Staff and players are fighting to save the Lismore Liverpool Academy which was closed this month after Southern Cross University cut funding

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its first casualty among Gold Coast Football Clubs with Southern Cross University forced to withdraw from Football Gold Coast.

THE COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its first casualty among Gold Coast Football Clubs with Southern Cross University forced to withdraw from Football Gold Coast.

The Liverpool FC International Academy based in Lismore has also been axed amid the unprecedented strain on the university’s finances due to coronavirus.

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The academy was set-up by the English Premier League giants in northern NSW in partnership with Southern Cross University in 2016.

Lismore Liverpool Academy players are in shock after the abrupt shutdown of Southern Cross University FC. Pic: Supplied.

Since opening as the only Australian Liverpool academy five years ago, the Lismore academy has welcomed 1500 players and 150 coaches through its doors and been lauded by Liverpool as the best model out of their 30 academies globally.

The club has also been forced to withdraw from the Gold Coast junior premier league competition.

Former general manager Scott Collis said it had been a “difficult” few days for staff and players but plans were underway to save the club in some form.

“It’s been a sad few days talking to families, players and staff but there are a lot of people around the country doing it tough,” Collis said.

“The coaches want to continue in some form in the future and there has already been talking around that.

“It may not be as the Liverpool Academy but there are certainly still wonderful coaches and players in the region who want to continue in some form.

“We’re hoping to have players playing at some level this year, either on the Gold Coast or for the Far North Coast depending on how those seasons pan out.”

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Collis said he had always held fears for the academy looking ahead to 2021, but the axe fell a “lot quicker” than initially thought.

“I am very grateful for what Southern Cross University created by providing a really unique opportunity for our region which will have a legacy in our community for many years to come,” he said.

“Our coaches had a huge opportunity to learn and grow but it is a very difficult time for universities so I’m sad about the decision but grateful for the chance they gave us.”

A petition has been launched online by player Oliver Hoath-Bastionto try and save the academy.

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Southern Cross Vice President (Operations) Allan Morris said the University could no longer financially support the academy.

“We know how fond of the centre and the Liverpool FC program many football fans are and we have seen some 1500 young Northern Rivers players and another 150 coaches enjoy its programs over the last five years,” he said.

“But a review of University operations has highlighted that in the current climate it is unsustainable for us to continue to underwrite its activities.

“The centre will close immediately, with the loss of four staff.

“So many of us across the region are feeling the effects of this downturn and Southern Cross is not immune. We, too, have to make changes.”