SJC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

Thu 10 October 2024

St Joseph’s College Echuca has formed a ground-breaking collaboration with elite international sporting club Liverpool Football Club International Academy, which will expand the school’s commitment to high performance sport and strong academic pathways.

The Liverpool Football Club International Academy is a world-renowned institution that is known not only for producing world-class footballers, but for shaping future leaders and responsible global citizens.

St Joseph’s College Principal Anne Marie Cairns said the partnership would see a co-curricular high-performance soccer school program start at the school in 2025, providing incredible opportunities for students, staff and the wider community.

“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, unity, and leadership.”

St Joseph’s College Sports Academy Leader Adrian Carter said the Liverpool International Academy represented excellence in its purest form. 

Mr Carter said their philosophy of nurturing talent, fostering growth, and encouraging a positive mindset aligned perfectly with the school's values. 

“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.”

Mr Carter said the school was particularly excited about the prospect of students developing connections with their peers from all around the world.  

“This is a chance to broaden horizons, share experiences, and understand different perspectives. In an ever-connected world, these skills are invaluable,” he said.

“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.”

Ms Cairns said the collaboration reflected the school’s commitment to offering the best for its students, ensuring they were equipped with the tools, skills and mindset to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“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.”

Liverpool FC International Academy Australia Technical Director Kevin Grima said the high-performance soccer initiative with St Joseph’s College also promised to deliver a plethora of exhilarating opportunities for the broader community. 

Mr Grima said the school would become the hub for several Liverpool FC International Academy community training sessions and holiday programs. 

“Open to every budding player in the neighbouring areas, these programs offer a chance to experience elite-level coaching and training,” he said. 

“Our commitment remains steadfast in cultivating talent, fostering a passion for the sport, and building a thriving soccer community.”

In Australia, LFC International Academy is a partnership project between the world-famous football club and the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Australia’s leading independent higher education provider for specialist 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,” said CEO of ACPE Debbie Le Roux.

“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.”