LFC welcomes SC Johnson to the Reds Family

LFC welcomes SC Johnson

Liverpool FC has welcomed SC Johnson, a Family Company at work for a better world as a global and purpose-led partner. The multi-year ‘Goals for Change’ partnership will see the Reds and SC Johnson team up to deliver a collective vision for a healthier world with local and global initiatives focussed on three specific areas: sustainability, health and opportunity. 

Goals for Change

Utilising their access to the men’s and women’s teams, ‘Goals for Change’ will help fans understand what they can do to help create a more sustainable future aligning closely with the club’s own sustainability initiative, the Red Way which launched in January this year. Matt Scammell, Commercial Director at LFC: “We launched our sustainability programme the Red Way earlier this year and made a commitment to make a positive difference to our people, our communities and our planet. SC Johnson has made important step changes within their industry which have delivered incredible results through several sustainability initiatives. “I feel very optimistic about the work we can do together through this partnership, both raising awareness and looking after the safety of our supporters and ultimately using our voices for good to help the next generation of Reds all around the world.” 

At launch there will be two key elements, around sustainability and health. Upcycling at Anfield SC Johnson will work with LFC on a comprehensive and industry-leading plastics upcycling program within Anfield, and LFC’s club facilities to upcycle single-use plastic products into select SC Johnson consumer products, which will eventually be retailed within the U.K. On match days there will be branded recycling bins located on each concourse encouraging fans to drop their plastic waste into. Across the season, the closed-loop recycling model aims to turn more than 500,000 plastic bottles into new Mr Muscle® packaging. “Plastic waste is a threat to our planet for this and future generations,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “At SC Johnson, we believe we all have a responsibility to solve this critical environmental issue. 

Our partnership with Liverpool FC is one of the many steps SC Johnson is taking to move forward our vision for a waste-free world as it creates another local solution to this global problem by leveraging football to help close the plastic recycling loop.” Keeping Anfield Clean LFC is committed to maintaining the highest hygiene standards for both supporters and staff, while also considering the environmental impact. 

As Official Cleaning and Disinfectant Partner, SC Johnson is helping with the safe return of supporters this season with their innovative professional cleaning products now a staple across LFC’s stadiums and AXA Training Centre. Working together LFC and SC Johnson will reinforce good hygiene as an essential part of supporters’ new matchday routine. Additional sanitiser, and soap dispensers have been placed around the stadium including turnstiles, making it easy and accessible for fans to wash or sanitise their hands regularly. 

To follow, SC Johnson will also get involved with the club’s local community activation and charitable initiatives run by the Liverpool FC Foundation including the international philanthropic programme Right to Play which delivers an educational message to empower young people and communities to rise above adversity, giving them the skills to learn, lead and succeed. The brand will also benefit from matchday visibility and branded content. 

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LFC International Academy launches in Beijing

LFC International Academy launches in Beijing

Liverpool Football Club today announced that it will be launching the LFC International Academy Beijing with partners Li Sheng to deliver a new youth coaching project in China.

Aimed at providing unique coaching opportunities for youngsters, the Reds will now deliver ongoing coaching programmes to children aged five to 16 across Greater Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province to help them learn to play 'The Liverpool Way'.

The project's mission is to develop the participants both on and off the pitch; encouraging them to get active and improve their football skills, whilst also improving important skills in everyday life, such as character, teamwork, confidence and integrity.

Li Sheng's objective is to build 30 football centres in the region in the next five years, with the first Liverpool FC International Academy to be built and opened in 2022 at its Nanhaizi football park in the south of Beijing. From this flagship centre, with state of the art footballing facilities and classrooms, the programme will be delivered to hundreds of children and coaches each week.

Once the 2022 Winter Olympics are complete, Li Sheng will have a facility at the Bird's Nest national stadium too, ensuring that the Liverpool FC International Academy Beijing has visibility at one of the most iconic sporting venues in China.

Players will improve their football skills and develop their technical, tactical and physical abilities through age-specific coaching sessions. Through the unique coaching methods of Liverpool FC, there will also be a focus on educating the young participants in the history, culture and traditions of 'the beautiful game'.

Local coaches will also be involved and will benefit from a comprehensive coach education scheme, which will include the LFC International Academy global accreditation, to deliver coaching 'The Liverpool Way'.

