Liverpool strike deal with Loughborough University
Loughborough Students will play two friendlies against Liverpool's Academy
Written by Simon Austin — October 25, 2019
LIVERPOOL have struck a deal with Loughborough University which will see them play some of their Academy matches on campus.
The Reds will be use the University’s facilities - which are more than 100 miles away from their Kirkby Academy base - for “competitive friendly youth games against teams from around the country”, while the club’s nine to 16-year-olds will also “experience life on campus”.
As part of the contract, Liverpool coaching staff will visit Loughborough to work alongside the University’s coaches to enhance their personal development. In turn, Loughborough coaches will be able to visit Liverpool to observe training.
Loughborough Students FC will play two friendly matches against a Liverpool Academy side and educational workshops will be provided by the University.
Richard Allen, Director of Football at Loughborough University, said: “This agreement with Liverpool is another exciting step in football development at Loughborough University.
“The relationship will undoubtedly provide great benefit for both parties, with our coaches learning from the best in the game and Liverpool’s Academy players making use of the world class facilities on offer. The friendly games will be an excellent experience and great challenge for those involved.”
John Steele, Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University, added: “To form an agreement with a club of Liverpool’s stature shows the type of high-profile sporting institutions we are able to attract at Loughborough University.
“We are looking forward to working together and ensuring both Academy players at the club and our own coaches benefit from this special relationship.”
Liverpool FC head of education and welfare, Phil Roscoe said: “We’re delighted to formalise our ongoing relationship with Loughborough. Not only for the football experience it will provide to our players but also the academic exposure it will offer them, through all ages. It will be a strong aid for the development of players which can occur both on the pitch and off it.”
Loughborough University recently announced a similar partnership with Derby, who will play a number of their U23 games at the Loughborough University stadium, as well as offering career opportunities to Loughborough University students.
