Hope Partner Teams Up With Footballer Steven Gerrard

In January this year Hope joined forces with LLS, one of Britain’s fastest growing sports coaching and post-16 education companies. 

 

The special partnership gives students the opportunity to study a range of degrees at Hope - including business and marketing, Law and Psychology, as well as Health Sciences like Sport and Physical Education - alongside elite-level sports coaching, and a structured strength and conditioning programme supported by a sports science approach.

Now LLS, headquartered in Woolton, south Liverpool, has extended its reach further to partner with Liverpool Football College, in association with former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard, giving young people across the UK the opportunity to pursue a career in the sports industry. 

Gerrard, now manager of Scottish club Rangers, said: “This is a brilliant concept bringing the expertise of these organisations together.

 

“Having supported Liverpool Football College for 10 years and been officially involved since 2019 I can’t wait to see our fantastic programme launch with LLS across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

 

“I believe that both organisations are going to benefit from the relationship. But more importantly, the kids are, both locally and globally.

 

“That’s what we’re all doing it for. We’re all there to support, and help, and guide these kids so they get better futures for themselves.”

 

LLS deliver sixth form sports courses across the world, from Liverpool to Qatar, giving school leavers the chance to continue their studies and secure careers within the sports industry.

 

The new link-up with Liverpool Football College will bring a two-year sports programme to selected partner colleges across England, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2020.

 

The post-16 course will launch in Autumn 2020, with 500 aspiring football professionals working towards graduate pathways, which include full-time football, university degrees and professional employment at home and abroad. 

 

That means some of the new Liverpool Football College recruits are likely to find their way to Hope in the future. 

 

Students will aim for A-level equivalent qualifications alongside a football programme which will be led by elite level coaches. 

 

Meanwhile Liverpool Football College and LLS graduates have gone on to enjoy careers playing professionally, as well as coaching for international clubs.

 

Jordan Wright Managing Director at LLS, commented: “Liverpool Football College specialise in unique football programmes, giving young people the opportunity to have an education while also receiving high level coaching and playing competitive football. 

“LLS combines a commitment to education with a wealth of experience in different sporting settings. 

 

“And this partnership is a great opportunity for us to come together and have a big impact locally. Long term, we can then help Liverpool Football College, and their product, grow into our existing package across the UK. 

 

“Ultimately it’s a collaboration that benefits Liverpool Hope University, too. 

 

“Many of these young athletes will go on to study on a Higher Education course. As an
official partner of LLS, Hope will be an extremely attractive proposition for our amazing young people.”

 

Director of Liverpool Football College, David MacDiarmid added: “We are delighted to team up with LLS. They are a highly trusted partner of schools, universities and elite-level sports clubs.

 
“They have more than 30 full-time industry professionals committed to giving youngsters life changing opportunities. We’ve been working with LLS on many projects and have been blown away by the impact they have on thousands of young people around the world.”

Professor Gerald Pillay, Vice Chancellor and Rector of Liverpool Hope University, praised Hope’s relationship with LLS, saying it enhanced the University’s international reputation for academic excellence. 

 

He added: “Liverpool Hope University has one of the best graduate employment rates in the UK.  And through the ongoing partnership with LLS, we will equip students with the academic and professional skills they need to thrive in highly-competitive global sports industries.”

** School leavers are welcome to apply for one of the final few places available for
September 2020 by emailing yourfuture@llsonline.uk

 

Applications are now also open to Year 10 pupils for September 2021 and interested young people are encouraged to register their interest via email.