Whilst the initial focus is to launch the project in Beijing, the plan in time is to expand the network of Li Sheng football centres and Liverpool FC International Academies into other Chinese provinces, to make LFC coaching experiences available to as many young players as possible.

Dan White, Vice President, LFC International Academies, said: "Our International Academies create many fantastic opportunities for young players around the world to improve their skills and be developed via our unique coaching methods.

"We are absolutely delighted to be expanding our programme to Beijing to provide opportunities for young players in the region to be coached The Liverpool Way. This is also a key step forward for the UK and China working together in football development."

Ian Rush, LFC International Academy ambassador and former player, said: "We are extremely excited to be bringing the LFC International Academy to Beijing. The curriculum is based on the LFC Academy philosophy and practices; with an active and educational programme, that will provide excellent opportunities for local players and coaches in China."

Mr Chunyu Zhang, Vice President of Li Sheng, said: "Over the years, we have built a strong relationship with our English partners. We hope to combine their expertise with our local resources in Beijing, to provide an exceptional experience to the football community in China."

Alex Arnold, LFC IA Beijing Head Coach, said: 'We can't wait to get started!'

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Reds can earn exclusive Liverpool FC in game gear

Reds can earn exclusive Liverpool FC in game gear in new PUBG MOBILE collaboration

Liverpool FC has teamed up with one of the world's most popular mobile games, PUBG MOBILE, to bring new exciting and exclusive in-game features to Reds fans around the globe.

Through the collaboration, gamers will be able to unlock limited-edition LFC branded outfits and earn free in-game gear and items, such as parachutes and backpacks, when they compete in a series of classic mode games.

The gaming hub also connects players from all over the globe which will bring LFC fans together in this virtual world to show their support and love for the club.

This is the first time Liverpool FC has collaborated with PUBG MOBILE and the new features will launch in the game from 12 November to 20 December 2021.

Drew Crisp, Senior Vice President, Digital, Liverpool FC, said: "In an increasingly digital world, we pride ourselves on being able to innovate and engage with our fans on the vast array of digital platforms they favour. With the realm of online gaming growing and evolving amongst our fans, PUBG MOBILE is the perfect platform to connect with them in a different but very relevant context - intertwining the world of online gaming and football through the power of games and play.

"This is a great opportunity for supporters to embrace their love of the club and interact with LFC on one of their favourite platforms, bringing together the physical interactive nature of football into the digital interactive world of gaming."

Vincent Wang, Head of PUBG MOBILE Publishing, Tencent Games, said: "In PUBG MOBILE, teamwork is a core principle to those who seek to win. In collaborating with Liverpool Football Club, a team renowned for their courageous camaraderie, we have found a perfect match.

"As we continue to strengthen our current bonds and develop prominent relationships with iconic industry leaders, we look forward to further integrating the world of football into PUBG MOBILE."

Reds fans can sign up to the PUBG MOBILE game by heading to the Apple or Google App store.

Liverpool FC Launches Red Week Sale to Celebrate Singles Day

Liverpool FC Launches Red Week Sale

Liverpool FC is set to launch the Red Week sale to celebrate the upcoming 'Singles Day' (November 11) globally. Fans can take advantage of the sale with 20 percent off everything online and in-store for a limited time only.

Moreover, Official LFC Members can claim an additional discount, making for an exclusive 30 per cent total saving on every purchase during this sales period.

The special offer includes the Reds' 2021-22 Nike kits, training apparel, fashion items, accessories, souvenirs, and plenty more to fill up your wardrobe.

Do not miss out on the gift choices for families and friends during this festive season.

The Red Week sale will run from 8:00 a.m. GMT on November 1 (Monday) to 23:59 p.m. GMT on November 7 (Sunday). Supporters can grab this opportunity to purchase the Red's 21/22 jerseys with discounts from Liverpool's official online store.

Please note, some exclusions apply - such as Membership packs, gift vouchers and international store exclusions. Full terms and conditions are available here.

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Kyoto Sanga v Renofa Yamaguchi

Kyoto Sanga v Renofa Yamaguchi, J2

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Kyoto on 24th October, promotion hopefuls Sanga played out a 1-1 draw with struggling Renofa at Sanga Stadium by Kyocera in Kameoka.

