Exclusive interview: Ray Curtis
There’s good news for budding soccer stars says Terence Pillay. The Liverpool Football Club are putting around eight-hundred young boys and girls through the “Liverpool Way” programme in its debut season, launched in Durban this year.
And the man at heading up the project is Ray Curtis. Having joined the Liverpool ranks in 2010, Ray Curtis headed up the Liverpool Academy in India and was the Goalkeeper Coach at the LFC Academy in the UK. A club man through and through, he is proud to represent the greatest football club in the world and all that it stands for.
Liverpool Football Club says they are privileged to welcome Ray to their team as Head Coach of the South African Academy. He will oversee the Academies in Durban and Johannesburg and ensure that the values and training drills are maintained to the standards of Liverpool FC itself.
RAY IN A NUTSHELL
• UEFA B License – Outfield & Goalkeeping
• FA Youth Modules 1 - 3
• FA Coach Education Tutor
• FA Coach Mentor
• L3 Award in Diet & Nutrition
• Fitness Instructor
Liverpool Football Club is recognised around the world as one of an elite group of clubs with a true worldwide reputation. They pride themselves in creating the best environment for the development of young players, both as footballers and as people.
LFC has a very special philosophy which is well known by their players, staff and fans, is recognised all over the world and sets them aside from other football clubs.
The characteristics of 'Playing the Liverpool Way' were no more evident than during the 2005 Champions League final. Team spirit, hard work, determination and the ability to overcome any obstacles in life and above all play with dignity and fair play.... these are all the values and characteristics they look for in their players.
For the last 50 years the club has been at the forefront of British and European football, winning numerous championships and European club tournaments.
During this time, there has been a consistent tradition of developing top class players, particularly from the Liverpool Academy; currently Steven Gerrard is the ultimate example of a home grown talent who ranks at the very top of the worldwide game.
Catch the full interview here:
You know of a budding soccer star aged 5 – 16? Go to www.liverpoolacademy.co.za and find out how they can join the academy.
You can contact Terence Pillay at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter: @terencepillay1 and tweet him your thoughts.