St Joseph’s College, Echuca students Jack Dunn and Abbey McCarty (left and right), principal Anne Marie Cairns and Liverpool Football Club International Academy Australia general manager Rob Davey, launched their partnership on Thursday, October 10. Photos: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
St Joseph’s Echuca College has welcomed Liverpool Football Club International Academy, offering a range of opportunities for student and community engagement with the global soccer powerhouse.
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Announced on Thursday, October 10, representatives from Liverpool International Academy Australia came on-site at the Kildare Campus to share the news and run training drills and games.
The partnership will include a co-curricular soccer school program in 2025, involving students, staff and the wider community through after-school training, school holiday clinics and workshops.
Students participated in training drills and activities to launch the partnership.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
College principal Anne Marie Cairns is thrilled to welcome the program to St Joe’s, one of around a dozen schools across the country on board.
“This partnership goes far beyond football,” Ms Cairns said.
“Through this collaboration, our students will gain access to world-class coaching, cutting-edge resources, and the opportunity to connect with the global football community.
“But most importantly, they’ll develop values that are core to both sport and life —ambition, commitment, dignity, respect and leadership.”
Liverpool Football Club International Academy Australia general manager Rob Davey and St Joe’s principal Anne Marie Cairns make the announcement.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Liverpool Football Club International Academy general manager Rob Davey was excited to launch the program, which is the youth coaching arm of Liverpool Football Club.
“St Joseph’s College will become the home of the Liverpool Football Club International Academy program here in Echuca,” he said.
“From the outset, there was clear alignment of values that underpinned our discussion ... ambition, commitment, dignity and unity.
“We were unified in our approach and the importance of a values-based program ... I am proud to embrace this new partnership.”
School principal Anne Marie Cairns joins in on the action.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Ms Cairns echoed these sentiments, looking forward to beginning the partnership with the academy.
“Today is a proud moment for our school,” she said.
“Together, with Liverpool Football Club International Academy, we’re setting the foundation for something truly special — something that will help shape the future of our students and our community.”
The LFC International Academy is a national partnership project between the club and the Australian College of Physical Education, a higher education provider for degrees in sport, education, health, sport business and dance.
“ACPE is very proud to be aligned with St Joseph’s College, Echuca, via our LFC International Academy,” ACPE chief executive Debbie Le Roux said.
“Both ACPE and LFC International Academy are passionate about transforming lives and communities through education and sport, in this case football.
“I have no doubt that greater opportunities will come from this strategic and values-based alliance between our organisations to deliver greater value to St Joseph’s College, Echuca, students, staff and the wider community.”
Liverpool FC International Academy Australia general manager Rob Davey was delighted to share the news.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
St Joseph’s College sports academy leader Adrian Carter said the club’s philosophy of nurturing talent, fostering growth, and encouraging a positive mindset aligned with St Joe’s values.
He also highlighted the opportunities to create global connections through the worldwide program.
“By working together, we will provide our students with opportunities that were once only dreams,” he said.
“Whether they aim to excel in football or any other path they choose in life, the lessons they will learn through this partnership will stay with them forever.
“This is a chance to broaden horizons, share experiences, and understand different perspectives. In an ever-connected world, these skills are invaluable.
“This partnership will not only enhance our students’ skills on the field but will also bring new educational opportunities. We anticipate workshops, leadership training, and character development programs that will be transformative for our young people.”
The program will use the new sports facilities currently being developed at the Kildare campus, including a state-of-the-art soccer pitch, set to be ready at the end of term one, 2025.
