Fowler-Carragher Academy – what we know so far

Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler are taking over the club’s iconic Melwood training ground as a base for their merged academies.

The Fowler-Carragher Academy will provide training and educational opportunities for young people in West Derby and the surrounding areas.

So here’s what we know so far…

Liverpool Football Club left Melwood Training Ground to move to the brand-new AXA Complex in Kirkby.

Regeneration group Torus took ownership of Melwood from LFC at the end of 2019, announcing and developing ambitious plans for a landmark mixed-use housing scheme, offering affordable and sustainable housing and enduring community connections.

Torus Chief Executive Steve Coffey said retaining a strong sporting connection was always high in their list of priorities. The Fowler-Carragher Academy will take on operational responsibility for the existing building, which will host a college offering a range of brand-new training and educational facilities for young people across the Liverpool City Region.

Carragher and Fowler have said the Melwood base will be the perfect place from which to launch their academy and their mission to give local children and young people the chance to ‘aspire and succeed’.

Fowler and Carragher will be joined by local Olympian legends Beth Tweddle and Steve Parry. Parry’s Swim! and Beth Tweddle Gymnastics will launch a sporting hub from the facility, focusing on engaging children in activity at grass roots level.

Torus is also working with the Professional Footballers’ Association to explore options with them includes supported housing at Melwood for ex-footballers with dementia and other care needs. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “We are pleased to support this project in principle, with particular regard to looking after those of our former members in need.”