Nearly three months on from the launch of LFC International Academy Kunming, Head Coach Daniel Reece has confirmed the programme is going exceptionally well.

LFC announced details of the new project in late April, and since then the partnership with Kunming Education Bureau has seen children in schools across Kunming coached The Liverpool Way. In addition, a programme of coach education has also been delivered, aimed at improving the standards of coaching across the city.

Head Coach Daniel Reece relocated from Liverpool to Kunming to oversee delivery of the programme and confirmed that it’s been a tremendous success so far.

“It’s going really well.” Daniel confirmed.

“Personally, I settled in very well and the programme is working brilliantly. It’s been very well received here by both the children and the coaches and they’ve adapted to a new style of coaching nicely.”

That new style of coaching has been a huge hit, but a sharp contrast to how sports coaching is often delivered in the country. It’s a more relaxed approach, with coaches encouraging children to use their own creativity and think for themselves.

Daniel added: “The kids love it. Being coached in a totally different way has really engaged them and they’ve been very receptive. They’d never experienced it before and they really enjoy that freedom that comes with our approach to coaching.

“The coaches have taken a lot from it as well. It can’t be easy to adapt to a totally new style of coaching given that they will have been delivering in a different way for so long, but credit to them; they’ve been open to it and really taken on board what I’ve delivered.

“Being part of LFC International Academy has also allowed the children to begin taking part in competitive sessions at an early age. Quite often children do not play in any sort of competitive game situation until they’re nine or ten years-old, so it’s a change that the kids have really enjoyed.”

On a personal level, Daniel has also immersed himself in the local way of life. His partner has joined him in Kunming on a permanent basis and life in China is enjoyable.

“It’s great to be somewhere different and see how much Liverpool means to people. Sometimes you may forget just how big the club is, how much it effects people in these places. The likes of Salah, Mane and Firmino are well known out here, so it’s great to have that instant bond with people because of the team.

“So many people are aware of the project here in Kunming. It’s well-known around China and I’m often stopped and asked about it. It’s brilliant.

“For me personally, I’ve managed to learn a bit of the Chinese language which is interesting and is helping me to settle. I’m also beginning to understand how things work here in China, so it’s been an amazing experience so far.

As for a long-term legacy, Daniel would love to see football develop in China and reach new levels, helped by projects such as the one at LFC International Academy Kunming.

Daniel said: “I get asked this quite a lot. When I speak to the players, I sometimes ask ‘who wants to play for China?’. I tell them how great it would be if any of them could play for China, or play in the Super League here, or even follow a pathway to Europe.

“As the coaching style and approach evolves, the standard of football is improving across China as well. Who knows where this can lead? The first Chinese coach in the Premier League? A former LFC IA Kunming participant playing in the Chinese Super League? It’s a fascinating time to be involved with football in China.”