will give to the coaches which will ensure a positive all-round experience for participants,” said White.
LFC International Academy has launched in Hong Kong, China, Cyprus, Australia and in the USA.
Information on LFC International Academy SoCal Tryouts is available – Click Here
New website: https://www.lfcinternationalacademysocal.com/
Link to the LFC International Academy to launch in Southern California press release on Liverpool FC
