Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has launched a bold new initiative that aims to provide career opportunities for former academy players who don’t make it to professional levels.
Being a part of an academy at a young age can be seen as a platform to kick start a sporting career, however the road from academy football to getting a professional contract isn’t guaranteed as many soccer hopefuls can attest.
There are numerous success stories of academy graduates playing in the Premier League, and there are countless more stories of those who are forced to leave the game after failing to earn a professional contract.
However, Alexander-Arnold is one of the Premier League stars to have come out of the academy system and made it to the very top.
The 24-year-old has been vocal of the need for more support for those who come through the academy system but fail to make it as professionals, and has now launched The After Academy, an initiative that aims to provide help and support, as well as career opportunities, for such youngsters.
Speaking about his new initiative, Alexander-Arnold said: “I loved my time at the Liverpool Football Academy, it gave me everything I have today and I’m so grateful to be in the position I’m in. That feeling of lifting trophies for your childhood club is magical and I wouldn’t swap it for anything in the world, but if things didn’t work out the way they did, I could have been one of those being told the dream is over.
“I’m fortunate to not know what that conversation is like, but I know from my friends and other former players how hard it hits and how tough it can be. I’m proud of this program as it looks to give another chance to those who didn’t make it, and I hope it is just a first step towards a brighter future for these young players.”
The After Academy is supported by Liverpool, Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Under Armour and Therabody, who have vowed to offer jobs, work placements and internships for former players.
Liverpool have had recent success, and excellent feedback, from their alumni programme, which aims to keep ex-players connected and aware of potential career paths, courses and events.