Kyoto Sanga v Renofa Yamaguchi

In front of a crowd of a little over 6,000 spectators, the first half was uneventful and goalless.

Just after the break, Miyayoshi Takumi put the home side ahead and it looked odds-on that Sanga would prevail especially after Renofa's Kikuchi Kosuke was sent off for a brainless second yellow card on the hour mark. That they didn't was due to a dogged rearguard performance by the visitors and an amazing goal-line clearance by the Brazilian Henik Luiz de Andrade.

The Purple Wall

Kusana Yuki grabbed a breakaway equalizer for the visitors after 79 minutes and 10-man Renofa could have even taken all three points at the end.

The handful of orange-clad Renofa supporters would have made the long journey home to Yamaguchi in high spirits.

Sanga relies too heavily on the veteran 37-year-old Nigerian/Belgian striker Peter Utaka, who has represented a number of clubs in China and Japan. A lot of Sanga's play goes through the journeyman forward not always to the betterment of the team.

Still, Utaka was on target again the following week at Ehima and barring an almighty collapse, Kyoto should take their place in J1 next season along with Jubilo. How long they will stay there is another matter.

The glory days under coach Gert Engels with a young Park Ji Sung (later of PSV and Manchester United fame) plus Daisuke Matsui and Teruaki Kurobe in the team are long gone.

Sanga v Renofa, J2

Access - Getting There

Kameoka is 20 km west of Kyoto city and easily reached by JR train from either Kyoto Station or Nijo Station in 18-30 minutes depending on the type of train you take. Both stations are on the city's subway network. Kameoka Station is adjacent to the new stadium and just five minutes on foot.

The Sun Royal Hotel Kameoka Ekimae is adjacent to both Kameoka Station and the ground.

© Soccerphile.com

Reds unveil 21/22 third kit taking inspiration from club’s rich heritage and famous KOP

Liverpool Third Kit

Liverpool FC has revealed its third and final kit for the 2021/22 season, drawing inspiration from one of the most iconic stands in football, an iconic night in Europe and a rich history of yellow change kits.

Available to pre-order from today, the bold yellow jersey continues the club's historic relationship with the colour that was used on a handful of occasions from the mid-50s, and proved so popular that by the end of the 1970s, it quickly became part of the club's regular alternate colour palette.

The red-and-yellow chequered trim on the collar is inspired by the passion and energy of the KOP and the chequered flags that first illuminated the Liverpool FC end of the stadium in the 1977 European Cup Final, that then set a precedent for all future big European nights.

The subtle pinstripes highlight the tight bond between the club and its community.

On the nape of the neck, the 96-emblem encased by the eternal flames sits proudly in memory of the 96 children, women and men who lost their lives at Hillsborough. From the 2022-23 season onwards, the 96 emblem will change to 97 in recognition of Andrew Devine, the 97th person unlawfully killed as a result of the Hillsborough disaster.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to change the emblems for the 2021-22 campaign.

As with previous seasons, the club is offering a 10% discount off the price of the third kit to all LFC official members. New for this season, the Reds are extending this offer out to UK key workers via Blue Light and Network, and also to students in the UK via Student Beans. More information on eligibility and how to redeem the discount can be found here.

Fans who purchase any third kit before 26 September will also receive a £10 Liverpool FC Retail voucher to spend in store or online between 1 November 2021 and 31 December 2021.

Just like this season's home and away kits, the Red's third shirts that players will wear on the pitch as well as the replica jerseys for the fans have been constructed with 100% recycled polyester fabric, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

The new third kit will be available for pre-order online from the official Liverpool FC online store and will go on general sale for purchase in-store and online from 21 September.

For more information please visit: www.liverpoolfc.com/store

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Liverpool FC launches new partnership with ThinkMarkets

Liverpool FC launches new partnership with ThinkMarkets

Liverpool FC has welcomed global online trading broker, ThinkMarkets, as its new Official Global Trading Partner.

With offices in London, Melbourne, Dubai, and Tokyo, along with hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and South Africa, ThinkMarkets will work with the club to bring quick and easy access to a wide range of financial trading markets to Liverpool FC supporters across the world.

