Sports
Liverpool FC starts local chapter in Central Texas
Monday, 04 June 2012 by David Tuma
Jimmy Milia one of the greatest players ever to wear a Liverpool uniform flew from England to Temple this week to participate and help coaching area kids. Liverpool is combining with Centex Storm to field teams in the Central Texas area. Pictured Milia and local coach Tom Blencoe. Photo by David TumaLiverpool FC England one of the top soccer clubs in the world announced they are moving into Central Texas with competitive teams and full time staff located in the Temple/Belton/ Waco area.
Effective immediately, the Centex Storm Competitive Soccer Club has become part of Liverpool FC America. Embracing and spreading the continued momentum of growth here in North Texas, these teams will all wear the "International Football Academy" logo beginning in the fall 2012. All Liverpool teams embrace our steadfast dedication to the core areas Liverpool FC England has become world famous for including; heritage, traditions, culture and "The Liverpool Way" player development model that is known around the world.
Liverpool sent one of the most famous professional players and coach, Jimmy Melia, to Temple Monday to assist with coaching some of the area athletes. Melia grew up in Liverpool and played for the team for 12 years, winning the championship with a win over Manchester United in 1964. Melia has coached in five different contries. "The game where I come from is like a religion. The Liverpool logo means everything to us. I can still remember my first goal, it was like yesterday to me. We will work with the coaches and the kids to teach the Liverpool way. In the past we have had players and coaches visit our academy in Liverpool, England," said Melia.
Centex Storm is a regional association made up of competitive, recreational and academy teams. With more than 5,000 players in their association the Centex Competitive Soccer Club has experienced success and growth and a significant presence in all leagues in South Texas. Under the dedicated professional leadership and coaches, the growth, success and player development model has propelled the competitive club to the next level of competition
Liverpool FC America North Texas located in the DFW area currently has 47 competitive teams and more than 60 academy teams. Liverpool currently has more than 1,000 families participating in Liverpool FC America and The Reds Academy. Liverpool's goal is to provide a positive soccer experience for every athlete and family while developing the ultimate skill, knowledge, physical and mental aptitude within our players. Liverpool continues to lead the market in customer satisfaction and growth for the third year. Under professional leadership Liverpool has developed into the fastest growing club in Texas and one that has sustained the growth due to foundation of values put in place when the club was established in 2006. The core values are: Club of Character, Constant Turn towards Quality and our unwavering Pride in the Heritage and Traditions of Liverpool FC.
"I knew some of the coaches in Liverpool and that kind of started the process. Liverpool has a global presence in soccer and when they came here, they brought an official agenda. They start with the coaches and Centex Storm being a part of this is a big deal,' said Centex Storm coach Tom Blencoe who grew up in England.
During practice they worked on ball skills, ball skills and more ball move skills. Melia was hands-on coaching kids in Temple Monday afternoon.
