LFC International Academy (LFC IA) hosted its seventh annual convention in March, welcoming representatives from IAs around the world into Liverpool.

Attendees enjoyed a packed schedule of content across the week, delivered at multiple LFC sites including Anfield, AXA Melwood Training Centre and the AXA Training Centre.

The event delivered key updates on the both the business and technical aspects of LFC, while also allowing attendees to share their own experiences and best practices with peers from around the world.

Anfield was the iconic venue for day one, with the Chemistry Lounge turned into a LFC International Academy showroom, bringing to life the latest branding opportunities, eAcademy demonstrations and adidas kit.

Former Reds star John Barnes was our very special guest as he opened the convention with an engaging Q&A, sharing insights into his career and passing on advice for guiding young players. In the afternoon, individual academies were invited to the stage to present some of the great work they’ve been doing around the globe in the last 12 months.

AXA Melwood Training Centre was the venue for day two. The day started with a brilliant on-pitch session with former LFC Women star Natasha Dowie, talking through one of her goals which was shown on video to delegates before hosting a technical session designed to develop that same technique.

Attendees were then invited pitch side to watch the LFC Women first team prepare for the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton, gaining valuable insight into the training methods used ahead of a crucial game.

After lunch, former England and Reds striker Emile Heskey was our guest as he co-hosted an on-pitch training session which was formed around the techniques he demonstrated in scoring his iconic goal against Everton at Goodison Park in 2001.

The day was brought to a close with a fascinating Q&A with LFCW Managing Director Andy O’Boyle and Niamh Fahey, each providing incredible insight into the LFCW operations and the position of the women’s game in the UK.

On Wednesday, attendees started the day working on-pitch at the Academy before heading to the AXA Training Centre for a tour followed by a nutrition workshop. There was also an opportunity to undertake some media activity in front of the camera in the press room.

Attention then turned to Wednesday evening and for a memorable social event at Anfield, overlooking the hallowed turf. Liverpool legend Sammy Lee provided the entertainment on a night that will live long in the memory for those who attended.

It was back to Anfield on Thursday for a series of workshops and presentations about safeguarding and other business operations topics, as well as another special guest Q&A as 2005 Champions League winner Vladimir Smicer relived that night in Istanbul. Delegates then visited the Academy in the evening to observe some training sessions.

Friday saw attendees delivering sessions on-pitch at the Academy, bringing the curtain down on a fascinating five days.

It didn’t end there though, with attendees able to attend the Women’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday lunch time before watching LFC Legends play Dortmund Legends at Anfield later in the day.