GLL in Belfast is delighted to announce the expansion of its collaboration with the LFC Foundation, the official charity of Liverpool Football Club, with a new Player Development Programme launching at Brook Leisure Centre.

The new programme follows a successful first year at Avoniel, where more than 400 young players have taken part in high-quality Player Development sessions, alongside 13 Technical Football Camps delivered by LFC Foundation coaches.

The expansion to Brook Leisure Centre will give even more children aged 5 to 13 across Belfast the opportunity to experience the LFC Foundation’s renowned coaching methodology, with sessions designed to develop football skills while promoting teamwork, confidence and inclusion.

The new Brook programme will launch on Monday 7th September, with sessions taking place every Monday from 4pm to 6pm. The existing programme at Avoniel will also return on Tuesday 8th September, continuing every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm.

Both programmes will follow a structured 12-week coaching syllabus developed by the LFC Foundation, with sessions delivered by UEFA-qualified LFC Foundation coaches. Players will also benefit from regular in-house matches, allowing them to put the skills and techniques developed during training into practice.

Following the success of the first year at Avoniel, the expansion represents the next stage of the collaboration between GLL and the LFC Foundation, helping to increase access to high-quality football development opportunities for young people across Belfast.

The Player Development Programme has been designed to provide an enjoyable and inclusive environment where young players can develop their footballing ability alongside important life skills. The programme reflects the LFC Foundation’s wider commitment to using the power of football to support young people and positively impact communities.

Participants will also receive an exclusive 20% discount at the official LFC Superstore, while the programme remains accessible to local families at £31 per month.

Corey Wilson, Community Sport Manager and LFC Foundation Programme Lead in Belfast, said:

“Following the success of our first year working alongside the LFC Foundation at Avoniel, we’re delighted to be able to expand the programme to a second location at Brook Leisure Centre.

“Seeing more than 400 young players take part over the past year has demonstrated the appetite for high-quality football development opportunities in Belfast. Bringing the programme to Brook will allow even more young people to benefit from the LFC Foundation’s coaching expertise, while developing their confidence, teamwork and skills both on and off the pitch.

“We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Avoniel and look forward to welcoming a new group of young players to Brook, while continuing to support those already taking part at Avoniel.”

The programme will continue to support GLL’s commitment to creating healthier, happier and more connected communities through access to sport and physical activity. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, GLL works to improve the social, mental and physical wellbeing of the communities it serves.

By continuing to work alongside the LFC Foundation, GLL aims to provide more young people across Belfast with opportunities to develop not only as footballers, but as confident and well-rounded individuals.

Parents and guardians interested in securing a place at either Brook Leisure Centre or Avoniel can now complete the Expression of Interest form below.

Successful applicants will be invited to join the programme by Monday 31st August.

Expression of Interest