Following entering the HE arena in 2019 with the opening of their Sixth Form College, LV Media Hub member LILA* has announced an innovative and exciting new A-Level, Football and Sports Pathway programme to University in partnership with Liverpool Football College and in Association with Steven Gerrard.

LILA* has for years offered English language programmes and greatly helped to put Liverpool City on the map within international education. Established in 2004 by sisters Leanne Linacre and Victoria Bligh, LILA* has consistently developed their course offering and also become very active within the international education industry, championing quality and equality, and dedicated to offering real choice and life-changing experience to students fulfilling study abroad dreams.

Liverpool Football College in association with Steven Gerrard is led by UEFA-licensed coaches and has already produced professional and semi-professional players. Steven Gerrard, of course, is a Liverpool legend having played over 700 times for Liverpool FC and won the UEFA Champions League in 2005. He has been a long-term supporter even before officially forming an association last November. He commented that ‘Having personally seen the hard work that has gone into establishing the college, I’m delighted to lend my support to a top football and education programme that has set high standards and has a pedigree of developing players and young people since 2011’.

After moving to provide A-levels as well as English language programmes LILA* continues to innovate. Leanne (LILA* Director) commented that “Sports tourism is now believed to be the fastest-growing segment within the travel industry and is showing no signs of slowing down. LILA* Liverpool with Liverpool Football College in Association with Steven Gerrard is aiming to make sure our students are perfectly prepared to take full advantage of these diverse global opportunities.”

We wish LILA*, Liverpool Football College and Mr Gerrard every success and as our valued member, we will support LILA* in this excellent extension to their portfolio from 2020 and beyond.