Padua College is now home to Liverpool Football Club International Academy Australia under a partnership that will see the exclusive soccer school program offered to its students and the wider community.
“Fuelled by a shared passion for excellence and inclusivity, the collaboration marks a pivotal milestone for the sport on the Peninsula,” the college said in a statement. This would empower students to embrace their potential and train ‘The Liverpool Way’ at school, with holiday clinics and after-school programs offered to aspiring players in the community, it said.
“Liverpool Football Club is globally recognised as an elite club that prides itself on creating the best environment possible for the development of young players. This aligns with the core values of Padua College, where students are encouraged to utilise their God-given talents, strive to be the best that they can be and to build positive relationships.
“Delivering the same coaching curriculum and techniques used at the Club Academy in Liverpool, LFC IA seeks to develop players on and off the pitch through a proven coaching program that focuses on the technical, tactical and physical skills as well as the social and psychological aspects of soccer, including determination, team spirit and commitment.”
Principal Kelly McGurn said the partnership “signifies our commitment to building strong community connections and opportunities for the development of our young students both at school and beyond. In addition to offering students career pathways, the program builds social and emotional wellbeing and boosts life skills of perseverance, communication, leadership and teamwork, further enhancing the strong foundations in place”.
Elise Kellond-Knight, one of the Matildas’ most decorated players, and college alumni and professional jockey Jake Noonan joined Ms McGurn at the partnership launch for a Q&A session, reflecting on their careers. After a ceremonial handover of the LFC IA flag, LFC IA technical director Kevin Grima hosted a technical skills drill with college students on the soccer pitch.
Padua said its staff members were “undertaking exclusive Liverpool coach accreditation training developed in conjunction with the Australian College of Physical Education, one of Australia’s leading independent higher education providers, a professional development opportunity that will be extended to other coaches in the community”.
Head coach Andrew McMellon said: “Students will have the opportunity to succeed, no matter what their soccer skills are, as they will be taught a range of transferable skills for use both in and outside of school through the most participated sport in Victoria by under-18s.”
