Rolling out The Reds' carpet

GALEN Catholic College has joined forces with one of world sport's most famous organisations, Liverpool Football Club, in an initiative set to benefit students, staff and the wider community. The Wangaratta college has announced a partnership which will see an exclusive Liverpool FC International Academy high–performance soccer school program commence at its Phillipson Street campus next term. Wangaratta's academy will be one of just four in Australia, with others already in place at Kilmore's Assumption College, Salesian College Chadstone and St Joseph's College Geelong. Linked with the new after–school soccer program for six to 16–year–olds will be the chance for Galen to host a range of LFC community training and holiday programs, which will be available to all aspiring players in the region seeking to 'learn to play the Liverpool way'. As the LFC International Academy in Australia is a partnership project between the world–famous football club and the Australian College of Physical Education (Australia's leading independent higher education provider for specialist degrees in sport, education, health, sport business and dance), the link also opens up important connections for senior students seeking further study in these areas. The development of local coaches through education and development opportunities is another central aspect of the academy, and LFC will offer local coaches the chance to receive expert training and accreditation for the project. Galen principal Darta Hovey said the partnership with Liverpool provided all members of the local community and the broader region with the chance to engage in the high quality approach of a worldwide community organisation. With a multi–million dollar building program including a new stadium currently nearing completion at Galen, Mr Hovey said it was important those assets be available to the wider community. He said the LFC arrangement had been borne out of networking, and when the chance arose for Galen to be part of the academy in Australia and to bring the opportunity to the North East, it was an easy decision. "This ongoing relationship seeks to provide opportunities for young people to harness their gifts and talents, not just in a sporting space but also in their own life journey," he said. The youth coaching program will involve developing players' social and mental growth, career paths, and life skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication, in addition to a high quality football program which will develop their technical, tactical and physical skills. "This is not just about soccer – it's about social and mental wellbeing, and there is also potential to utilise some of our curriculum to help continue to build that relationship with the Liverpool approach," Mr Hovey said. Members of Galen College staff have been undertaking coaching accreditation with expert training from LFC's International Academy coaches in preparation for the local programs. Pat Arcuri, Galen's deputy head of staff and students, and maths teacher Raff Molinaro (coach of the Wangaratta City Football Club senior side) have earned coaching accreditation and are excited about the opportunity for locals to be part of the quality pathway. "Our program doesn't just cater to elite players, but to the player holistically. It will help to develop our region's young people under the Liverpool model," Mr Arcuri said. "Having played soccer as a youth player in the region, I understand the significance of the opportunity to have this technical and tactical program to deliver to the kids." Mr Molinaro said the arrangement was a boon for Galen, Wangaratta, the region, and the sport. "There is a huge opportunity for clubs and the sport to benefit, first and foremost to develop players and coaches, and also to bring much–needed attention to the sport," he said. Kevin Kalinko, director of LFC International Academy Australia, said the announcement of the partnership with Galen was "a proud day in the 130 year history of the Liverpool Football Club". He said it was clear right from early discussions with Galen that the school's values were closely aligned with those of LFC – ambition, unity, commitment and dignity – and the two organisations were "unified in our approach". Quoting Liverpool fans' signature tune, Mr Kalinko said: "Galen College and the broader Wangaratta community, I am proud to declare 'you'll never walk alone'." Learning area leader for health and physical education at Galen, Eliza Pascall, said it had been great as a staff member not only to look at the structure of LFC programs, but to learn about the club's culture, and she was eager to see how students embraced the club's valued and integrated them into the FIRST (faith, integrity, respect, self, team) framework at Galen. "I am excited about the opportunities that our partnership with Liverpool Football Club will open up for our students," she said. "Our curriculum team is working in conjunction with Kevin Grima, the technical director from the Liverpool Football Club International Academy, to create units of work and subject electives that will be incorporated into our physical education programs." The Galen program currently has four coaches, with 12 players set to be allocated to each coach, and Mr Arcuri said expressions of interest for both coaches and players would be open soon.

Rolling out The Reds' carpet

Mountain Men, Hawks advance in O&K senior finals

Magpies secure minor premiership

Northeast Health Wangaratta faces significant demand

Two wineries best in business with fortified and sweet

Most popular stories

Mountain Men, Hawks advance in O&K senior finals

Magpies secure minor premiership

Northeast Health Wangaratta faces significant demand

Two wineries best in business with fortified and sweet