The global partnership will focus on bringing forward market access and game-changing technology, providing ThinkMarkets with a high-profile opportunity to promote its brand as well as its multi-asset trading products and innovative platforms.

The partnership will also provide ThinkMarkets with digital assets, club hospitality, and matchday sponsorship to drive acquisition and leverage engagement opportunities for its clients while reaching fans through exclusive experiences.

Matt Scammell, commercial director, Liverpool FC, said: "A leader in its field that fosters innovation and delivers on quality experiences, values that resonate deeply through the club, we are very happy to add ThinkMarkets as our newest partner.

"Our worldwide following will generate global exposure for ThinkMarkets, whilst their core markets benefit from tremendous numbers of Liverpool FC supporters. Through this new partnership, we look forward to working closely together in offering our fans activities and experiences to bring them even closer to the club."

Nauman Anees, CEO and Co-Founder at ThinkMarkets, said: "ThinkMarkets is proud to be the Official Global Trading Partner of Liverpool FC and excited to bring global market access to Liverpool FC fans around the world. We look forward to exploring the synergies between trading and football strategy throughout our partnership."

Established in 2010, ThinkMarkets delivers some of the industry's most recognised trading solutions, including its best-in-class platform ThinkTrader.

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Football legends returning to their former clubs over 10 years later

Football legends returning to their former clubs

Football Legends

Gianluigi Buffon - 20 years later to Parma (2001-2021)

Arjen Robben - 18 years later to Groningen (2002-2020)

Sir Stanley Matthews - 14 years later to Stoke City (1947-1961)

Diego Maradona - 13 years later to Boca Juniors (1982-1995)

Cristiano Ronaldo - to Manchester United after 12 years (2009-2021)

Romário - 12 years later to Vasco da Gama (1988-2000)

Denis Law - 12 years later to Manchester City (1961-1973)

Kaká - 11 years later to São Paulo (2003-2014)

Sócrates - 11 years later to Botafogo-SP (1978-1989)

Allan Simonsen - 11 years later to Vejle BK (1972-1983)

by Rasim Movsumzadeh

LFC holds ground-breaking ceremony for Anfield Road Stand expansion

LFC holds ground-breaking ceremony

LFC holds ground-breaking ceremony for Anfield Road Stand expansion

Work officially began on Liverpool FC's Anfield Road Stand redevelopment project last Thursday at a commencement ceremony that saw Jürgen Klopp put the first spade in the ground.

The ground-breaking ceremony, which was also attended by Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, saw the coming together of all those involved in the project since it first began in 2014.

LFC managing director Andy Hughes, Kevin Underwood - honorary vice-president from contractor Buckingham Group - first-team manager Klopp and Cllr Abdul Qadir, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, posed in the driving rain with brand-new diggers as the ceremonial first spade was put into the ground.

Hughes said: "It is my great pleasure to see work officially begin on the Anfield Road Stand redevelopment. Today marks the beginning of an important new chapter in our history, and one which will see us being able to bring more of our supporters into Anfield.

"I am delighted we can celebrate this significant milestone together with the many people who have contributed to this process and I look forward to celebrating further success with 61,000 fans when the stand is finished."

Cllr Qadir said: "This development is really welcomed and I'd like to thank everyone for their hard work in the background on this."

As he placed the first spade in the ground, Klopp said: "Everything is better with fans. I can't imagine how 61,000 supporters will feel, we love the idea. With the great history of this club, it's incredible that we are building the future too."

The expansion will see an additional 7,000 seats added to the stand, with construction taking place throughout the season while matches continue to be played.

The redeveloped Anfield Road Stand is anticipated to be ready for the 2023-24 season and will include improved concourses and sports bar lounge hospitality facilities, as well as the relocation of the Family Park to a covered position.

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Anfield Road Stand Expansion Confirmed

Anfield Road Stand Expansion

The proposed expansion of the Anfield Road Stand will move forward, Liverpool FC has confirmed today.

The project, which has been undergoing enabling works throughout the off-season in anticipation, will begin in earnest with an official ground breaking ceremony planned for this week.

