AXA Foundation funds six students to attend Liverpool FC International Academy summer camp in UK
Reds legend Jason McAteer visits programme in Hong Kong

The AXA x Liverpool FC Young Football Talent Programme 2019, co-organised by AXA Foundation and Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) was successfully completed last week in King’s Park.

AXA Foundation offered grassroots youngsters who are interested in playing football a unique opportunity to undergo football training at the Liverpool FC International Academy in Hong Kong. 100 young football enthusiasts from underprivileged families were recruited to join the AXA x Liverpool FC Young Football Talent Programme 2019 and participated in a football skill enhancement course at the LFC International Academy. Through this programme, AXA Foundation has empowered talented young footballers from all walks of life, and provided them with the opportunity to develop and learn new techniques and skills under the guidance of LFC coaching staff, whilst learning how to play “The Liverpool Way”.

AXA Foundation is committed to supporting meaningful community programmes so as to empower people to live better lives, as well as promoting local health as its mission. 

Six outstanding players among the 100 recruited students have been selected by Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) to participate in a seven-day summer training camp in the UK, expenses of which will be fully funded by AXA Foundation. The training camp, held at LFC’s Academy in Liverpool, will not only provide students with the opportunity to further develop their football skills, but also learn lifelong communication, teamwork and leadership skills that can be used in their everyday life.

As a special surprise for attendees, Reds legend, Jason McAteer, travelled to Hong Kong to visit the International Academy and watch the cohort play friendly matches against local secondary school teams. The former LFC midfielder offered encouragement from the side lines and took part in a field demonstration with the youngsters.

Ms. Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer (Designate) of AXA Hong Kong and Macau was invited to present Certificates of Recognition and invitations to the LFC International Academy UK summer camp. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ms. Wan said: “AXA is the official principal partner of Liverpool FC and I am extremely happy that we have joined hands with Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) to promote football training for youngsters. Among the participants, six outstanding players will be sponsored to attend a summer camp in the UK. We hope that the experience will help them grown and develop as players.”

Perhson Wong, Chairman of PNH Soccer Academy Ltd., said: “AXA Foundation and the LFC International Academy share the same philosophy – we aim to nurture and improve our young players’ football skills and hope that they are inspired by football education and the LFC mentality. We believe that young people of different backgrounds should be given the opportunities to pursue their dreams, teaching them the true Red’s spirit of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.”

The Liverpool FC International Academy (Hong Kong) provides unique opportunities for children aged three to 17, from grassroots level through to teams that compete in local leagues and tournaments, to learn to play ‘The Liverpool Way’. Players will improve their football and social skills and develop their technical, tactical, physical and social abilities through age-specific coaching sessions.

A wide range of year-round programmes are planned, including ongoing player development sessions, soccer schools in the holiday season and an annual youth football tournament. Through the unique coaching methods of Liverpool FC, there is also a strong focus on improving key life skills of the young participants, such as communication, teamwork, confidence, preparation and organisation.