LFC apologizes after ‘inadequate’ mistakes raise concerns about player support

On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, in Liverpool, England: An all-encompassing look of the Liverpool Academy’s UEFA Youth League Group B Matchday 1 match between the Under-19 teams of Liverpool FC and AC Milan.

Liverpool has acknowledged ‘inadequate’ shortcomings in their academy after being the target of a formal complaint.

Although Liverpool has hundreds of players under contract, only a small percentage make it to the first team. They are in charge of making sure the kids are taken care of both while they are at the club and after they leave.

However, Simon Hughes of the Athletic stated that in September 2022, the Premier League received a formal complaint from parents whose son had only received an automated email informing them of his departure from Liverpool.

Despite having being informed some months prior that the player “would have to fall off a cliff not to be offered another two years” on his contract, this apparently did not happen.

AXA, Kirkby, Liverpool General, and the academy,
Additionally, they disapproved of the way the academy handled the player when he had an injury. It was “acknowledged that delays were incurred in securing him treatment after a GP’s referral letter went missing” in Liverpool’s 15-page investigative report, according to the Athletic.
a GP’s referral letter going missing caused delays in getting him treatment, which was “acknowledged.”

Concerns were raised over the minor’s mental health support as well.

Boy A was informed in April 2022 that he would be granted a 12-week trial as they wanted to put off making a decision about his future due to his injury.

Only a few days later, his mother expressed her worries to Liverpool, saying: “It seems like football and squad size issues are more important than a child’s mental health.

Can we prioritise (his) needs ASAP so we can plan (his) future and educational possibilities?”

Among her criticism was the communication between coaches and medical staff, and for good reason too. She claims that her son was permitted to train, only to be told to stop by a coach.

The mother “questioned the appropriateness of a relationship between long-serving academy director Alex Inglethorpe and Yvie Ryan, one of the academy’s psychologists, which, they felt, risked a conflict of interest in her duty of care to their son,” according to journalist Hughes.

This was not taken seriously by the club.

“While we would not comment on specific matters relating to a minor, Liverpool Football Club takes its responsibilities in the growth, welfare, and safeguarding of young players extremely seriously,” a club spokeswoman stated.

“It is usual to do a review and, if necessary, change our processes in compliance with this commitment, in all circumstances when potential learnings or issues become apparent.