The redevelopment of the stand will see 7,000 more seats added to Anfield, taking its overall capacity to more than 61,000. The construction of the stand will work in the same way as the redeveloped Main Stand, with the build taking place throughout the season while matches continue to be played throughout.

Anfield Road Stand Expansion Confirmed

Andy Hughes, Managing Director, Liverpool FC said: "We have been clear from the beginning that in order for this expansion to go ahead we needed the co-operation of local residents and the community, to successfully navigate the complex planning landscape and to ensure the project is financially viable.

"We needed certainty for this project to progress and are now in a position to be able to move forward. We began this journey in 2014 and are grateful to everyone for the contributions they have made to bring the project to this stage."

Following two stages of public consultation and invaluable feedback on the initial plans, Anfield Road's expansion project will reroute Anfield Road itself around the footprint of the new stand.

The project was given planning permission by Liverpool City Council in June 2021 which also awarded the club permission to hold up to six concerts and major events at the stadium for a period of five seasons.

The club will work with Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd (Buckingham) as the principal contractor on the project.

Buckingham will work directly with the club's Red Neighbours initiative on a range of activities with the local community and schools in line with the club's current activities across food poverty and education and opportunities for young people, as well as taking the local community on the journey of the Stand’s redevelopment.

They will also work with local employment groups and education establishments to offer work experience, apprenticeships, graduate placements, and employment to local people. Buckingham is committed to offering around 35 work placements and over 800 apprentice and training weeks across the build.

When completed the expanded Anfield Road stand is expected to create around 400 matchday roles, in addition to the 2200 people currently employed in various operations at each home game, of which 95% are known to live in the Liverpool City Region.

The redeveloped Anfield Road Stand is anticipated to be ready for the 2023-24 season and its design will see the lower tier retained and refurbished with a new upper tier built above it. As well as an increased capacity the redeveloped stand will be similar to the Main Stand with improved concourses and sports bar lounge hospitality facilities. This stand will also see the relocation of the Family Park to a covered position.

Throughout the design process, careful consideration has once again been given to Anfield’s world class atmosphere through the development of an acoustic and lighting strategy to match that of the one developed with the Main Stand.

Part of the safe, secure and inclusive design plans will also provide additional pedestrian routes at the back of the expanded stand into Stanley Park, retain the four-stand stadium configuration and character, and include historical design references.

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Munoz Wins the Sack Race

Watford's Manager is the First Firing of 2021/22

Xisco Munoz has parted ways with Watford after only seven games of the season, the first managerial casualty of the 2021/22 Premier League.

Xisco Munoz

Sitting 14th out of 20 after two wins, a draw and four defeats, Watford is not quite mired in a relegation battle, but the Hornets have been serial sackers for a while. The Pozzo family who run the Hertfordshire club have overseen a dozen managers at Vicarage Road since 2012.

The firing comes on the back of a dismal display at Elland Road, where Leeds beat them 1-0. The board's official announcement spoke of "a negative trend at a time when team cohesion should be visibly improving."

That is more than the usual platitudes a club spouts when sacking their manager but it still seems a little harsh when there are six clubs below Watford in the table and Munoz won them automatic promotion to the Premier League after taking over mid-season in the last campaign.

"It concluded in a way I neither expected nor wished for," Munoz replied on Twitter, reminding readers his reign had only been a year, less than ten months in fact. Seven games into the season seems too soon, although had the axe been wielded at Christmas it would not have come as a big shock had Watford still been in the bottom third of the table.

Claudio Ranieri seems poised to take the reins at Vicarage Road.

Watford's managerial merry-go-round mirrors that of Nottingham Forest, who are on their 30th manager in 20 years. The twice European Cup winners fired Chris Hughton a couple of weeks ago after six defeats in seven games.

But whereas Forest have been unable to mount a serious promotion challenge and seem marooned in the bottom half of the Championship, Watford have at least yo-yoed between the top two flights and reached the F.A. Cup final.

The Pozzos' business model entails a consistent recruitment structure but regularly replacing the head coach, whose lifespan in the job they estimate at no more than a couple of seasons, according to Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury.

Forest have had a similarly dizzying turnover of players and managers but persist, expecting a different outcome, the classic definition of madness.

A comparison of the two clubs seems to confirm that when it comes to running football clubs, one size does not fit all.

(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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