English-Speaking Environments Aiding International Academy Progression

- Alistair believes the players are benefitting from being immersed in an English-speaking environment on a day-to-day basis 

- International Academy beat Macclesfield Town 4-0 at Belvoir Drive on Tuesday 

The International Academy’s communication skills have come on in leaps and bounds since the young footballers arrived in Leicester back in January, according to Joint Head Coach Alistair Heath. 

The LCFCIA’s players are immersed in an English-speaking environment every day, whether that be training or studying. 

Competitive fixtures combined with regular lessons at Leicester’s Ratcliffe College encourage them to use English on a day-to-day basis. 

This is a significant advantage as they are not only learning to speak the English language, but are also implementing it outside of their studies. 

“In terms of understanding information, they’re getting a lot better – their English is picking up rapidly,”Alistair told LCFC.com. 

“We are constantly relaying information to them to express how important it is to show a good work ethic at Ratcliffe College, while also working on their English daily. 

“We also encourage them to mix with other students at college who are English. Their vocabulary is definitely improving as a result and so is their understanding of what we’re saying. 

“They’re hearing English daily, whether that be at Ratcliffe or Leicester City. That in turn encourages them to speak English in order to communicate with others. 

“The environment at the Football Club is definitely helping them and they’re adapting really well. They’ve been given an opportunity to not only improve their footballing ability, but also take in the English culture and they’ve really bought into it.” 

The International Academy continued their games programme on Tuesday against Macclesfield Town at Belvoir Drive – a game that eventually finished 4-0 to the Foxes. 

Defender Somprasong Promsorn opened the scoring in the first half and then doubled his side’s lead with a second effort before striker Phuwanart Khaiykaew swept home to make it 3-0 at the break. 

It was a dominant performance from LCFCIA, who rounded off the scoring in the second period through centre back Tawatchai Kuammungkun’s half-volley. 

Reflecting on the clash with Macclesfield, Alistair added: “We dominated the game and could have probably scored at least one or two more goals. We put plenty of pressure on the opponents and did well to stick to our formation. 

“The players showed a really good understanding of game management and what was required in terms of what they were asked of.” 

Make sure you keep up-to-date with the International Academy’s progress right here on LCFC.com.