Six months ago, Derry Creighton jetted out to China to embark on the next stage of his coaching career, as Head Coach of LFC International Academy Kunming.

Since then, Derry has immersed himself into local life, embracing the challenges that living and working in a new culture present, while using his coaching skills to continue developing young players the Liverpool way.

While he strives to learn a brand-new language and experience all that the city of Kunming has to offer, Derry recalls his excitement when offered the chance to take up the position in 2024, just five years after initially joining LFC International Academy as a casual coach.

Derry said: “I was so keen to make the move to China. I spoke with people who have made similar moves previously, as well as former head coaches of the Academy here in Kunming, it helped me to understand what I was going in to.”

LFC International Academy Kunming started in 2018 and has since grown into a significant success story for the region. Some of the most promising young players from across Yunnan province join the Academy each year, continuing their development under the stewardship of an experienced LFC Head Coach and a local coaching team.

For Derry, it’s easy to see why the Academy has been so successful to date, with those same reasons also helping him ease into the position of Head Coach.

“I look back at my first couple of sessions here in Kunming, and those early weeks when I first arrived. The young players were so excited and eager to learn. This really helped me settle in, not just with their top football ability, but also how they were with helping me settle.”

Derry communicates with players with the help of a translator, something that has not only been incredibly helpful in getting his message across, but has also encouraged him to develop his own communication skills when delivering sessions.

“It [the different language] really makes me zone-in on how to get my message across in other ways, as well as making sure my instructions and the feedback I give are precise.

“The players demonstrate a real understanding of football and the LFC core values, despite the language barrier, and they deserve enormous credit for that.” he added.

The enthusiasm of the players for all things LFC and learning to play the Liverpool way has really underlined just how global the club is, and the impact it has not only on the players, but with everyone connected to the programme in Kunming, is clear to see.

Derry explained: “Every session and match has a common theme. Both the players, their parents, and also the local community, show a real sense of pride that Kunming is representing LFC in China. Everyone has a smile on their face and exemplifies the core values of an LFC program.

“We see it also when we play in tournaments. Opposition teams are excited to be playing against LFC IA Kunming. We’ve also recently has a visit from Caroline Wilson DCMG, the British Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. It’s a real privilege for me to be part of it.”

To see all of the LFC International Academy global locations, visit our International Courses page.