Blackfriars has forged an exciting partnership with global football powerhouse Liverpool FC, bringing the prestigious Liverpool International Academy to Adelaide.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the school, aligning its sporting aspirations with one of the most successful and historic football clubs in the world.
A New Era for Soccer Development
The Liverpool International Academy Adelaide will deliver a high-performance soccer program that mirrors the elite training experience of Liverpool FC players in the UK. More than just a football program, the initiative is designed to inspire students, foster personal growth, and create pathways for success.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring the Liverpool International Academy to Blackfriars,” said Blackfriars Principal David Ruggiero.
“From the very beginning, it was clear that this partnership was about much more than football. Blackfriars and Liverpool FC share a deep commitment to the holistic development of young people.”
He emphasized that learning to play “The Liverpool Way” aligns perfectly with Blackfriars’ mission to nurture young men of integrity, faith, and character.
The Liverpool Way: More Than Just Football
At the core of The Liverpool Way are four fundamental values—ambition, commitment, dignity, and unity—which shape the club’s philosophy both on and off the field.
“The Liverpool Way emphasizes respect, hard work, and perseverance—qualities that extend far beyond the football pitch,” Mr. Ruggiero added.
“Our students will carry these lessons into their academic and personal lives, helping them become well-rounded individuals.”
A Game-Changing Partnership
Blackfriars is the first metropolitan school in Adelaide—and only the second in South Australia—to form an official partnership with Liverpool FC.
Liverpool FC International Academy Australia’s Director of Football, Kevin Grima, said Blackfriars was an ideal partner for the club’s global academy initiative.
“We are proud and excited to work with Blackfriars to create a unique environment for students, players, and coaches in the local community,” Mr. Grima said.
“Liverpool FC’s vision is to be a world leader in developing young people through football. Our programs aim not only to produce strong footballers but also to positively shape young lives, no matter where their journey takes them.”
Elevating Blackfriars’ Soccer Program
Blackfriars’ Soccer Academy Director, Ernie Luongo—a former National Soccer League player and championship-winning coach—hailed the partnership as a major achievement for the school.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our students. Liverpool FC is a club that represents excellence and shares the same core values as Blackfriars,” Mr. Luongo said.
“Since our academy’s inception, our goal has been to create opportunities that inspire growth, character, and leadership. This partnership seamlessly integrates the four pillars of Blackfriars—Prayer, Study, Community, and Service—with The Liverpool Way.”
The academy will also offer coaching opportunities and community football clinics, extending its impact beyond Blackfriars students.
About Liverpool FC
Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the most decorated football clubs in the world. The club, based in Liverpool, England, competes in the English Premier League and has played at Anfield since its inception.
Liverpool’s trophy cabinet includes:
- 19 English league titles, with their most recent Premier League triumph in 2019-20.
- 8 FA Cups and a record 10 League Cups.
- 6 UEFA Champions League titles, the most by any English club, with victories spanning from 1977 to 2019.
- 3 UEFA Cups and 4 UEFA Super Cups.
What the Liverpool International Academy Offers
Students enrolled in Blackfriars’ soccer program will have access to Liverpool FC International Academy’s world-class curriculum and coaching methodology.
Additionally, all Blackfriars soccer coaches—including staff, volunteers, and alumni involved in the school’s co-curricular programs—will receive official accreditation from Liverpool FC International Academy.
This certification will allow them to lead Liverpool FC-branded training clinics for boys and girls across Adelaide, held at Blackfriars and the nearby northern parklands.
Teachers and coaches will also be invited to participate in The Liverpool Way training program, ensuring that the club’s core values—ambition, commitment, dignity, and unity—are applied across both sporting and academic disciplines.
A Partnership Built for Success
The academy is a joint project between Liverpool FC and the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)—Australia’s leading independent higher education provider specializing in sport, education, and health.
By partnering with ACPE, Liverpool FC has established an environment that combines Australia’s top-tier sports education expertise with the club’s world-renowned coaching philosophy.
With this game-changing collaboration, Blackfriars students will now have access to one of the world’s best football education programs—right here in Adelaide.
