After hanging up his football boots as a player, David Ridler wondered what would be next for him. Not wanting to turn his back on the sport he had made a professional career out of; he made the decision to move into coaching.

While it is a well-trodden path for many former players, it doesn’t make the journey any easier.

“The transition from player to coach was both challenging and rewarding.” David recalls.

“I wasn't sure if I would enjoy coaching, but as I delved deeper and started working with aspiring players, I discovered a new passion.”

That passion comes across loud and clear whenever David coaches, and after initially coaching in the UK, his career took went in an unexpected direction as far as geography is concerned.

In 2014 he was offered an unexpected but exciting new opportunity; to relocate to Egypt and become Head Coach of the brand new LFC International Academy Egypt.

When first approached, David felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. As not only did he see this as a significate milestone in his career, but also as an opportunity to immerse himself in a new culture with rich history and traditions.

However, the decision was still not one to be taken lightly. He also had to consider his wife, Joanna, and newborn child, Mikey.

“We wanted to ensure the best for our family. Balancing the excitement of a new professional venture with the responsibilities of being new parents was key for us.”

With the support of his family and colleagues, it was decided ultimately moving to Egypt was the right choice and David reflects on what has been a truly rewarding experience for his entire family. For more than a decade now, he has been living and working in Egypt, teaching youngsters how to play The Liverpool Way.

David adds: “The culture and heritage of Egypt are truly beautiful, and the warmth and respect shown by the people here have made our experience even more rewarding.”

LFC International Academy Egypt opened its doors in 2014 and has been growing ever since. Now, coming up on 11 years later, it has multiple academy locations in New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed City with the Academy welcoming over 700 young Reds through its doors every month.

Throughout their 11 years, David grows prouder of the player’s successes, which have been reflected in the leagues the LFC IA Egypt teams compete in, securing multiple trophies as well as representing LFC in numerous tournaments across all age groups.

Coaching The Liverpool Way has meant that David, along with his coaching team, have had the opportunity to guide and shape the growth of the young Reds not only as players, but also as confident individuals off the pitch.

This has been curated by the hard work of the LFC IA Egypt Academy team. Cultivating an environment that goes beyond football and training and is a community where children, parents and coaches can come together, living the values of LFC. Values of the club resonate not only with the players, but the surrounding community as well.

Reflecting on his time in Egypt so far, David said: “Delivering the Liverpool coaching program in Egypt has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. It has allowed me to stay connected to the sport I love while making a meaningful difference in the lives of young players. This opportunity has enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined, and I am deeply grateful for that.”