Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the globe’s biggest sports clubs and brands. They’re HUGE! Currently, The Reds are out on tour making a lot of money and expanding their brand playing in preseason friendlies in front of very large crowds in the United States. Brendan Rodgers, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and company are increasing their presence in America.
And during the coming weeks, two American enthusiasts are coming to them for an amazing experience.
Gatorade launched “Unreal Around the World,” a contest where winners from around the world will embark on a one-of-a-kind journey from approximately with some of the world’s top clubs including the USMNT, Liverpool, Arsenal (here’s more details on that), FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Boca Juniors and the Brazilian Football Confederation.
The Liverpool experience will be a behind-the-scenes exclusive tour at Anfield hosted by an LFC legend and a training session at the LFC Academy led by Academy coaches/trainers.
Check out the video below.
As you can see in the photo below, U.S. Men’s National Team member, Graham Zusi surprised contest winners yesterday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida as their two week global football experience kicks off. To enter the contest, winners submitted a skills video. Zusi also participated in soccer drills with winners (Photo credit: Eric Nalpas)
Peter Touros of Queens, New York has endured injuries affecting his knees, hips and groin area to continue playing the sport he loves. Each time he rehabbed himself, worked hard and came back fighting, having overcome six surgeries. He has played on elite youth teams in the New York area, and is now youth coach himself. His favorite teams are Barcelona and Manchester United (sorry, Reds supporters!)
The 23 year old is very excited about the opportunity. “They (Gatorade) have been giving us great information about what we’re going to do. It’s so detailed yet so vague,” Touros said.
“We’re going to be seeing the stadiums, meeting the players and there’s going to be surprises along the way. We’re going to be living the life of professionals.”
“Liverpool is amazing because they have such a great history as a program. Their history speaks for itself.”
Kelsey Waller of Reno, Nevada has decided to use this contest to springboard himself into full-on training for a professional football career. His training sessions often go on for 5 hours a day on the pitch and another 2 hours in the gym. Kelsey’s sense of humor and passion for football come through on his Twitter.
His favorite clubs are Barcelona and Sporting Kansas City. He’s super pumped about this once in a life time trip as well.
“Everyone I’ve met so far, they’re all fantastic people. I’m really looking forward to making new friends, seeing the world, maybe some sightseeing,” Waller said.
“I know it’s going to be a good time.”
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports and Yahoo! He’s been a guest on news talk shows all across the world. He’s also a special contributor to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Banks has been featured in numerous media outlets including NFL.com, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Deadspin, ESPN, NBC, CBS, the History Channel and more. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)