Recently, we sat down to have a chat with Head Coach of Liverpool FC International Academy Egypt, David Ridler, to discuss the ongoing and prospering operation of the programme, and how The Liverpool Way has instigated changes to football there.

1. Can you tell us about the operation you have in Egypt? Give us a little bit of introduction of your academy in terms of size, age of kids, coaches and major accomplishment

The LFCIA Egypt programme has grown from strength to strength. We were operating from 2 International British school venues and had a schedule of 7 days training. We have 400 players enrolled each month. This summer we left the school venues and moved to Rehab Sporting Club and Madinaty Sporting Club which have amazing facilities including state-of-the-art training pitches. We also have an excellent venue at The German University (GUC) in New Cairo which has a natural grass field. All 3 venues are amazing. Moving to the Sporting Clubs was a personal ambition for me, because I knew this would develop the LFCIA Egypt training programme and attract more players, coaches, staff and parents. Currently, we are not far from having 1000 players across all the venues per month, which in a short space of time is very impressive. The children’s programme is from 5 years old to 16 years old. Keeping to the ratio of players to coach, we have increased our base of coaches and now have a total of 61 staff working with 42 coaches across the venues. We have teams representing us in the Egyptian league from Rehab and Madinaty Sporting Clubs. They are competing very well, and we have enjoyed success in regard to finishing in the top 3 consistently from age 9 to 12 years old. Even though you may not be surprised, it really is a fruitful result as we have created teams by developing the players’ levels and focusing on all players playing the same amount of games and time during the season. Not all of the players in our programme play in this system, so we create lots of games for all age groups with local academies as well as take part in tournaments. One tournament in particular we have lots of success at is the Hurghada tournament. We have competed well each time we have played and have won the tournament in age groups 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005. Maintaining the authenticity, high standards of training within the Liverpool FC curriculum is the main objective here. The values of the club are fantastic and really provide the platform and excellent experience for every player that joins us.

2. What is the happiest moment and biggest achievement so far?

The happiest moment for me is that my family are happy and settled here. The growth and stability of the Liverpool FC International Academy here in Egypt is an achievement that I am so proud of. Also, seeing the players grow up and develop into nice children as well as great players/teams is so fulfilling for me. It is also an honour for me to help educate the local coaches here and have such respect and loyalty from them. Not only are we developing the children, we are developing the coaches, staff and parents, our whole Liverpool family, in The Liverpool Way.

3. How do you think The Liverpool Way has benefited your programme?

The Liverpool Way and club values are central to the operation. Also, with me being born a red and from the city, I work as hard and as passionately as I can to demonstrate and educate all the staff/players/parents to understand how global the club is and what a major deal it is to be part of the Liverpool programme. It is not only the training programme that makes LFC so special, it’s also the extra things we do to help and take care of all children, parents, coaches, staff and even people from the street. The Liverpool Way benefits everybody here even if you are not at the academy.

4. Can you tell us the differences between football in the UK and Egypt?

Yes, the difference is the organisations. In the UK there is a huge support structure, even in grassroots football. In Egypt it’s difficult, with such a huge population and there is no pathway for the children and no funding to have lots of leagues set up properly in the different cities of Egypt. I think the Egyptian FA are trying to get a better system set up, but it is so difficult for them to do it. There are many players/children here who will not get any opportunities at all to play at league level. Even the education for the coaches here is limited and that will have an effect on the future development of all the children.

5. What is your relationship with the staff and Liverpool FC?

I am the head coach of the Egypt International Academy programme which is part of the structure set up by Liverpool FC to support all International Academies. I am in touch with the head of the department Dan White and his team on a daily basis. Everything delivered here and worldwide comes from Liverpool Football Club and this department. The Liverpool curriculum is excellent and so up to date with what is delivered back at Liverpool Academy in Kirkby, Liverpool.

6. What is the impact on local football talents and coaches?

Huge impact. The coaches have questioned me at times during coach education that the sessions arranged for the children are too difficult and had the attitude of ‘they can’t do that’. Once they delivered it, they were pleasantly surprised. I have personally been surprised at some of the children’s development from being a shy child to now being a leader and taking responsibility with and without the ball. It certainly fills everyone with trust and confidence.

7. What’s been the biggest challenge during your time here?

There’s been a few really. Things here generally take time and when you are trying to arrange and plan things in advance, the process can be a slow and frustrating one. I must be patient because I like things to be perfect and done to the Liverpool standards.

8. What’s the focus area for you at LFC IA Egypt?

Great question. Doing things correctly and professionally. Once the children enrol at Liverpool FC, we want them to stay for years and love coming to training. My focus is to have consistency in all areas, coaches delivering the sessions in The Liverpool Way, schedules and training delivered correctly, the development of the children covering the LFC player model, building relations with the parents and maintaining strong relations between the partner and Liverpool FC.

9. What are the ambitions and plans for the future?

The short-term plans will be to expand in numbers and keep the highest standards of Liverpool FC. I am hoping to create teams from all venues to arrange internal tournaments and eventually internal leagues. The long-term plans and ambition will be to create games or a tournament with other Liverpool FC International Academies.

LFC IA Egypt is a part of the big family of Liverpool FC International Academies, which aims to deliver the most authentic club coaching programme to participants all over the world. Now there are more than 20 International Academies across 5 continents.

For more information about LFC International Academy Egypt, visit http://lfcifaegypt.com/