In May, Liverpool FC Senior Programme Manager Dan Gavin travelled to Japan and Thailand to visit two of the club’s thriving International Academies. These visits play an important role in ensuring that players around the world enjoy a consistent and authentic Liverpool FC experience, while also strengthening relationships between the club and its international partners.

First Stop: LFC International Academy Japan

Dan’s first destination was LFC International Academy Japan, a long-standing partner that has been delivering the Liverpool FC experience to young players for more than a decade. Based in Kawasaki, the academy welcomes over 600 players every month and continues to set a high standard in player and coach development.

During his visit, Dan spent time with both players and coaches, observing training sessions and supporting the academy’s ongoing coach development. Having recently attended the annual LFC IA Convention, he also took the opportunity to share key presentations and curriculum updates with coaches who had been unable to attend, ensuring they remained aligned with the latest coaching practices and programme developments from the Club.

As well as seeing the curriculum in action on the pitch, Dan was able to work directly with players and coaches, sharing his expertise and helping to enhance their overall experience.

Reflecting on his visit, Dan said:

“It is so important to take time to visit our academies and see the fantastic work they are doing. LFC International Academy Japan is truly something to be proud of.”

His visit reinforced the strong partnership between Liverpool FC and LFC International Academy Japan, while highlighting the exceptional work being delivered every day across the programme.

Continuing the Journey in Thailand

Following his time in Japan, Dan travelled to Bangkok to visit LFC International Academy Thailand. The academy will celebrate its third year of partnership with Liverpool FC this September and currently welcomes around 200 players each month, with ambitions to expand into more areas of Thailand in the coming year.

Much of Dan’s visit was spent on the training pitch, working closely with coaches and players across two academy sites. While observing sessions, he praised the consistency of the coaching programme and the enthusiasm shown by players throughout.

Dan also noted how effectively the coaches kept players engaged and motivated, particularly through the opportunity to earn The Liverpool Way Award, which is presented each month to recognise players who demonstrate the club’s core values.

By spending time alongside the coaching staff during sessions, Dan was able to offer advice, share ideas and provide practical feedback drawn from more than a decade of experience in coach and player development.

Speaking about his visit, Dan said:

“It’s always enjoyable to see our academies delivering the curriculum and using all of the resources available to them. The sessions have been brilliant. They are doing a great job, and the young players are really enjoying learning to play The Liverpool Way.”

Delivering The Liverpool Way Around the World

Visits such as these are a vital part of ensuring that every LFC International Academy delivers the highest standards of coaching and player experience, providing young players with the most authentic Liverpool FC experience possible while helping them develop both on and off the pitch.

Through regular collaboration, coach education and on-the-ground support, Liverpool FC continues to strengthen its global academy network and inspire the next generation of players to learn and play The Liverpool Way.