Derry firm team up with Steven Gerrard via new partnership aimed at young footballers

The new partnership offers the opportunity to attend Liverpool Football College, where Gerrard is a patron, and pursue a career in the sports industry.

Skill School NI already provides a multi-sport option for young people in Derry through partnerships with St. Cecilia’s College and St. Columb’s College for any young person aspiring to work in the sports industry but this new link-up is specifically geared toward 16-19 year old footballers seeking to further their education through a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport alongside full-time football training. Skill School NI will deliver the teaching of the educational side of things with all of the north west coaching sessions in Derry at either St. Cecilia’s or St. Columb’s.

Liverpool Football College and sports education provider, LLS, deliver sixth form sports courses across the world, from Liverpool to Qatar, giving school leavers the chance to continue their studies and secure careers within the sports industry.

“This is a brilliant concept bringing the expertise of these organisations together. Having supported Liverpool Football College for 10 years and been officially involved since 2019 I can’t wait to see our fantastic programme launch with LLS across England, Wales and Northern Ireland,” said Gerrard.

“With a first class football offer and a first-class education offer this course has the winning formula.”

The post-16 course will launch in the Autumn with aspiring football professionals working towards graduate pathways which include full-time football, university degrees and professional employment at home and abroad.

Students will study A-level equivalent qualifications alongside a football programme which will be led by elite level coaches. Liverpool Football College and LLS graduates have gone on to careers playing professionally and coaching for international clubs.

Former FA Chief Executive and LLS Patron Brian Barwick said: “I have worked with Joe Mulhearn and Jordan Wright and the LLS team over the past decade and have found them to be dedicated, driven and determined to deliver for their students. Merging with Liverpool Football College and a sporting icon in Steven Gerrard will certainly take things to the next level and I am looking forward to being on the same team.”

Director of Liverpool Football College, David MacDiarmid said: “We are delighted to team up with LLS. They are a highly trusted partner of schools, universities and elite-level sports clubs.

“They have more than 30 full-time industry professionals committed to giving youngsters life changing opportunities. We’ve been working with LLS on many projects and have been blown away by the impact they have on thousands of young people around the world.”

School leavers are welcome to apply for one of the final few places available for September 2020 by emailing [email protected] Applications are now also open to Year 10 pupils for September 2021 and interested young people are encouraged to register their interest via email.