Fowler rolls back the years as Academy staff face the RAF
Robbie Fowler rolled back the years as he put on the famous Liverpool shirt once again for a very special friendly match at the Academy.
The legendary No.9 and club ambassador featured for an Academy staff XI against a team representing the RAF.
The Academy has built up a fantastic relationship with the RAF and recently sent the U18s squad for a trip to RAF Cosford, where the youngsters were taken out of their comfort zone and experienced some military operational work.
The RAF officers' football team plays more than 40 fixtures during the season, including an annual overseas visit which over recent seasons has involved trips to the Netherlands, Germany, USA, Denmark and Cyprus.
Before the game could get underway there was the special delivery of the match ball, which came by a helicopter that touched down on the Academy pitch.
A minute's silence was also held before kick-off in memory of two RAF aircrew colleagues who sadly lost their lives in a flying accident.
Coaches take on the RAF
Once the action got underway the Liverpool team, led by Fowler and featuring Ian Dunbavin in goal, Richie Partridge on the wing and U18s manager Neil Critchley at left-back, were the superior side on the day.
Three players from the LFC Foundation Military Vets team also featured for the Academy line-up, in Karl Hay, Marvin Molyneux and Kevin McLaughlin.
The LFC Foundation Military Vets programme aims to support military veterans on Merseyside back into civilian life by offering coaching and football tournaments in the local area.
It also promotes self-confidence and teamwork as well as training and education opportunities.
The Academy staff team won 3-1, with Critchley showing his watching youngsters how it should be done with two fine assists.
Reflecting on the day, RAF squadron leader John Hetherington said: "Opportunities like these don't come around that often and it wasn't hard to persuade people to take the time off work and come in to play in this game.
"It's a really exciting day and I think it's going to live in the memory for a really long time and the pictures are going to be treasured for many years to come."