Liverpool legends Carragher and Fowler take over former training ground

The Fowler-Carragher Academy, overseen by Liverpool icons Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher, will take over the running of Melwood following the club's recent move to a new facility at Kirkby.

The Academy, which will also launch sporting hubs led by former Great Britain Olympians Steve Parry and Beth Tweddle, has been formed in partnership with housing development company Torus.

Torus purchased Melwood back in 2019 while the AXA Training Centre was in development, and the club officially left the complex back in November having utilised the facility since the 1950s.

Having belonged to St Francis Xavier, a local school, between 1920 and 1950, Carragher and Fowler have now pledged to give young people 'opportunities to aspire and succeed'.

After the announcement, Fowler and Carragher said: "Partnering with Torus to kick off the new chapter in Melwood's history was a natural fit for the Fowler-Carragher Academy and our mission to give local kids and young people opportunities to aspire and succeed.

"We are extremely excited to provide the unique offer of a fantastic education alongside a professional football programme backed by sport science experts."

Torus' chief executive Steve Coffey, added: "Melwood is an iconic site – for West Derby, for Liverpool and for Torus.

"We called our community consultation 'a legacy beyond football' to underline our vision for a landmark housing-led scheme.

"Retaining a strong sporting connection was always high on our list of priorities."

With Carragher then writing in the Telegraph: "Robbie and I have also spoken to the Professional Footballers Association and will be offering the site as a hub for dementia research and support for members, a subject which the public has become increasingly aware of following several high-profile cases.

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  • "Since Liverpool vacated Melwood, it’s been a personal joy for me to be able to return to the place where I spent all of my playing career.

    "When I retired as a Liverpool player, my morning routine was so engraved in my memory I would sometimes find myself heading towards the training ground as if I was still working there.

    "I would have to reverse the car and realise I was no longer a Liverpool player!

    "It makes me extremely proud to know that I can get back to driving through those famous gates again every day."

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