Sport

‘A proud day’: Liverpool FC and Assumption College combine for state-of-the-art program

By Patrick Morrow

Dec 5, 2022

You will never walk alone: Proud Assumption College principal Kate Fogarty and Liverpool FC International Academy Australia director Kevin Kalinko come together to launch the high-performance sports program, which will start in 2023. Photo by Chloe Smith

The words “Assumption College, you will never walk alone" rang out at a recent partnership announcement between Assumption College and one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Liverpool FC International Academy Australia director Kevin Kalinko uttered those words at last Friday's announcement between the UK-based club and Assumption College.

The partnership sees the Kilmore-based school become the home of the first Liverpool FC Academy in Victoria.

It is also the first school in the country to offer a high-performance soccer program delivered by Liverpool FC.

**Kids running out for soccer future:** The partnership is a chance to develop young talent for the professional game. Photo by Chloe Smith

Assumption College deputy principal Vaughan Cleary said the partnership would join a “world network of international academies spanning across the globe".

“This relationship with Liverpool FC coincides with the launch of our high-performance soccer as a subject in our innovative myMAP curriculum in 2023, a suite of over 250 subject offerings our students have access to study,” Cleary said.

**Proud day:** Liverpool FC International Academy Australia director Kevin Kalinko said cementing their future partnership was a ‘proud day’ for both the school and the soccer club. Photo by Chloe Smith

As well offering the high-performance program, the partnership includes after school and holiday programs for aspiring students.

There will also be opportunities for local coaches to be trained and accredited through Liverpool FC.

The program will offer an opportunity to develop future soccer stars for the professional game.

The high-performance soccer program at Assumption will aim to create an environment that mirrors the one experienced by players on a high-performance pathway in the UK.

“Liverpool’s mission with international academy programs around the world is to be the world leader in developing young people through football,” Kalinko said.

“This next step in Australia fits perfectly with that mission.”