Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher to take over club’s old Melwood training base with new academy

LIVERPOOL legends Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher have teamed up to launch a new academy at the club's old Melwood training ground.

The Fowler-Carragher academy will host a college offering training opportunities for youngsters in the city and wider region.

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The Reds left their long-standing home in August as they moved into a £50million purpose-built facility in Kirkby.

Regeneration group Torus took ownership of Melwood and developed plans for a mixed-use affordable and sustainable housing scheme with community connections.

Olympians Steve Parry and Beth Tweddle will also launch a sporting hub from the facility.

"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," said Carragher and Fowler.

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

"Melwood will provide the opportunity of extending our offer and creating a beacon of national excellence, which we set out to create in 2015."

Gymnast Tweddle said: "I know Melwood's sporting heritage occupies a strong place in Liverpool's heart, which is why we jumped at the chance to be involved in this project, providing gymnastics and swimming for the local community in a world-class facility."

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Torus is also working with the Professional Footballers' Association to explore further options, including supported housing at Melwood for ex-footballers with dementia.

"We are pleased to support this project in principle, with particular regard to looking after those of our former members in need," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.

"We hope Melwood could become a national blueprint for such supported housing projects."

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