Profile

Frank McParland took up his position as academy director in the summer of 2009, and in May 2011 became director of academy and player development, with the additional responsibility of overseeing all reserve team matters.

Here he describes the philosophy behind the club's desire to produce stars of the future: "At the Liverpool FC Academy we have one simple aim - to produce footballers of the future by nurturing the natural talent of youngsters from Merseyside and beyond.

"Where there is ability we want to get the best out of it; where there is talent we want to harness it and where there is desire we want to reward it with opportunity.

"Our determination to give young players of genuine potential the chance to make it in one of the toughest and most competitive sports is such that we aim to provide every single youngster who walks through our doors with the best of everything - the best coaching, the best facilities and the best possible guidance.

"The Academy is an integral part of the club and this means everyone who works, trains and plays here is expected to perform to the highest possible standards.

"Our ongoing challenge is to provide the ideal environment for talent to flourish and it is one which we endeavour to meet on a daily basis.

"We are only too well aware that in order to produce the best players you need to have the best staff and this is why we have brought in some of the finest available coaching talent from home and abroad.

"The Academy is a special place; one where dreams are fired, hopes are heightened and aspirations are raised.

"It is also the first rung on the ladder that could lead to a career with Liverpool Football Club."