It may have only launched earlier this summer, but LFC International Academy Hong Kong is already gaining impressive momentum in the city.

Having officially launched on 30th June, the programme has already seen significant interest from across Hong Kong and the number of children who have signed up is steadily growing.

For Technical Director of Coaching at LFC IA Hong Kong, Tom Penny, the early success of the project has come as no surprise. Tom moved out to Hong Kong for the launch and has worked hard on recruiting a coaching team and preparing for the start of the new season later this month.

Tom said: “We have really been able to connect with players and parents across the city and show them what it feels like to experience the most authentic club coaching programme in the world.

“We have been able to hold taster sessions at several venues across the city and this has really helped to spread the word. It’s allowed children to come and experience a unique way of football being delivered to them; The Liverpool Way.”

On a personal level, Tom’s appointment to the role at LFC International Academy Hong Kong was a considerable accomplishment in his career.

“It is a huge honour to be leading such a significant programme here in Hong Kong.” Tom said.

“To work for LFC is a dream come true for me. The club has always supported and backed me in every way and I want to work hard and repay the faith they have shown in me.”

One of Tom’s first tasks was to work alongside colleagues to recruit a team of skilled local coaches to help him deliver the coaching programme. A total of 37 coaches have now joined LFC International Academy Hong Kong with their enthusiasm and personal skills just as important as their coaching credentials.

Tom added: “A large part of what I have done with the coaches is convey to them what it means to work for LFC and what is required to coach The Liverpool Way. It’s a huge honour to be responsible for explaining the history of LFC to them and communicating just how special the club is.

“It’s vital that everyone is on the same page and knows the importance of doing things correctly both on and off the pitch. The coaches should be role models to the young players and form excellent relationships with parents, and we have a fantastic team in place to ensure that these expectations are met.”

In addition to educating coaches about just how special the club is, Tom and his team will also work hard to ensure players and parents feel part of the LFC family and know the club’s four core values.

“I’m really passionate about this project and about LFC, and I want to make sure everyone involved here knows how special it is to be part of the LFC family. I want to create a LFC Hong Kong family with everyone striving towards the same goal.

“The values we believe in so deeply as a football club; Ambition, Commitment, Unity and Dignity, will be central to everything we do.”

For more information about LFC International Academy Hong Kong, visit http://www.lfcacademy.hk.